Art Fashion House Luxury Rooms

Location: Via Etnea 183, Catania, it

Star Rating: 9 Stars

Property Type: Bed and breakfasts

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 12:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Check-out: 09:30 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Parking
• Air conditioning
• Lift / Elevator
• Tour desk
• Non-smoking throughout
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Adult only
• Staff adhere to local safety protocols
• Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
• First aid kit available
• Invoice provided
• Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
• Key access
• Process in place to check health of guests
• Face masks for guests available
• Free wired internet
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
• Internet access
• Housekeeping on request
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• Suite with Balcony

  The air-conditioned suite has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bidet. Boasting a balcony with city views, this suite also features a mini-bar and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Desk
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bidet
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by elevator
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Body soap
  • Shower cap
  • Hypoallergenic pillow
  • Accessible by lift
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
  • Hand sanitiser

• Deluxe Double Room with Balcony

  This air-conditioned room features a balcony, tiled/marble floors and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom comes with a hairdryer, towels and a shower.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Desk
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Bidet
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by elevator
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Body soap
  • Shower cap
  • Hypoallergenic pillow
  • Accessible by lift
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
  • Hand sanitiser

• Comfort Double Room with Balcony

  This air-conditioned room features a balcony, tiled/marble floors and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom comes with a hairdryer, towels and a shower.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Desk
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Bidet
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by elevator
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Body soap
  • Shower cap
  • Hypoallergenic pillow
  • Accessible by lift
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
  • Hand sanitiser

Guest Reviews

• jenniferfP4763MT (2/5): Hard Pass - Other than the 5 star location, everything was terrible. Got buzzed into to a pitch black entrance way, felt our way up 2 long flights of stairs to the check in area which reeked of cigarette smoke. Spent 1 night in the most ornately decorated bare bones room I have ever paid for with the loudest amplified music coming from a restaurant outside our window, and then had a 9:30 check out time and couldn’t leave our luggage while we walked around the city because there is no real front desk or staff. Also, fyi - the old fashioned room key opens not only your door, but other guest rooms as well. I booked it thinking it would be quirky and charming - it was just plain awful.
• Agata (10/5): 100% recomendable - Ubicación perfecta y la habitación preciosa y muy cómoda. Arcangela, la anfitriona, muy amable, nos dió recomendaciones buenísimas de sitios para comer. Si volvemos a Catania sin duda nos alojaremos allí.
• StevieBl (10/5): Highly recommended place to stay - Superbly located on one of Catania's most beautiful and important streets, this hotel offers a lovely stay in stylishly decorated rooms. Renovated to a great standard, but with all the modern conveniences, my atmospheric room featured exquisite murals and cornices. Very attractive, with one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in. Archangela, the hostess, is charming and happy to offer advice and make bookings for restraunts and day trips etc. Two minutes from the main market, there are many wonderful eateries close by. Highly recommended.
• Regan (6/5): - Location was decent. Room amenities were minimal. Good A/C though
• Kylie (10/5): Fabulous location in a beautiful historic building - Fabulous location in a beautiful historic building, rooms better than what the photos show, second floor with a lift, air conditioning. Arcangela was very helpful. We found parking nearby easily. Nothing.
• Kiki (2/5): - What stay? I shared our check-in time 24 hours before our stay and I was informed I needed to give 72 hours notice. As a result, check-in was closed and we couldn’t stay the night. Luxury hotel? No.
• Agenol (10/5): - Arcangelly is awesome, she went above and beyond to make sure our stay was comfortable.
• George (10/5): - Very convenient to landmarks and dining. Wonderful host, very helpful with tours and suggestions.
• Chelsea (2/5): Terrible - This place was very unhelpful as was hotels.com We had a later flight & they would not allow late check in. They did not provide a refund. We had to pay to stay somewhere else. Do not recommend.
• Rares (2/5): It was a horrible experience/ I felt scammed. - This was one of my worst experiences during my collaborations with any hotel or apartment booked on Hotels.com. Be aware that this location has a policy that requires you to inform them 72 hours before your arrival, and, if you forget to do that, you will lose your entire reservation. Basically, they were not offering me the possibility to lose the first night and start my journey from the next day. I truly appreciated the Hotels.com consultants, who did their best to get me at least a part of the refund.
• Jennifer (10/5): - This was a highlight of all the places we stayed in Sicily. The host is wonderful with a great sense of humour. The room was enchanting and it’s right in the heart of Catania. The location is central so you will hear the sounds of the neighbourhood but we loved that. Catania is a fantastic city. We love it all
• Jeanthelibraryqueen5 (10/5): Fabulous place, fabulous city, fabulous owner! - We stayed one night and wished we could stay longer! The location is perfect, the rooms are really beautiful, well-equipped, and sparkling clean, and the en-suite bathroom was superb. Angela is a fantastic hostess. She welcomed us warmly, gave us great tips for our short stay, and went over and above to help us. Her warmth and helpfulness will stay with us for a long time. It’s the best place to stay in Catania!
• Christine Katja Maria (8/5): - Mit Liebe
• Suzanne (8/5): Very good - Great location. Helpful host. Large room. While the room overall was clean and comfortable, there were areas that had built up dust (e.g. shelf in bathroom and soap dispenser). The shower head would not stay up for a shower.
• Edward M (10/5): - The property is a little difficult to find as the town restricts signage. There is a small sign near the door with is on the main street. The office is located on the send floor which can be reached by an elevator. The staff was extremely helpful, and the hotel is located in the center of town making everything very convenient. The room was very nice. Would definitely stay here again.
• Michael (10/5): - Great host great location room lovely
• Steven (10/5): - A really well presented, stylish room perfectly situated for easy access to the sights and sounds of Catania. The host was very welcoming and keen to explain or help with local knowledge.
• Maximillion (10/5): - Amazing host and location. Always amenable and friendly and available whenever you need her. Brilliant place would definitely recommend
• Mark (10/5): - Great room, ideal place to visit Catania. Lobby downstairs a bit grim but get past that and it’s amazing.
• Paul (8/5): - Ver convenient and easy.
• Matthew (8/5): Nice Room and location with some odd issues - The context here is that this isn't a hotel it's a B&B or possibly a room. I thought being a B&B it would include breakfast as standard but it doesn't- you have to pay extra for it, even though I don't recall (and still cannot identify) an option to do so. It's not a huge issue though there are two great places for coffee and pastries 3 mins away and more beyond that, which I suspect are better value anyway. They also won't commit to keeping your luggage on the last day- its a question of whats convenient. They might but don't bank on it. There are signs to say that this was clear on booking but again I didn't see them. The reason is the owner isn't always about and has property elsewhere. There's a left luggage place 5 mins away though so its not the end of the world though of course it has a cost. You do have to clearly specify a check in time (again so the owner can make sure to be about), which has its perils. She was helpful with recommendations and booked us into a restaurant which was good. The bus to the airport drops off/picks up more or less outside which is handy. The general location is great- its on the main thoroughfare but it still didn't seem really noisy when trying to get to sleep.There's a street called Via Santa Filomena 2 mins away with bars and restaurants etc. The room looked as depicted in the photos and was generally nice and was cleaned daily perfectly well. It did say you can't use hair straighteners in them.
• tommU6827MS (10/5): Beautiful stay in Catania - My wife and I enjoyed our stay at Art Fashion hotel. The location on Via Etnea is excellent, providing easy access to restaurants, shopping entertainament, and historical sights in Catania. The room was clean and nicely decorated with a balcony and good AC. The bed was super comfortable. Best of all was the friendly and helpful service from Madame Archangela who greeted us on arrival, reserved a table for us at an excellent nearby restaurant and arranged transport for us to the airport. Very nice accommodations, service and value.
• Louise (10/5): - The owner has been super helpful with the reservation & arriving process. The room is so well decorated, comfy king bed & amenities. All in walkable distance, per her advice, we rented the car in Catonia when ready to leave Catania. No need, just walk. Great food!
• MarcoP1337 (2/5): Beware of owner - Be advised, there is no front desk personnel and unlike other hotels in Sicily, the check-in process is not modernized (management physically must meet you at the agreed-upon arrival time). Also, you will have to find parking in the area, which can be rather difficult to find since it's a very busy area. The issue in my case is that I arrived to the local airport at 7AM. Since we couldn't check-in at that time, we decided to rent a car and go hiking to the Etna volcano (where I had no cellphone signal). Once leaving the volcano, I advised to owner (via WhatsApp) that I would be arriving later than originally anticipated (1.5 hours later at 16:30). Upon arriving, the owner went on a verbal tirade, speaking very quickly with (bad English) and an aggressive tone, for (i) arriving later than expected (she had personal obligations that had to be put on hold) and (ii) for not following her parking instructions (it was difficult for me to concentrate since she stressed me out with all her messages and consecutive phone calls). I have never been treated this way by a hotel, apartment, etc. I believe the owner can be very nice as long as you don't change your time of arrival.
• Marco (4/5): - Be advised, there is no front desk personnel and unlike other hotels in Sicily, the check-in process is not modernized (management physically must meet you at the agreed-upon arrival time). Also, you will have to find parking in the area, which can be rather difficult to find since it's a very busy area. The issue in my case is that I arrived to the local airport at 7AM. Since we couldn't check-in at that time, we decided to rent a car and go hiking to the Etna volcano (where I had no cellphone signal). Once leaving the volcano, I advised to owner (via WhatsApp) that I would be arriving later than originally anticipated (1.5 hours later at 16:30). Upon arriving, the owner went on a verbal tirade, speaking very quickly with an aggressive tone, for (i) arriving later than expected (she had personal obligations that had to be put on hold) and (ii) for not following her parking instructions (it was difficult for me to concentrate since she stressed me out with all her messages and consecutive phone calls). I have never been treated this way by a hotel, apartment, etc. I believe the owner can be very nice as long as you don't change your time of arrival.
• Scott (10/5): - excellent location and pleasant helpful management
• min (10/5): - It’s in the heart of Catania. A lot of nice places to eat down to the road and airport shuttle just stop there. Easy access to anywhere. The host is very helpful. We have a nice stay.
• Luis (8/5): - Tha elevator is too slow we used the stairs 28 of themeverything else good enough
• jean-luc (10/5): Humanitè et generositè - Un acceuil parfait ,d'une humanitè et d'une grande generositè . La chambre confortable et bien placèe pour decouvrir la ville. L'enthousiasme de notre hôte a ètè un plus dans notre voyage et notre ressenti de catane
• Chris (10/5): - An absolutely charming accommodation. My room had been beautifully decorated with a gorgeous relief plaster ceiling. Just a short walk away from the town centre which is vibrant in the evening. Of special note is the owner/landlady (gorgeous name - ask her!) She is a funny and wonderful character!
• fabio (10/5): - Check in molto affidabile. La proprietaria si spacca in quattro per essere nella struttura al tuo arrivo che è aggiorno "perla rara". La posizione è troppo strategica, anche per eventuali partenze dall'aeroporto. E la pulizia stupefacente. Ho semplicemente apprezzato tutto ciò!
• fabio (10/5): - Die Besitzerin ist sehr hilfreich. Die Lage ist sehr strategisch und praktisch auch die Anreise und Abreise.
• Brian (8/5): - I liked the decor and furnishings of the room. The high ornate painted ceiling. The view from the balcony.
• Julian A (6/5): Estupenda localización. Precio razonable. - Está en un segundo piso. Hay elevador. Arcangela es un encanto de persona. El problema es que es una calle peatonal y tienes que estacionarte en la calle o en un estacionamiento. 25 euros el día. Si tienes equipaje tienes que caminar por lo menos una cuadra. La localización es muy buena. La cama no fue muy cómoda .
• Mieko (10/5): A single woman can stay here without worry. - Convenient location, friendly staff, reliable advance notice, very clean rooms, new water system, very happy with my choice! none in particular
• Paul (10/5): Beautifully appointed / Great Location - Beautifully appointed accommodation in the heart of all the action. Couldn’t ask for a better location.
• Charles (8/5): 5 nights in Catania - Location,owner's helpfulness and great Catania atmosphere. Building entrance.
• Monica (10/5): Exceptional -
• Andreea-cristina (10/5): Great location, wonderful accommodation - The apartment was nicely decorated, the location is central and the host was very helpful -
• Inepeers (9/5): Superb -
• A4523CJtimb (10/5): Ideal location - The location was ideal for exploring the city. The room was extremely comfortable and the owner, Archangela, couldn't have been more helpful and knowledgeable. (The appointments are not very accessible for disabled people due to being in an old building)
• Clement (10/5): - We had an early check in made possible because we notified the property about our early morning landing. We received a lot of information about the city, where is best to go, eat and visit. It was an incredible stay and I wish we could stay more!
• Rosa (5/5): Just not what we were expecting. - The location was good and having a lift was an added bonus. The room was very small and we could only manage to open 1 suitcase at a time.We also did not think that the term luxury had any reference to a very basic room. Was not value for money definitely overpriced.
• Kristin (10/5): - My room was absolutely charming. The location was perfect. The staff was incredibly helpful and kind.
• ALEXANDER (10/5): - Very good. Host is very nice
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great location and great apartment, the host was super helpful when I didn’t read the check-in details and arrived super late. Will definitely be staying here again!
• Louella (8/5): - Although a little difficult to find when arriving at night, the room was adequate for our week-long stay. It was clean and comfortable and in great proximity to the main attraction sites, restaurants, and markets.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great location - We had a great stay here. The host is friendly and witty and she set up our tours for us too. Location is great everything is walking distance
• Brielle (8/5): - Great location! Property was clean and well maintained. Check in process was a bit unclear and the beds were not very comfortable. Overall it was a nice stay.
• Raffaella (10/5): Perfect stay! - It was a great stay! The host was flexible and friendly, also very helpful providing info about how to get around 👍 the room was perfect, very clean and stilish, well kept and with lovely wall decorations. The location was also perfect, at walking distance from every point of interest. The airport bus is stopping on the same street very close to the hotel. No permanent reception but this wasn’t an issue at all.
• Atusa (10/5): Good location, pleasant room - Lovely host. Very friendly. Location is great and the room is nice.
• Joycella (8/5): - We loved stating at the Art Fashion House. The hostes is amazingly kind, she has good recommendations and is willing to do everything to make your stay as good as possible.
• Wiebke (10/5): - The friendliness of the staff, especially Arcangela ... the room was beautifully appointed with high ceilings and two large windows/doors which each opened up onto a small balcony ... you were part of the life outside on via Etnea, or could close the windows/doors and have peace and quiet ... Arcangela also assisted with information and organising the taxi. The apartment is near a bus stop and within walking distance of all the tourist attractions, restaurants, shops in the old town! I thoroughly enjoyed my stay!
• Lennart (10/5): - Beautiful large rooms with high ceilings in historic building on Via Etnea (very central). The ALIBUS (to airport for 4€) stop is very close
• Loreen (10/5): Solo Visit - Quiet, clean and so kind. I think I had the whole place to myself! It was like I was living in a grand home! Amazing location too!
• Mark (8/5): Very good -
• Julie (8/5): Location, Location, helpful manager, good value - excellent location lovely building helpful host manager tiny shower, but husband is tall wifi didn’t work
• Paul (8/5): excellent stay and a great city - excellent location. friendly and helpful staff. near to lots of good places to eat and drink nothing
• Abby (10/5): Enjoyable stay - Wonderful host. Excellent location within walking distance of everything. Very comfortable bed
• Adel (10/5): - I enjoyed staying at a welcoming, friendly and safe place. I felt at home away from home. Thank you
• carsten (10/5): - Very Nice people and Rooms, central in the city and good value for money
• Magge (10/5): Highly recommend - Arcangela was warm and welcoming. Location is right in the center of town with easy walk to popular bars and restaurants. Room was clean and had AC!
• Lotte Rechnagel (8/5): Historic, classical overnight stay - Note: placed on the 2nd floor (no lift). But in the very heart of Catania Old Town - lovely. 2nd note: breakfast not possible - however, there are nots of options just outside the door. Hostess is very helpfull
• Ioana (10/5): Exceptional - We had a great time at ArtFashuon House. The room was always very clean, it was big enough for 2 persons, we had all the facilities listed on site. The guest was very nice and friendly, she explained to us the touristic points of Catania and how to get there. She helped us with information and reservation of Etna tour. She gave us some tips where to eat the best food in town as well. Certenlly i would stay there again
• Kirsty (6/5): ok if you get a great price - central location it’s just rooms above shops, staff are only there for check in out. no facilities
• Johngrowlands (10/5): Wonderful hotel - An amazing room in the best location in town. The lady who runs it was a great source of information and really helpful Room was clean, air conditioned and I slept like a log. Followed her advice for dinner as well and we had a wonderful meal just in front.
• Donna (10/5): - The Art Fashion House is not a typical hotel but a walk up building with individual rooms. We only stayed for one night but our stay was very comfortable. The location was very convenient because it was right in the center of everything and it was very walkable. Of note is that breakfast is an option and can be booked with the room.
• Guliverstravels (2/5): Stay here only if every other hotel in Catania is full - Travelers: Be aware that if you arrive after 7pm, the hotel will take all your money, but you will be standing in the street with your luggage, as the hotel owner lives out of town and does not work after 7pm. If your plane is late (as was mine), you will be out of luck, out of money, and out on the street!
• Nathan (10/5): - If you are looking to stay in Catania, do yourself a favor and book here. There is no better location, no better quality, and no better staff you will find then at the Art Fashion House. Arcangela, the host, was incredibly helpful and attentive--from parking advice to food recommendations. Anything that was needed was promptly taken care of. The rooms were clean, the breakfast was delicious, and the experience was authentic. Catania is great, and it's even greater if you stay here.
• Karen&Neil (10/5): - Art Fashion House is beautifully decorated with comfortable well appointed rooms; airy, high ceilings with balcony and air conditioning, all within a traditional Sicilian building. Brilliantly located on Via Etnea in the centre of Catania with restaurants, bars and shops all around. All the key sites to visit within Catania are within a short walk, including the Central bus and station (for those who wish to venture further, and 15 minutes up Via Etnea to Borgo Station (for Circumetnea Train around Mount Etna). Arcangela was a welcoming and attentive hostess; nothing was too much trouble, recommending and booking restaururants; transport from and to the airport and trips. An original, authentic experience, rather than staying in a bland chain hotel and we would definitely stay again.
• NikiZ (2/5): - I didn't stay at this property. There was a booking error and I was booked in February rather than April. The owner says I told her I was touring in Italy and didn't know what time I'd be there TOMORROW...meanwhile I never left the USA. I in fact manage a hotel and was at it at that time...in Arizona! The owner arbitrarily decided to keep 2 nights plus tax instead of what the policy stated. 4.5 hrs on the phone between her and Expedia. Expedia finally refunded me when she wouldn't. My credit card was going to too. Don't stay here. She is rude and not worth the hassle. I was supposed to stay for my anniversary. She actually told me to make a new booking....Like I'd stay there after the way she treated me.
• GlobeTrotting88 (10/5): Great B&B in Catania - I had a wonderful time at this B&B during my 4 nights stay in Catania. It’s along the main street, via Etnae. The room where I stayed has a balcony with the view of the side and the main streets. It’s clean, comfortable and convenient. I took the bus from the Central station and there’s a bus stop within a stone throw away. All attractions are within walking distance. Archangela is an angel. She’s very helpful and provided me lots of tips and ideas to make my trip worthwhile in Catania. If you’re looking for an easy, accessible, and convenient place in Catania, look no further - it’s a gem in the city.
• Dudekki (10/5): Wonderful Discovery - This lovely B&B in the heart of the historical centre of Catania was a gem. Through the great metal front door from the Via Etna, you find yourself in a courtyard containing a glass elevator, which although a bit slow, delivers you to the lobby area where the hostess, Arcangela enthusiastically greets you along with lots of great tips about things to see, restaurants, and a city map; she is also happy to arrange taxis, drivers, and tours. Onwards to the room, through a beautifully restored area with wonderfully tiled floors, full of interesting and beautiful art pieces. We were lucky enough to have the corner room which has two balcony’s with floor to ceiling opening glass doors and shutters. A fantastic ceiling with white stucco on duck egg blue paint (reminiscent of a piece of Wedgewood) soared above the room. The restoration of these rooms has been done to an exceptionally high standard resulting in a most dramatic look. There is a full size wardrobe, a desk, TV (although no English speaking channels), and a small, stocked mini bar. A new modern bathroom had been added, although the shower was a bit on the small size, every amenity had been thought of down to all the room towels being tied up with a blue ribbon! Breakfast is included, eggs, toast, cake, yoghurt, fresh fruit, cold meat n cheese, local honey, tea, coffee, juice and more, all the things you expect from a typical Italian breakfast! The cleanliness of our room and bathroom was fantastic and done daily! All in all a fabulous stay in a beautifully converted house, with a wonderful host and her assistant, in an excellent position!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The staff archangel and juicy were the best ever and did everything to make our stay perfect. Excellent location and lovely room with a balcony view. Would highly recommend.
• Edith (10/5): - Convenient location. Short walk to tourist attractions. Staffs are friendly and helpful.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The owner was vet helpful and couldn’t do enough for us
• MH_ZH (10/5): Very nice host - The small hotel has very nice rooms with high ceilings. The host is very friendly and helpful to find the right places to visit not only in Catania but also in the neighbouring areas. The hotel is very central and many restaurants are close by.
• Nino (10/5): - It is a nice place right in the center of Catania. The building itself is very interesting. They offer free breakfast, which was good.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - We particularly valued our warm welcome from the owner who was very helpful in arranging lifts to and from the airport and was happy to give us a local's advice on places to go and how to get around. We have absolutely no complaints and would happily recommend these rooms to anyone wishing to spend time in Catania
• hansolofh (8/5): A very nice bed and breakfast with a discrete entrance - This bed and breakfast are situated at the rather fashionable main street in Catania; Via Etnea. There is a small sign on the wall next to the building’s green steel street door. It is important that you communicate your arrival time beforehand, so this door is open. After having passed the steel door you enter a dark corridor with rough stone plates as floor. Next to the dark stairs is a very special lift. It is actually built in the very small courtyard. This is since a river is under the building, so it is to wet to build a regular lift in the ground. The lift is very slow and can only carry two persons with their luggage. Push the button for the second floor. Then you look at the wall beside the door at the second floor you can with help of a magnifying glass detect an extremely tiny sign with their name. Even if you don’t push the button and the owner will open for you and welcome you to a very nice flat with a handful of very beautiful rooms. The colour scheme and the finish are very good. There is also an attempt to live up to the name Fashion Art with some decorations. Our room had a very beautiful stucco ceiling far above us. The bed and bathroom were new and functioned very well. And there was a very special feature, we had two small balconies since we had got the corner room. The breakfast was good but not special. However, the hospitably and flexibility of our host was. I can definitively recommend this place.
• RoseMaryT (10/5): - I did not expect how FANTASTIC this room is. Easy checkin. Fantastic location. Just INCREDIBLE.
• gavinhL4937ER (2/5): Great Expectations...NOT! - My husband and I arrived at the Art Fashion Hotel for the last 2 days of our trip after spending 2 days at an amazing B&B just 10 minutes away (5 stars). Although it shouldn't matter in this day and age, I will tell you now that I am gay and was travelling with my husband (this will become relevant later). This was recommended by a friend as he thought it would be a nice change of scenery as the Art Fashion Hotel was a bit more central than the previous accommodation. It was in a very nice area of Catania and had high hopes for a relaxing end to our visit to Sicily. Ohhhh were we wrong....the owner of the Art Fashion house was pleasant on check in (although a bit over the top with stories of her personal life) which was fine. I had a fractured ankle and the lift did not work and it was 2 floors up on a very steep staircase. The owner assured us that this would be fixed that day or the next day (never happened). The house was very dark and filled with dusty wedding dresses reminiscent of Miss Havisham from Dickens Great Expectations. The room was more expensive than most in Catania so our expectations were ‘Great’ (sorry but had to say it). As it turned out, the room was cramped, smelled of damp and cigarette smoke, and had flies buzzing in the air. At first glance the bathroom seemed sufficient and functional but on closer inspection the shower leaked onto the floor, the hot water took about 10 minutes to work and was tepid at best, and there was clumps of hair in the door stop and along the side of the walls. This may have been from the owner’s dog who apparently has 'all access' to the rooms (as does the owner, this also will become clear later). We decided to leave the floor to ceiling windows open when we went for a walk to allow the flies to leave the room. Upon returning, the owner stated she had let herself into our room to close the windows as she feared it would rain, which we thought was strange as there were totally blue skies and her entering our room while we were not there to be very invasive (should have been our first clue). A long story short, my husband and I were robbed at knife point in Catania and my husband was held and interrogated (and spat on) by a few very aggressive Police Officers who verbally abused him because of his sexuality (not very good at victim support). In her defence, the owner acted as translator for us to the Police when we were taken back to the hotel in the back of a Police vehicle. But now the dark side of the Art Fashion House comes into play. My husband and I went out the following night to have a few drinks and forget about the night before. The owner stated she was off to birthday party and would see us on check out the next morning. We had dinner and went out and met a very nice British couple who we invited back to our room for a glass of wine as you do on holiday. All was good until the owner let herself into our room and demanded that our guests leave immediately as no one was allowed into our room. The owner appeared intoxicated and was highly aggressive. We stated that we paid for the room and would be staying unless we got a refund. She stated that as it was already late, we would get no refund and needed to leave immediately and suggested that we were having ‘inappropriate’ relations with the couple we had met (totally untrue and incredibly offensive). As we were packing and apologising to our new friends for this embarrassing episode, she returned to our room and stated the Police had been phoned and were on the way….and they arrived shortly after. After much abuse from the owner, the Police made us aware that we could stay as we paid for the room, were doing nothing wrong, and the owner would not harass us any further (unlikely as she was shouting and demanding we leave). But, as it was now 0400 in the morning and our flight was at 1000, we opted to find a hotel closer to the airport and try get a bit of sleep. All in all, I would say if you are LGBTQ, stay away from the Art Fashion Hotel as there are many other choices for a great stay and many fantastic things to see in Catania. BTW, the owner said she has a friend who is a ‘Homo’…not that I am Charles Dickens but think I would prefer…hmmmm…. just the term ‘Gay Friend’…. or perhaps just ‘Friend’.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Beautiful room, very comfortable bed, very clean and the owner is a lovely and very helpful hostess
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great location, and very, very interesting place. Wonderfully updated old apartment turned into a few guest rooms.
• Rocio (10/5): Romantic hotel - Absolutely superb hotel, a must visit. Amazing location with a wonderful team to welcome you. My husband and I stayed there during our mini honeymoon and were delighted. Such beautiful rooms!
• Verified traveler (8/5): - The location, and therefore the value, was very good. The facility was a more of a B&B (3 guest rooms) in a multi-story residential building vs a private residence. The proprietor was very nice and willing to advise about local events and restaurants. The breakfast was good. The room was a bit tight and therefore maybe adequate for a short stay vs a longer one. There is a TV (but Italian language only) and the balcony was small so was 'stand only' i.e. could not accommodate a chair for outside seating. The A/C worked fine but is a bit tricky to activate so ask the owner to help set it. I was not able to arrange transport from the airport in advance as indicated as a service offered, although it was unclear why. Anyway, the cost of a taxi is 30 Euro for a rather short drive. Overall, it was clean and worth the money for a short stay.
• LZ54 (10/5): Perfect location, wonderful host - Angela was such an incredibly helpful host - we were so looked after! The location is great, a short walk away from all the sights in Catania, and some great restaurants. Our room was clean and quiet with lovely high ceilings.
• beamerup (10/5): Fabulous and so friendly - Angela is a dreamboat. She is so sweet and the pup is adorable too. Beautiful apartment and very centrally located! note: If you have a rental car, you can find parking on the streets around the building. Travel hack: sweet talk the cops- they will let you drive down the street to drop your luggage off (it's the main street in Catania so they block it off except to taxis).
• Jaynebridgenc (10/5): Great location - We stayed for 5 nights, great location in centre. The owner was really helpful in advising best places to eat and visit , and left her number if we needed anything Great breakfast with a good choice. Room cleaned daily.

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