Located at 1,910 meters above sea level, this mountain lodge can be more than just a pit stop. There are different types of rooms where one can stay and we choose the one with a private bathroom and a terrace. It was very comfortable, cozy and clean. We even had all the amenities by which I was honestly surprise. After our evening arrival we enjoyed locally produced wine and dinner and then we could soak up the views of Catania being lighten up below us. The next morning started by waking up to incredibly beautiful sunrise. We enjoyed our breakfast, fueled up the energy before kicking off this hike. Whether you decide to stay overnight here or come in the morning, your trip to MOUNT ETNA starts here at ETNA SOUTH. From Rifugio Sapienza, we took the cable car that whisks you up to 2,500 meters. It’s like entering another world – the lush greenery gives way to vast fields of black lava rock.

The location was excellent for what we wanted, just a few metres from the cable car. Perfect for a one night stay. The on-site restaurant was also really good with delicious food and wine. All the staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely go back.

No kettle in the room, but drinks and snacks were available downstairs, so it was not a problem

We enjoyed the breakfest, there were many options including not only delicious sweet Italian pastries, but also scrumbled and boiled eggs, toasts, fresh orange juice and suprisingly many more. The location cannot be better, it is a minute from the cable car station so we saw Etna in the morning without crowd of people (they all were there waiting for thier turn while we were going down). The carpark is there, which is helpful.

The taste of water there is diffrent than we are used to,it dominated cappuccino.

Proximity of Mount Etna, Silence, Room Cleanness, Very friendly staff, Awesome Restaurant (very responsible and attentive staff, very good food taste and complete application of food safety procedures). The breakfast is complete and composed by very good candies and fruits). The price is compatible with the location/quality of the service. Certainly I would get back there again.

The price of goods in the convenience store (like water) is a little bit high, however, is a consequence of the location I believe.

Very close to Etna of course! With great links to the cable car/jeep or for walking up yourself. There is a good restaurant downstairs and lots of souvenir shops if you like that kind of thing. Staff were friendly and helpful and the food was great. Parking also available right outside.

The beds were a little uncomfortable. Had to pay tourist tax as extra - which is pretty standard for Sicily.

We arrived an hour early and were checked in straight away, and as a bonus they upgraded our room to one of only 3 with a balcony. The hotel is old and showing its age, but the location is excellent. They also gave us a 30% discount for the cable car and truck that takes you up towards the summit. As the tickets cost 68 Euros each that's a big bonus. The restaurant is very good. House wine is 11 Euros a litre and very drinkable, and portions are large and there is a lot of variety. Finally as we arrived at 2pm the car park was full but it's easy to find a place to park a bit further away. As the cable car closes at 4pm all the coaches and most cars leave by 5pm and then you can park next to the hotel.

Staff were great and patient with an American who is trying to learn Italian lol. You get free meals, three times a day. I don’t think you can find that anywhere and it’s good quality and portions. Great location to Etna but a little remote to anything else.

No air conditioner in the room. It was a lil stuffy at times but you can open the windows, which helped a little.

The location is amazing of course! The staff is super friendly. The receptionist was very helpful and his English was top. Basic rooms, but clean and with a nice view. On the property there is a big restaurant with delicious pizzas. In the morning we had breakfast and we could take as much as we liked, even in a take away box for our long drive home

Nothing

The hotel is in a typical mountain lodge style, high up on the mountain. Rooms are fairly basic, as per the style, but comfortable and clean. We had booked a 4 bed room, and were happy to find there were 2 bedrooms. Staff were helpful and friendly. The included breakfast was generous and tasty. We had dinner at the restaurant, which was excellent. Local food and wine and very generous servings.

There was a very strange smell in the bathroom in the evening, although by morning it had gone

Free parking was available just outside the rifugio entrance. The staff were helpful and efficient. The absence of heat to our room was dealt with immediately and successfully. The breakfast was of good variety, plentiful and delicious. The hot chocolate was the best I had during our 6 week journey through Sicily. The location is adjacent to the cable car taking people up to 2,500m and to a number of easy walks. It is also surrounded by the tourist infrastructure providing guided walks, quad bike hire etc. We paid €50 each for a guided walk from the top of the cable car ride up to the craters at 3,000m (€80 each if including the cable car) and it was truly one of the most exhilarating and panoramic walks we have done. The walk was purchased from the small hut just below the entrance to the rifugio and our guide (Giuseppe) was magnificent for his knowledge and obvious enthusiasm for the mountain. The rifugio provides discount vouchers that give 30% off the cable car (ie €21 rather than €30 return). The rifugio restaurant is also well worth a visit. There is a varied, reasonably priced menu. We both had the risotto with porcini mushrooms, which was superb. Special mention to "Sebe" in the restaurant for his friendliness.

The room was quite basic for the money paid, but one has to remember its fairly remote and high maintenance location. Only staying 2 nights. 3 would have been better.