MIMMO'S HOUSE 2

The apartment is ok if you’re on a budget. The bedroom is on the lower level and it has its own bathroom, the kitchen is on the upper level with a second bathroom. There’s a pull-out couch in the kitchen where I slept and it’s actually quite comfortable for a few nights’ sleep. There’s an espresso machine and we found coffee pods and sugar in the cupboard. We couldn’t use the stove top to make breakfast because we didn’t know how to turn the gas tank on, never having used one before (it’s the blue tank under the kitchen sink). But if you’re ok with a cold breakfast, then it’s fine. There’s a microwave as well. There’s a small balcony off the kitchen where the garbage bins are and a spiral staircase that leads upstairs to the terrace which was converted into an enclosed spa/ sitting area. Nice space to enjoy a glass of wine after a day of doing touristy things. The apartment is within walking distance from the few sites in Catania (Castelo Ursino, the Cathedral, Via Etnea etc) and also within walking distance (about 15-20 min) from Piazza Borsellino which is a bus terminal where you can catch the bus to Taormina and Siracusa. The taxi from the airport was €40. Alternatively, there’s a bus from the airport to Piazza Borsellino but dragging luggage on those streets is impossible because there are no sidewalks, the streets are very narrow and you have to dodge cars/ Vespas so it’s better to just take an Uber. Also, an Uber from Stazione Centrale to the apartment is €15. Check in instructions are provided by Domenico (Mimmo) via WhatsApp on arrival day. There’s a lockbox on the building and a main iron gate for extra security. Domenico’s sister Giuliana and his mother are absolutely lovely ladies, very helpful and nice. There’s a well stocked LIDL supermarket about 2km from the apartment so it’s not within walking distance but you can catch un Uber for €15.

The neighborhood is truly atrocious, especially Via Plebiscito which is to the left as you exit the building. Just be alert and aware of your surroundings because there are a lot of very shady characters lurking around. The neighborhood is very old and decrepit, the buildings look like they’re about to collapse but honestly that’s all over Catania except some newer neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. The apartment itself is renovated and clean but being in such an old building there are clearly some deficiencies. The electrical wiring is old which means the fuse box will blow if you plug in a hair dryer or if you run the AC and make a coffee at the same time. The WiFi didn’t work until it was reset a few times but then it worked fine for the duration of my stay. The apartment was extremely cold in April and we were not provided with comforters/ duvets but only very thin bed spreads which were not enough to keep us warm at night when it dropped to 9C. We turned the AC on for heat but the fuses kept blowing. The major downside of this apartment is the downstairs bedroom and bathroom because there is a lot of black mold on the walls in the bathroom and the smell is very pungent. It basically smells like a damp dungeon. Too bad because a small investment could fix this problem, kill the mold and insulate the walls so the mold doesn’t grow back. There’s no place in the bedroom downstairs to hang your clothes, there’s only a few cubbies on the walls but we couldn’t use them because of the damp smell, it permeates through everything so we kept our clothing in the luggage. The bed mattress is bad and uneven, you can feel the metal springs poking out. A mattress pad could fix this problem (I know mattresses are expensive but a good pad is max €50 at Ikea).

very responsive and helpful host close to the centre amazing terrace with etna view

damp needs a bit of refreshing

Contactless check-in and check-out was very easy and convenient as we shouldn’t wait for anybody to come and let us in. Apartment was amazing, I would say it was perfect for it’s price. Very clean, a lot of dishes and everything you may need while exploring Catania 🌋 Apartment will be comfortable for 3-4 people, quality air conditioners in every room, a lot of small things were just made with guests comfort in mind. We fell in love with top floor, when you can lay in bath, look at the sunset and listen sounds of the busy night city

The only thing I can think of is the doorstep to the bedroom - it’s higher than the usual one and my partner hit with her toe a few times. But seriously, fantastic place, great location and a lot of cool memories

The Eye for details was amazing, such as ensuite terrace, master toilet shower

Check in communication prior to arrival could be improved, but host was always very responsive

Amazing location close to the center and many good restaurants and bars. The apartment is new and very clean with a lot of amenities provided. Id also like to thank the host for the great hospitality.

Nothing.

Overall, it was a very good experience. Domenico was very kind and helpful. The place is clean and close to the centre. It has everything needed for a comfortable stay.