Hotel Ipanema

Hotel Ipanema is a traditional style hotel. It has wooden panels in reception area with stained glass in, which looks lovely. The reception area has 2 seating areas with sofas and leads to the bar area with further sofa seating areas. These areas remained cool in the heat and WiFi reception found there. There was a lovely outside courtyard with bougainvillea surrounding, to enjoy morning coffee or evening drinks sitting out. The standard bed room was well decorated with fabric curtains, not much room around the bed but other larger rooms available. Large wardrobe with safe and bedside units with drawers. There is a small balcony with wrought iron railings and bistro table and chairs. The double doors to balcony had wooden louvre shutters, so keep closed in room to keep sun out in day. The room had air conditioning. The bathroom was fully tiled with shower, endless hot water, toilet, sink and bidet. All bathroom linen provided and changed daily if required. Most rooms have side view to sea. The dining experience I would describe as relaxed formal. Waiters wear suits/white jackets and evening meals served at your table. There was a choice of 4 starters normally a salad, pasta dish, risotto or soup. Starters are not portioned they are served at your table and large portions given. Usually a choice of 3 mains a fish, meat and vegetarian option ( although veg options limited). I had the fish dish every night- variations on sea bass, sea bream different cooking methods or sauces. All cooked perfectly. Desserts were fresh fruit salad, other fruits, crème caramel and some form of fruit gateaux type cake. Breakfasts were continental style help yourself from salad stuffs, cooked meats, cheese slices, various bread styles, croissants, fresh fruit, cereals, yogurts and boiled eggs. Help yourself from machine for hot drinks and they were good. The waiting staff were very attentive without being over fussy. Although formal you could have some banter with them. All other staff very professional and helpful. Would answer questions on where to go and book tickets on your behalf etc. there is a roof terrace with loungers and parasols and after this a further roof terrace up some stairs where the pool is. There are beaches close by but mainly pebbly and private. Lots of steps everywhere! There are public spaces or you can rent sunbeds. The next beach has Isla Bella island you can visit. There is a good bus service from bus station in town and plenty of companies offering excursions. The hotel is 5 minutes walk (no pavements) from the cable car which takes you up to the town of Taormina. Cable car runs until 1.30 am and every 15 mins. I bought a weekly pass around £70. There was plenty to see and explore in the town with its array of beautiful historic buildings and a wide variety of bars and restaurants. I would return to this hotel, it gave me options of beach area but also busy town a cable car ride away.

If you’re looking for a true taste of Sicily, this hotel delivers. The atmosphere is warm and authentic, offering a genuine local experience that feels both welcoming and culturally rich. The staff were exceptional—friendly, attentive, and went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. While the service was truly top-notch, the hotel itself could use a bit of updating. Some areas are starting to show their age, and a refresh would elevate the experience to match the high level of hospitality. That said, the charm and character more than made up for it. All in all, a memorable stay that captures the spirit of Sicily—just be prepared for a little vintage charm!

Frat location, friendly staff.

Pool looks very tired and little shade when temperatures are high.

Had read the reviews of this hotel before we went but after we’d booked it through Love Holidays, our experience was mixed. Let’s start with the good points. Where the hotel is sited is perfect for the beach and the cable car up to Taormina. The staff on reception, bar staff and waiters were lovely, attentive and helpful. The rooms although dated are adequate with a lovely balcony with a side view of the sea. Breakfast is continental style, rolls, crossaints, ham, cheese, cereals and yogurts etc. Now to the not so good points. There are no tea/coffee making facilities in the room, also no fridge - they will provide a fridge for you if it’s required to store medication but not for you to put drinks in bought from outside. Water to drink was my biggest bug bear, in the dining room at breakfast there were a couple of bottles of water which I used to fill up my water bottle but after that was gone there was no access to drinking water in the hotel unless you purchased a bottle from the bar. With the heat access to drinking water is essential. The pool area up in the roof supplies lovely views but there seems to no access to refreshments therefore people are bringing there own beers and soft drinks up, also no toilet facilities up there from what I could see, so you would have to go down to your room. The pool itself looks beautiful but once in it was so warm it was like having a bath (not refreshing at all) and it felt dirty with a scum line around the tiles. My bathroom had broken tiles and holes in the wall. The Hotel Ipanema has a 4 star rating, this is in no way a 4 star hotel. The staff deserve the 4 stars but not the Hotel itself is a 3 star at most. It could really do with modernising, fridges in the rooms and access to drinking water. I personally would not return unless the hotel had a complete up date and would not recommend friends or family to stay, which is a shame as its position and staff were amazing.

The room was great- nice furniture, comfy bed. Good toilet facilities and shower. Fantastic balcony. Access to pool. Helpful staff. Parking. Very close to free and beautiful beach plus cable cars. Close to restaurants.

Breakfast and dinner was perfect, stuff was lovely, location is ideal. I love the pool and the terrace.

wifi can be improved in rooms

Location was great. The outdoor courtyard was lovely to sit in at night after returning from dinner. The barman was great fun, provided some enjoyable listening music and cocktails.

La piscine, le personnel , l’emplacement, le ptit balcon. Le personnel de la réception au top.

Le wifi trop faible, manque petit frigo ou mini bar, manque 2 bouteilles d’eau dans les chambres, petits déjeuners sans intérêts. Deco qui date.