Approaching the unassuming entrance to the Palazzo Marletta Luxury House Hotel, there’s little evidence of the splendour and history that lies within. This former home of 18th-century Italian nobility has been lovingly restored into a boutique sanctuary with seven rooms in central Catania. Inside, it manages to respect its historical origins – the hand-painted majolica floors, frescoed ceilings, intricate stucco work – while offering 21st-century luxury and next-level service.
This is a haven for culture vultures, history buffs and romantic weekenders, keen to sample the sights, sounds and smells of olde-worlde Sicily. The views over the Piazza Duomo are jaw-dropping, and a short stroll will take you to the magnificent cathedral of Saint Agatha, a host of museums, the world-famous fish market, a plethora of Baroque churches, the majestic Castello Ursino and the truly eye-popping Teatro Massimo Bellini – catch an opera if you can.
Catania, a World Heritage Site, is an often overlooked part of Sicily, where travellers eschew the city in favour of the beaches and rural retreats. They’re missing out – be sure not to make the same mistake.
Highs
- Location, location, location. Whether its majestic views, superb restaurants, high-end shopping or Roman amphitheatres, everything is within walking distance
- Despite being in the middle of a noisy city, the air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms provide a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle outside
- Excellent service - everything from yacht rental to personal shoppers and image consultants is available on request
- Lots of original features that hint at the building's former grandeur - some stuccos and decorations date back to the late 18th Century
- Excellent breakfasts with typical Sicilian treats, including local cheeses, pastries and cakes
Lows
- Not suitable for families. Babies are welcome but 3+ years are not encouraged
- There are no twin rooms and no baths
- Because it's an old building, the lift only goes to the first floor - most of the lower-grade rooms are further up on the second and third floors so you'll need to take the stairs
- Parking at the hotel is tricky, but staff can point you to nearby paid parking - book well in advance
Best time to go
December to May is ideal for getting out and about as it's generally cool, sunny and pleasant. May to September can be hot and sticky so not always ideal for sightseeing. October is when the rain sets in, and November is notoriously humid.
Our top tips
This is a perfect spot for a 1- or 2-night stay to bookend a longer trip in Sicily. Catania was a revelation for us - tons of atmosphere, amazing restaurants, buzzing nightlife and endless crumbling baroque mansions. The famous fish market (just round the corner from Palazzo Marletta) was pure theatre - old Sicilian fishermen shouting for business while somehow managing to smoke whole cigarettes without using their hands. I was impressed - quite a skill!
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Arriving late evening the Palazzo Marletta was the perfect hotel to stay in to visit Catania. Ideal location for a couple of days in Catania which has much more to offer than you imagine with all major sites in walking distance. Very attentive staff in a modern quiet hotel. Breakfast only supplied but that ensures you sample Catania's excellent food and in particular the market, 7 minutes walk.
5 out of 5 for every category. We had a relaxing and comfortable stay and the staff were absolutely charming.
We were keen to go up Etna and they suggested a company to take us who were excellent. They also provided a guide to some lovely restaurants. Highly recommended.
Lovely team who made us feel very welcome and looked after everything. Comfortable room with a fantastic view of Duomo and the square. Catania was a great place - very glad we decided to spend time here - great food and atmosphere combined with lots to see.
This hotel is outstanding and really deserves a proper review. It is a beautifully renovated palazzo, right in the middle of Catania with stunning bedrooms and views of the Duomo. There are many beautiful hotels, but what makes this one so special is the attention to detail and service: flip flops not rubbish hotel slippers, a glass of prosecco on arrival, toothpaste in the bathroom, lovely towels, proper high quality coat hangers, a selection of drinks, fruit and biscuits to take at any time of day - I could go on! We plan to go back, this hotel is very special indeed.
A really lovely place to stay, our room had a balcony overlooking the duomo just big enough for a table and chairs to share a bottle of wine or enjoy a cappuccino in the morning. The room had everything we needed. The staff were charming and so helpful (including making the aforementioned cappuccino) and restaurant recommendations by Renato were top notch as was the tour he arranged for us around the local coastal towns.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape