Samuele Cottone

"This was, without question, one of the worst hospitality experiences we have ever had, especially considering the €400–500 per night price tag. From the moment we arrived, the owner’s behavior set the tone. While he did help us carry luggage upstairs, he immediately lectured us sternly about not messing up the room. He specifically told us not to put our luggage on the couch or the bed — as if we had come to trash the place. We found it insulting and abrasive, not welcoming at all. Checkout was beyond unacceptable. At 10:02am, the owner came pounding on our door while I was still asleep. Who knocks at a guest’s door two minutes after checkout time? If checkout is at 10, wouldn’t any normal host allow a small grace period? Instead, I was woken up, half-dressed, and immediately told: “Checkout is 10. Hurry up.” We were stunned. We weren’t looking to overstay our welcome — we simply thought checkout was 11am, an honest mistake. My wife and I scrambled to pack as quickly as possible, and by 10:15 we were ready. When I came downstairs, instead of any courtesy, he laughed and said, “You’re fast.” The whole interaction was humiliating and unprofessional. And for what we were paying, the basics weren’t even there. The beds and pillows were extremely uncomfortable, towels were ripped and worn out, and amenities you’d expect at even a budget hotel were missing. No hot water from the shower and barely any water pressure. TERRIBLE. At checkout, instead of a polite farewell, he smugly told us we should have booked direct and would have saved €300 — completely inappropriate, especially after treating us so poorly. On top of all this, what makes Casa Aricò especially uncomfortable is that the owners actually live inside the house. It never feels like a proper hotel or guesthouse — more like you’re intruding in someone’s private home. There is no sense of privacy or relaxation, only the awkward feeling of being watched and judged in their personal space. To make matters worse, once we left the property at 10:20am, we were literally stranded on the street with our luggage until our next hotel allowed check-in at 2pm. No offer of help, no luggage storage, nothing. Bottom line: This place is taking advantage of tourists. The service is rude, the amenities are subpar, and the atmosphere is deeply uncomfortable. No one spending this much money for a stay should be treated this way. Avoid Casa Aricò at all costs. Update after owners response: The owner’s reply does not reflect what actually happened. At 10:02am, I was woken up by knocking and told “Checkout is 10. Hurry up.” That is why we seemed “in a rush” — because we were ordered to get out, not because we were trying to overstay. To suggest we should have asked for more time is disingenuous — we were never given the opportunity, only told to hurry and get out. That is not polite or professional hospitality. At check-in, we were also spoken to sternly about not putting luggage on the bed or couch, which felt abrasive, not “kind.” We were not planning on putting any luggage anywhere other than the floor. Casa Aricò is “Home” and not a hotel confirms exactly what I wrote — staying here feels like intruding in someone’s private residence, not like a welcoming hospitality experience. I stand by my review: the experience was unprofessional and uncomfortable, especially for the price paid. Paying €400–500 per night and having old, worn towels, uncomfortable beds, only cold water in the shower and lack of basic amenities compounded the feeling that we were not valued as guests. This is not the standard one should expect when paying these prices. I suggest staying anywhere else."

"Casa Arico in Taormina is a gem with a real personality right as guests walk in, Luca greets them with stories, top-notch local tips, and helpful advice that makes a person feel like family before even dropping their bags. Mornings here mean waking to the smell of fresh coffee and the sound of Gabriella serving up a breakfast feast, all while basking in stunning views from a rooftop or a cozy balcony. The house bursts with quirky art and homey touches, from an adorable resident cat to creative decorations that spark curiosity at every turn. The rooms are comfortable and full of character, and the location near the old city makes exploring easy and fun. During the stay, there was a slight whiff from the bathroom sewage, but Luca handled it with a smile he added lovely incense to the space and thoughtfully suggested covering the shower drain, which helped solve the issue with no fuss Even during the rare moments when guests have questions or need something, Luca swoops in like a friendly local superhero and makes it right without blinking. Centrally located but peaceful, Casa Arico is the spot for anyone who loves charm, warmth, and a truly Sicilian welcome—no one ever wants to say goodbye"

"This was such a great stay in Taormina! The location is super convenient - tucked away from the hustle and bustle but prime location as it is at the start of corso umberto + bus stations. Luca was super responsive and allowed me to check in super early which was a godsend as I had checked out of my other hotel. Breakfast was a delicious spread prepared by THE sweetest Ms Gabriella. I'm not sure why this hotel/B&B is rated as 3 stars because it really deserves at least a 4? The attention to detail and cleanliness is beyond a 3 star. If you're looking for a unique stay I would give Casa Arico a try!"

"Not what was promised. This hotel is not for children. Its an adult house dedicated to male nudes on almost every wall. The view from our room was that of an old building. Not the ocean. This is a shared family home. The owner's make you feel unwelcome. The house is full of stuff and the room was very small with a queen size bed. Not a King. No room to place your suitcases. We Left after one night. Not worth $400.00 per night."

"What a classy boutique spot this is. It's beautifully appointed, superbly located, and feels extremely exclusive although the staff is very warm, and there's not a bit of snobbishness to be found. There are only four rooms, making it feel really private and intimate. Our room had a bathtub, and the water got so hot it was divine (though of course you can make whatever temperature you want). The view from the common salon is breathtaking. Luca, the son of the owner, speaks fluent English and was extremely helpful and readily available by both phone and WhatsApp. And the housekeeper/cook, Gabriella, was both warm and extremely accommodating."