Hotel booking, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

Hotel del Santuario, Siracusa

Set in a garden fringed with palm-trees, this hotel in Syracuse (Siracusa) offers guests a stay in modern comfort. As befits its name, literally the Hotel of Sanctuary, this 78-room hotel is positioned in a quiet suburb of this ancient city, away from the bustle of the centre but not so far away as to make life difficult. Hotel shuttle buses will take you to and from the beach, and the island suburb of Ortigia is just a short journey by bus or car.

Closer still is the Paolo Orsi museum, a short walk from the hotel and the foremost collection of Sicilian historical artefacts on the island. Using the latest technological advances, the museum guides the visitor through thousands of years of history to tell the story of Syracuse - one of Sicily and Italy's most ancient cities. Particular highlights are the marble statue of Venus at the museum's entrance and the relics of the Greek temples: stone gargoyles, lions and mythological figures that will dazzle young visitors as much as old. The surrounding park is a treasure trove of quarries, ruined temples and amphitheatres: not so much a taste of history as a full three-course meal of it!

Speaking of which, the restaurant at this Siracusa hotel offers guests a wide range of regional specialities in peaceful and spacious surroundings. Vegetarians should note that the restaurant offers many meat-free dishes - not always easy to find in Sicily! Private parking, meeting facilities and laundry services are available - you can book from the front desk, which is open all hours day and night. Small pets are welcome.

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Double room from €114