The Ashbee Hotel

The Ashbee Hotel in Taormina, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, offers a luxurious and intimate escape rooted in rich architectural heritage. Housed in a beautifully restored early 1900s Sicilian villa, designed by the iconic Arts & Crafts architect Charles Robert Ashbee, the hotel blends English elegance with Mediterranean charm.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Ashbee Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a truly memorable and luxurious stay. It consistently garners high ratings for its cleanliness, location, and exceptional staff and service. While premium pricing is noted, many guests affirm that the intimate luxury, unique architecture, and high level of service justify the cost, particularly for romantic getaways, special occasions, and food enthusiasts.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Ashbee Hotel:

• Architectural Heritage & Design: The hotel itself is a work of art, reflecting the Arts & Crafts principles of its namesake architect, Charles Robert Ashbee, filtered through a Greco-Sicilian lens. Its refined, hushed luxury, with antique furnishings, elegant decor, and a palette of cream and royal purple, creates a distinctive atmosphere.
• Exceptional Service: The staff receives continuous praise for their attentiveness, friendliness, and personalized approach, making guests feel like cherished family members.
• Two-Michelin-Starred Dining: The on-site St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck is a significant draw, offering a high-octane gastronomic experience.
• Infinity Pool & Views: The small, yet stunning, infinity pool with panoramic views over the Ionian Sea, coastline, and Taormina itself is frequently highlighted as a legendary feature, perfect for lounging and sunset viewing.
• Intimate Boutique Setting: With only 24 rooms and suites, the hotel offers an exclusive and private atmosphere, fostering personalized attention.
• Prime Location: Its proximity to Taormina's historic center, just steps from Corso Umberto, ensures easy access to attractions, shops, and restaurants.
• Complimentary Treats: Thoughtful touches such as welcome cocktails, granita by the pool, and platters of canapés with evening drinks enhance the guest experience.

3. Room Quality

The Ashbee Hotel offers a curated collection of 24 accommodations, including Superior, Deluxe, and various unique Suites like the Spa Suite, Montgomery Suite, Painter Suite, Honeymoon Suite, Family Suite, and the crowning Ashbee Suite. Rooms are described as elegant, refined, spacious, bright, and comfortable. They are individually furnished with a mix of contemporary and antique pieces, fine fabrics, paintings, decorations, and some feature stone fireplaces or wood flooring. Amenities often include monsoon showers, back-lit TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Many rooms and suites boast private terraces or balconies, offering views of the gardens, sea, or Nebrodi Mountains. The Spa Suite notably features a private hammam, emotional shower, and whirlpool, while the Ashbee Suite offers a large sea-view terrace and two bathrooms.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's culinary offerings are a significant draw, centered around the two-Michelin-starred St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck. This vibrant dining experience serves classical Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes in an elegant indoor setting or on a breathtaking terrace with gorgeous sea views, making sunset dining particularly unforgettable.

Breakfast, served on the stylish Roof Terrace Bar, is highly praised. Guests enjoy a vast buffet of local fruit, delicious cakes, yogurt, cereals, cheeses, and cold cuts. Additionally, à la carte cooked options are available, including British-style bacon, scrambled eggs, and even baked beans, with hot drinks served in silver pots. The Pool Bar offers light snacks and a selection of refreshing drinks and cocktails during warmer months. However, it's worth noting that evening dining options on-site are limited to the fine-dining St. George or room service, as there is no casual restaurant.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Ashbee Hotel consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests frequently highlight the staff as exceptional, attentive, friendly, and helpful. They are praised for their personalized attention, willingness to go above and beyond, and excellent recommendations for local attractions and dining. Many guests note that the staff's warmth and professionalism contribute significantly to an unforgettable stay, making them feel like an "extended family."

6. Location & Accessibility

The Ashbee Hotel boasts a superb location in the heart of Taormina. It is situated just steps away from Corso Umberto, Taormina's main street, providing easy walking access to a plethora of luxury boutiques, local restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions like the Greek Amphitheater and Porta Messina. Its position on the quieter northern edge of Taormina offers sweeping views while being convenient for exploring the town. The hotel is approximately 60km (37 miles) from Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA).

7. Value & Pricing

The Ashbee Hotel is positioned as a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Room rates typically start around €415 per night for Classic accommodations, ranging up to €4,500+ for the most luxurious suites during its seasonal operation (typically April-November). While these prices are premium, guests who value architectural heritage, intimate boutique scale, exceptional service, and Michelin-starred dining often find it to be a worthwhile investment for a memorable experience. However, some guests note that it might feel overpriced if one's priority is extensive resort amenities rather than refined elegance and personalized service.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Spa Facilities: There can be conflicting information regarding full-service spa facilities. While a Spa Suite with private hammam, sensory showers, and hydromassage tub is available, the hotel does not offer a communal full-service spa.
• Pool Heating: The infinity pool is not heated, which some guests found quite cold during their visit, suggesting it's primarily for lounging rather than serious swimming.
• Dining Variety: Beyond the two-Michelin-starred St. George Restaurant, on-site casual evening dining options are limited to room service, which might be a consideration for those preferring more varied in-house choices.
• Room Specifics: Some guests have mentioned that bathrooms can be compact in certain rooms. There was also a report of a strong low-frequency vibration and sound in a specific room (Room 28).
• Wear and Tear: One review from late 2025 noted that while the room was adequate, some elements showed signs of wear and tear not expected in a 5-star property, which they felt did not justify the extreme price.
• Pricing for Extras: Drinks and minibar items are noted to be steeply priced.

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