The Ashbee Hotel - The Leading Hotels of the World

We booked The Ashbee through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts after wonderful stays at other LHW properties. While the property is architecturally beautiful and well located, the overall experience left us disappointed—especially given the price point. The hotel felt more like an extension of the St. George restaurant than a full-service luxury property. In the evenings, the outdoor spaces—including the bar and terrace—seemed reserved exclusively for restaurant guests, not hotel guests. The “Ashbee Bar” is really just a small, unmanned bar cart, and when we inquired about getting a pre-dinner drink around 6 PM, the staff made us feel like we were inconveniencing them. The pool is lovely and offers a stunning view, but don’t expect attentive service. Although there’s a pool bar and restaurant nearby, it was staffed by just one person during our stay, which meant no poolside service from the lounge chairs. Breakfast is served on a beautiful terrace, but the selection was underwhelming compared to other LHW properties. Hot dishes like eggs Benedict came with an extra charge—and were mediocre at best—which left us with the impression of being nickel-and-dimed. Check-in was a low point. We arrived at 12:45 PM, and while we understand early check-in isn’t guaranteed, our room wasn’t ready until 4:45 PM—nearly two hours after the standard 3 PM check-in time and four hours after we arrived. The staff did offer a complimentary drink and waived valet parking as compensation, but it certainly put a damper on our first day. At nearly $800 per night, this stay fell short of the elevated service and warmth we’ve experienced at comparable LHW and FHR properties. It’s a beautiful hotel, but based on this experience, I wouldn’t recommend it.

This hotel is very basic. Even though they offer robes and ugly purple slippers, in my opinion, it is not a luxury property. I booked through AMEX FHR. My room category is a superior room with a view of a driveway. The towels are old. The bath mat was stained with dirt. It took for attempts to get an adaptor that would fit in the bedside outlets. Probably the most annoying is there is no hot water. Correct. There is no hot water. The water only gets warm. It’s tepid. You cannot even wash your hands with hot water. Pass in this hotel. Spend the extra money and stay at a more premium property.

-Great location -Gorgeous property and comfortable rooms -Delicious breakfast with a wonderful view -Helpful front desk staff

-Pool bar stops service at 6pm however, this was. It a big deal

Great location to access the main shopping and restaurant areas, amazing views from the pool. All staff were very professional and friendly, little touches like remembering your breakfast order etc. made us feel very welcome. Our room was modern and very clean.

Wonderful location. Very professional and friendly personnel. In-house restaurant is also very high quality.

All staff were very friendly, particularly Ivana who served breakfast on the terrace. The location was good, situated in the heart of Taormina. Room was adequate with a lovely balcony (Rm 18). However, the accommodation is not 5 star in our opinion and did not justify the extreme price. Size of room adequate but elements showed signs of wear and tear which we would not expect in a 5 star hotel. The staff were pleasant, helpful and friendly but there did not seem to be sufficient staff to meet guest needs.

Wonderful..beautiful view, fantastic service! Scily was the last stop on our Southern Italian trip and the favorite of all the cities we visited. The staff was very helpful with arranging transportation to and from the airport, which was an hour away. Location was perfect for walking into town.

We had the most wonderful stay here last week. The hotel itself is beautiful, extremely clean and comfortable; and in an ideal position to explore the town and use the cable car. Although slightly set away from the hustle and bustle! It feels like a real retreat, peaceful, small and welcoming. The breakfast on the roof terrace is wonderful; and the views there and at the pool are incredible. It's like a picture postcard. Food and drinks were lovely; in particular the Heinz Beck restaurant which is utterly amazing, and the best meal we have eaten in our lives! It deserves its two Michelin stars. The staff are helpful and friendly; in particular the wonderful Ivana in the restaurant and bar who was exceptional and kind. A real asset to the hotel. We would not hesitate to recommend a stay here!