Review Author

Lindsay Cohn

Contributing Writer

HOTEL SNAPSHOT

Syracuse, a port city on the Ionian coast of Sicily, is best known for its ancient ruins—namely the Archaeological Park Neapolis—and Ortygia island, its historical center. However, the seaside destination has plenty to appeal to more modern-minded travelers, including lively bars and a vibrant street food scene. Staying at Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily, Autograph Collection, located on the edge of the old city, puts visitors in the center of it all. 

Housed in a magnificent old post office dating back to 1920, the property is both a guardian of history and a place that writes its own story in the present. Well-positioned for sightseeing and devouring fresh seafood, but more than just a convenient crash pad, it supplies picturesque views of boat-filled Porto Piccolo and refreshed interiors that reflect the heritage of the building. 

Design & Character

Guests enter through the revolving doors into a grand interior courtyard complete with marble floors, statues, and a soaring atrium ceiling. The commanding space is cordoned off into two distinct areas. 

Consider skipping the elevator to take in the glory of the spiral staircase featuring ornamental railings, large-scale paintings, and a floating polycarbonate sculpture appropriately named “Medusa” hanging in the middle. Landings are punctuated by green marble columns and an art collection that’s impressive by any standard. 

The Rooms

Despite its large footprint, the hotel only has 75 keys. As you might imagine, that means well-sized snoozing quarters. Rooms are decorated with the same marble floors and Italian design furniture (think: tufted velvet sofas and chairs that match the floor-to-ceiling brocade drapes) as the larger accommodations. If you’re planning to stay a few nights, it’s well worth shelling out a bit more for one of the duplex suites, which boast separate living areas, two bathrooms, walk-in closets, a king-sized upper-level bedroom with a soaking tub, and a balcony overlooking the harbor. 

Food & Drink

Il Cortile is the place to go for breakfast (there’s no sweeter way to start the day than with Sicilian granita and brioche), lunch, and dinner. Once the appropriate hours for sipping a cappuccino have passed, dapperly suited bartenders mix up craft cocktails from behind the bar at Champagnetta. The sophisticated rooftop terrace restaurant, Incanto, offers refined takes on traditional Italian dishes and stunning vistas.

Spa & Wellness Scoop

Travelers in need of a little R&R will find a subterranean spa for massages and facials, plus a gorgeous tiled pool, hair salon, and fitness center (in case you haven’t already clocked enough steps). 

Fast Facts

‍Location: Syracuse, Sicily, Italy 

Rating: Five-Star

The Vibe: Grand old post office turned polished hotel. 

Food + Drink: Il Cortile, the internal courtyard, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One 11:00 AM hits, it’s time for cocktails and Sicilian wine at Champagnetta. In the evening, guests can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine and sweeping vistas at Incanto.  

Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; spa; hair salon; pool; fitness center; meeting spaces; valet parking; room service; complimentary bike rentals 

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: We love a hotel with history—and this one puts its past on display through elegant architectural details and art. 

5 Nearby Attractions: Syracuse Cathedral; Fountain of Diana; Temple of Apollo; Old Market of Ortigia; Archaeological Park Neapolis

Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Just around the corner from the hotel, Fratelli Burgio is the best spot in the city for local Sicilian products (a bold claim, but it’s true). Grab a table on the bustling terrace, order a couple of platters, sandwiches, and a side of caponata to share. Walk along Corso Umberto I, away from Ortigia, and you’ll come upon Libreria Zaratan, a lovely independent bookshop, and SUONO, a hip cocktail bar and record store. 

Rooms: 75 rooms and suites

Pricing: Rooms start at $320/night  

Closest Airport: Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA)