We LOVED Il Salotto di Maria Pia! The rooms were nicely furnished and very quiet. The bathroom was modern and superb, loved the shower. The BEST part was that our room had a little balcony overlooking the Piazza Duomo (and I mean it was RIGHT on the piazza looking towards the cathedral that was built on the site of an Ancient Greek temple with columns still visible!) and there was a superb cafe for breakfast just outside the door. So the location was SUPERB. There is no traffic on the piazza either. Ortigia is very chill and quiet (definitely the best area to stay in Syracuse), and it was wonderful watching people wander by beneath our balcony. Our host Paola was very sweet and tried very hard to make sure everything was going well for us. She was very easy to stay in touch with via WhatsApp. Even though she was dealing with some family issues, she made sure to check in with us throughout our stay and made sure our room was tidied while we were out. Overall a great place to stay. Note this is not a hotel-type stay, but rooms in a building.

Can't think of anything important. One note: I think it is important to make sure you let Paolo know your arrival time so she will be there to meet you.

This property could not be located more centrally. It is perfectly situated in the heart of Ortigia (old core city of Siracusa) right in front of the piazza Minerva and a 5-7 min walk to just about anywhere. The entry to the B&B is on one of main walking streets and balcony overlooks all the action!! Just wonderful. It’s on the first floor and there’s no elevator but that’s not really a problem. We reserved two rooms - but there’s no common area to sit (in case you needed that). Rooms are tight so travel light :) But we absolutely loved our stay. There Is no kitchen but you get a coupon per person daily for a coffee choice and a croissant or salty snack for breakfast just downstairs at Viola! Works!! Room is equipped with coffee, water bottle and mini fridge. Owner is happy to provide anything else and offers great restaurant and touring suggestions. Very friendly. If you have a car, let the property owner know and they will reserve a slot at the local garage 150m away. Cars do come by the entrance, but the navigation will not work (takes you through no-entry streets) so best to navigate to the garage.

One of the rooms we booked is pretty tight - at least the bed sides. Floors creak and other furniture (besides bed) needs updating - effort to preserve and perhaps restrictions on change but other apts seem to have been updated.

Everything! Fantastic location, very charming room and balcony. Unique decor. Paola is the best host! I see other visitors are very happy with the view over the piazza. There was no room with view available for us, but the room facing the courtyard had a very nice and private balcony - perfect for a cup of coffee.

Nothing! (But if you prefer a place that is more sleek and modern, then maybe you should probably look elsewhere.)

Paola, the host, was excellent. Communication was very easy, as was the check in. You can't beat the location, it's in the heart of the island and close to everything. Our room had a view on the side of the cathedral, which was lovely in the evening to watch the world go by. Paola gave us some great recommendations for aperitivo and for dinner, and she also arranged for parking in advance, which is a 'must have' in Ortigia.

Nothing bad to say about our stay!

Ortigia was a delight! Made even more special by this charming b&b and it’s hosts Paolo & Marco, they made it feel like staying with family and friends rather than accommodation. Every little detail was thought of - Lavazza coffee, fresh water to thoughtful snacks! No TV! Just beautiful , quaint surroundings inside with an incredible view out onto the balcony. We are already planning our return.

We stayed in a lovely internal room with a private internal terrace. Beautifully decorated, easy check in, perfect location and amazing host. We loved it. Paola was the perfect host. She was communicative and friendly and provided amazing restaurant and bar recommendations for our stay which didn’t disappoint. She also provided us with some coupons for breakfast at the cafe downstairs which we really appreciated. Location was great with bars and restaurants right at your doorstep. Also a very short walk to the beach and markets. We would highly recommend Il Salotto di Maria Pia to anyone visiting ortigia.

Without question the location is second to none in Ortygia, on the back end of Piazza Minerva. Little balcony. We luxuriated in histiory, buzz and charm of the street below us; A veritabel 'room with a view'. All the rooms are small but that is the trade off of this location and the period building. The proprietors, Paola and Marco, are beyond charming - ever so helpful and willing to engage and share. Paola knows her town and can suggest the best sites, shops, bars and restauarants and get you those difficult reservations. The food was dekiciuous at every establishment we visited. Marco ever so practical. We drove rigth to the door of the property (I recckon I had 1 cm spare on ech side of the wing mirrors) as well as shooing away venors and ambling tourists and parked locally- all in the attitude and not a porblem with the correct attittude and Paola/Marco support. Italian and English spoken.

If you like 'shabby chic' then this is your spot. Given the heat and dust of the afternoon than the small dark bathroom may curtail a longer stay. We stayed 3 days/2nights. I knew the best romantic room (with the best view of the square and city life below) was small so accepted what was in effect 'yacht disciplines' (for you non-sailors: - it stays in the bag). Syracusa remains a disappointment. So sad as the duckling of Ortygia of 20 years ago has been transforemed into a Swan. Syracusa has regressed and needs a strong broom!

Delightful, cosy room. Centrally located. Our host was attentive and helpful with suggestions of activities, restaurants and bars. Parking sorted for us by Paolo also which was appreciated.

We enjoyed it all but it turned out when we arrived that I hadn’t booked breakfast but a voucher was provided for the cafe next door , which was perfect for us (coffee and a sweet or savoury pastry)

Great location. Very helpful owners went out of their way to help us, particularly in finding a car park space. Quirky but charming building and decor

Room had less natural light than in the pictures and was fairly small. Some of the pictures on the booking.com site are of a different room. Quite a lot of street noise, reflecting the position of the building.

Absolutely loved this guest house right next to the Cathedral. Room was cozy, clean and had a charming view of the plaza, Paola, the host, was gracious, very helpful and easy to communicate with. She helped us with dinner reservation and recommended a beautiful, fun boat trip. There were excellent coffee shops on the ground floor and across the alley for breakfast. Secure parking was available only 100 yards away. We highly recommend this fun and romantic place.