Mercure Catania Excelsior

Not a bad hotel, but not an overly good one either.

Check in was dreadfully slow but efficient and the staff helpful, with maps and advice about where it was safe to wander. Our room was a good size and the bathroom huge with a bath and large walk-in shower, and the balcony and view of Mount Etna really were a bonus. Walking distance from shops and the main sights, the location is convenient and central and parking is available off road... but book ahead to guarantee a place. We ate in the restaurant and the food was fine, but we were the only people eating, so very soulless. The hotel has claims to be one of the top hotels in Catania and for location and size it may be, though from public areas to our room I felt that the hotel was looking tired and needed an upgrade. Check-out was really slow, it took twenty minutes to be served, despite five people behind the desk, but only two serving and the rest struggling with what appeared to be an IT problem. However, the hotel served our need and I probably stay again were I return to Catania.

The hotel had just changed management companies to Mercure about 4 weeks before our visit. The staff seemed too unsure of the area, services, general information. They were pleasant but not very informative. Our room needed a "freshing-up". Wallpaper was old and peeling, wood trim beat up etc. The breakfast area and bar were very nice with a well trained staff and good food.

We had a lovely room. It was a bit tired and could do witha little TLC but it was stylish, comfortable and clean

This is a 3 star hotel at best. Rooms are clean but very old. There is no concierge and you are on your own if you plan on going anywhere. No WiFi in rooms and difficult to use in lobby.

Enjoyed the hotel staff. The rooms are nice and large for working. The breakfast buffet is outstanding. Banks very close by and great areas to have a coffee or buy wine very close by. Will stay again.

I have been a guest at the hotel many times and has been always a pleasant experience. From the staff to every detail there is nothing that I cannot say that is negative. On my last stay I also noticed that the breakfast now has more variety even if before was by no means great. But is nice to notice the addition of few items like waffles and pancakes of very good quality and that are made in last 2 minutes. Room as always is very comfortable and dealing with the staff has been always a pleasure. Notice that we live in a fast world and in the hotel industry to make a good impression in a matter of minutes is not easy and has to be recognized. Last time the breakfast room was also opened outside and that was absolutely fantastic. I would recommend every one to book the hotel and I have been in many others in Catania but certainly the Mercure for its location and service is on the top

Choose this hotel as a base for exploring the city of Catania and Sicily.

It is not often that I see a hotel that is so I need of renovation. Carpets are dirty and worn, walls are dirty and wall paper is peeling. Ceilings everywhere show water damage and the beds are old and lumpy. Air conditioning is wanting. As a final kicker I was charged $12 Euro in the bar for a glass of Prosecco that anywhere else would have been $3-$4 Euro at the most. Really despicable. I would never return to this place. Just awful.

I so want to give The Excelsior the highest rating in all categories, but the air wasn't working in the hotel for the duration of my 5-night stay and one of the lifts went down on Sunday. None of it proved detrimental because thankfully it's April and still cool, so I didn't miss not having the filtered air working in my room all that much. And there are 2 lifts, so having 1 down for 1 day was also not a hardship. They will hopefully have their air conditioning/heating system working again soon and I would then certainly rate them Excellent throughout. The staff are absolutely lovely and so helpful and the location is perfect for a walk to the sea or amongst an avenue of fine stores or to jump on the city tour buses which depart from across the street. I would most certainly go back.