Mercure Catania Excelsior

The hotel was located in the centre, walking distance from everywhere I needed to go. Helpful staff, free underground parking, good breakfast.

The Mercure has a slightly faded grandeur to it, which I appreciated. It's opposite the Court House in a relatively quiet part of Catania, with bus stops for the airport, city center, and station right opposite. You can walk to the city center or train station in about 20 minutes. It's worth spending a little extra for a room with a view, because the best of these overlook Mount Etna, which is spectacular. I'd also stayed at the NH Centro, a few blocks away, but preferred the Mercure for the view, the stateliness of the facilities, and the restaurant/breakfast, both of which were better than the NH Centro's. (However, those who value more modern facilities might prefer the NH Centro.).

friendly service

Outside main part of town - 20 minute walk, poor local transport Terrible evening meal, cold pasta, sent back. Waiter not happy. Good breakfast though Bathroom tired, hair in bath on arrival and room not made up until 4 .30 one day Terrible rudeness at train station when asking for train times - w are not tourist information - these were not provided sp we could not use the train.

Catania is not that large. You do not need to be exactly in the historical center to enjoy what it has to offer. The Mercure Excelsior may not be in the historical district, but it still is pretty centrally located. It is easily reached from the airport by the airport bus which stops across the street. The room that I had was large and the furnishings were in good shape. Breakfast is OK, but breakfast is almost always not better than that it Italy. Neighborhood is safe and not run down like the one that is closer to train station.

We enjoyed out stay however could not sleep a couple of nights due to the council work. The workers started working 4-5am to clean the streets and it was so loud (our room was on the 4th floor). Internet is a bit slow and if you exceed your limit they give you extra vouchers at the reception. You have to pay to watch the tv. Housekeeping staff is really lovely! Overall its what you get for what you pay.

Very well located, amazing and frendly staff, nice breakfast etc..

Low water pressure and inadequate aircon controls

I have been many times in this hotel and every time is a positive experience. What I like most is the old world atmosphere updated to today's travelers needs. You feel at home with the staff and able to communicate with the rest of the world. Over the years I noticed the improvements in the breakfast menu and in other little details that are very important when you travel, like the fresh coffee at 03:00 AM in the checkout station and the ability to get a taxi outside in less than a minute and this tells me that management and staff are focused on the customers before asked for something. Little details like finding time for a night conversation just to create a feeling of not being in an unknown place and this with every member of the hotel. Location is also in the center of the city and close to everything with access to good restaurant. I will definitely continue to return

A generally good 4 star hotel let down by a rather hard queen size bed ( instead of a king size bed) in the Grand suite and a rather mediocre breakfast