Vacation Rentals by Owner

Exactly Right!

Guest: Em (Marshfield, Vermont, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/31/11 Review Submitted: 10/19/11

We hoped we had made a wise choice as we headed for Ortygia, and everything about this apartment fulfilled our highest expectations. It is on a lovely residential street, in walking distance to so many interesting sites, cafes and shops. Stephanie, the managing agent was so very helpful and lovely, and her English is very good. Every recommendation she made was flawless. After "orienting" us, we had a wonderful four days filled with many of her suggestions for dining, day-trips and seeing Ortygia and Syracusa. Thank you, Stephanie! The apartment is quiet, cool, elegant and comfortable ... a memorable experience.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Second Time Around

Guest: Deniza e Carlo (Cambridge, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/23/11

This was our second time renting Kevin and Frank's place and hopefully it will not be our last. The apartment was as perfect the second time around as the first. A beautiful apartment, with nicely appointed furniture on the best street and my opinion the best neighborhood in Ortygia. We befriended the owners of the local market around the corner(who remembered us from last year) and the family who owns the Cafe Giudecca. When we left last year I was so sad closing the door behind us, but when we returned we felt so at home. This apartment really feels like someone's home and not a vacation rental. Thanks Kevin and Frank for all your help.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Comfortable apartment in friendly, historic neighborhood

Guest: Mary / Ken (Pittsburgh, PA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/11 Review Submitted: 08/04/11

My wife and I spent 9 days in this comfortable and pleasant apartment that provides everything needed for an extended stay while retaining authentic furnishings. Wish we could have stayed longer. The washer-dryer is a nice plus, and the multiple door bolt satisfied my security concerns due to lack of a safe. The neighborhood is very safe and quiet even though it is in the tight, historic quarter; it is a destination in itself. All of Ortigia is within an easy walk, and it deserves exploration, while getting out to major roads on day trips is quick. Ortigia boasts a wide range of great restaurants as well as take-out spots; proprietors are particularly welcoming. A basic market and a pleasant cafe with free wifi are very near; again, proprietors and local clients welcomed us, and the cafe's evening happy hour is a plus.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Up and Down in Syracuse

Guest: Bob (North Caroling)
Date of Stay: 04/24/11 Review Submitted: 07/22/11

The good news is that the location was within steps of transportation, restaurants, and historic sites. The bad news is there is no view, the sofa definitely needs to be replaced, and the bidet was broken. The manager knew this before we arrived but did not tell us. I would inquire about these items before I stayed there again.. Very cramped bathroom.

Owner response:I'm so sorry Bob from North Carolina seems to have had a less than optimal experience, unlike every other guest we have ever had stay here for the last 5 years! We strive to be completely honest in our communications with potential guests and we strive to maintain the highest standards of maintenance and cleanliness for our rental home in Ortigia. For this reason, we have many repeat visitors and for this reason we are the number one vacation rental apartment of this size in Ortigia!

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Great apartment, great city

Guest: Chris (Australia)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

My wife and I and our teenage son had a wonderful winter week at the apartment. It is in the perfect location, and the sights and the food (and the markets) were all perfect.

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Cannot Be Better

Guest: Andres (New York)
Date of Stay: 10/23/10 Review Submitted: 11/14/10

Wonderful apartment in a perfect location. Description is absoutely on point. Ortigia is small so getting anywhere is easy from here. Advantage is it is in the residential part of the island so it's a bit quieter at night. Several excellent restaurants extremely close by. Owners are very helpful. They have prepared a folder in the apartment that has information about local shops, markets, restaurants, etc. The kitchen is well-stocked and easy to work in. Parking is not a problem at all. Street parking was available most nights we were there and the parking structure is an easy walk (as is anything in Ortigia).

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Rave Reviews Richly Deserved

Guest: Mary & Dwight C. (Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/09/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

Not much we can add that hasn't already been said, but we do want to recommend this true jewel of an apartment. We loved Ortigia, and it was wonderful having a home right in the middle of it. One of Italy's most beautiful piazzas is just steps away; sit at one of its cafes at day's end, sip a spritz, and soak up that gorgeous architecture! Unforgettable! Hosts were most accommodating and helpful. Excellent information provided to ensure a delightful stay. Had we not had a car, we would have happily stayed on Ortigia for the whole week, but we had a long list of sights we wanted to see in Eastern Sicily. Parking was convenient and very economical. Getting out of town and on the road to our destinations was easy. Would happily return to this property and recommend it with confidence; you won't be disappointed.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Classy Apartment in a Great Location

Guest: Charles (South Florida in the USA)
Date of Stay: 09/25/10 Review Submitted: 10/04/10

Ortigia in Siracusa was the most beautiful and sophisticated place we visited in our two weeks in Sicily. The apartment is perfectly located on a quiet street that is a short walk to all the sites, restaurants and shopping in the area. You cannot park next to the apartment but there is a good covered car park called Talete that is very inexpensive and only a 5 minute walk from the apartment. As in all of Italy there are cars and scooters coming at you wherever you walk but Ortigia is a bit tamer than most towns. There is limited public transportation except for the free bus you can catch to and from Talete. Taxis are said to be expensive and not always reliable. We were a bit tired of the driving by the time we got to Siracusa so we hired a driver for an excursion beyond the area. The apartment comes with a good list of restaurants several of which we tried. Eating is a bit more pricey on Ortigia than other places we visited in Sicily. Our driver recommended a restaurant next to the Hotel Gutkowski, just up the street from the Talete car park.. It does not have a name posted but it is quite pleasant and served by far the best food we had in Siracusa. The apartment itself is very nice. It has high ceilings, tile floors, a nicely equipped kitchen (although no oven), a very comfortable sitting area and dinning table and a spacious and comfortable bedroom. The bathroom was not large but not tiny either and the shower a bit larger than some although the drain was so slow it was hard for two people to take two showers in a row. The whole place has been carefully decorated and is extremely well equipped. If you want to spend some time on Ortigia island in a self-catering property you will find it hard to beat this one.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect getaway...

Guest: Ben (London)
Date of Stay: 08/04/10 Review Submitted: 08/12/10

This was the most perfect place for a relaxing getaway. The flat is located down one of the most beautiful streets in Ortigia and has everything you need. The bed is incredibly comfortable and I found myself sleeping for around 11 hours a night! The owner was wonderfully helpful in answering our questions and great for local knowledge (a bakery that opens at 4am; the best places to eat; and where to snorkel were among a few of his great recommendations). If you want a peaceful and beautiful place to stay in the best part of Sicily - go here.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What An Amazing Apartment

Guest: Michael (London)
Date of Stay: 07/27/10 Review Submitted: 08/08/10

What an absolutely wonderful experience. Kevin was a gracious host, and endlessly helpful and knowledgable, greeting us and giving a tour of the surrounding area with great advice for the best food, markets and local experiences. The apartment is beautiful, on a picturesque local side street centrally located near the best local restaurants, bars, and a fantasic swimming area on the rocks. The interior is charming and authentic with all the amenities you could possibly need, including a fully functioning kitchen, comfortable bed, and fantastic mini library of books. Highly, highly reccomended!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Sue & Joe Reno, Nevada 6/21/10-6/25/10

Guest: Sue & Joe (Reno, Nevada)
Date of Stay: 06/21/10 Review Submitted: 06/27/10

We loved the apartment in Siracusa. Kevin met us at the train station upon arrival to Siracusa and escorted us to the apt. He had a bouquet of fresh flowers and a bottle of wine in the apt. for our 35th anniversary and welcome gift. The apt was extremely clean, equipped with everything we needed, including a stocked pantry, bottled water in the frig, a washing machine (which we appreciated after being in Italy a week prior to Siracusa), and perfect location-walking to Ionian Sea within blocks. Kevin gave us a brief orientation to the apartment and the area, including where to park, where to buy groceries, his apt location and 24/7 availability, superb restaurant recommendations(loved Mastrarua-the best sordfish I've EVER had) and basic directions. We would highly recommend staying here. Kevin is a kind and gracious host.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Didn't want to leave

Guest: Deniza e Carlo (Cambridge, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/20/10

My husband and I stayed a week in May/June 2010. Wished we had another week to stay. Kevin one of the owners was fantastic. He showed us around the town, where to park our car and gave us great restaurant recommendations along with side trips outside of Siracusa. This apartment is on one of the prettiest streets in Siracusa replete with flowers and plants. It really lived up to the description on VRBO The apartment was lovely, clean, great artwork and the best light fixtures. The highlight of this apartment was the location. Less than a 7 minuet walk to the open air market(one of the best I have seen in Italy). Every day my husband and I would pick up the freshest of fish, vegetables and fruits which most days we would make lunch have a bottle of wine and take the regular pausa like all the locals. Right around the corner from us was the cutest little market with a decent wine selection. The owner/employees did not speak a word of English which forced us to practice our Italian. Ortygia is a beautiful place to stay with many many restaurants, points of interest and great shopping. We eventually would like to settle in Italy long term. We accomplished our goal to find the perfect small city to live. This is the real thing it is not a town that is made for TV. We have rented before in Italy and I highly recommend this apartment. Kevin and Frank have been so helpful and honest from the very start. I was really sad on our last day when we finally closed the apartment door for the last time.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A wonderful week in Ortygia

Guest: Moana_sue (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/11/10 Review Submitted: 06/28/10

The apartment is as described and quickly becomes a home away from home. The location is excellent for restaurants, walking, sightseeing and there is a free public bus nearby. The main daily market is in walking distance to the apartment. Frank was in the US when we were there but Kevin met us and gave a local walking tour and provided good information which made it easy for us to enjoy our weeks stay. We found a week was not enough - hopefully there will be a next time. In all we spent 3 weeks in Sicily.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Ortygia 2010

Guest: richard de bon (Fonthill,Ont/Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/03/10 Review Submitted: 06/08/10

We highly recommend this apartment for a most enjoyable vacation. Ortygia is the place to stay in Siracusa and the location of this rental is perfect.Kevin(one of the owners)was extremely helpful in taking care of us and made the trip "special".Have used VRBO many times and this was the best.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Jim & Leona Henry (St.Catharines, Ont. Can.)
Date of Stay: 10/18/09 Review Submitted: 10/18/09

Can't thank Kevin enough for his help while staying at his apartment. It was nice to have a "local" to show us around & suggest places to dine, etc. It's a lovely apartment, all you need is just minutes away. Really enjoyed the food at Mastrarua on Via v. Veneto and the big fat glasses of red wine at Minerva just around the corner from the apt.Would not hesitate to reccommend this rental. Jim & Leona Henry

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Guest: KT Newton (Bryn Mawr, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/09 Review Submitted: 07/01/09

My husband and I spent 5 nights in the apartment in June, and it was just lovely. The apartment was so comfortable, and exactly as described. The location in Siracusa is terrific. Frank was away when we were there, but Kevin could not have been of more help to us -- starting with walking us around the neighborhood and orienting us to where we were, coming with us to get tickets (and recommending the seats we should get) for Medea at the Teatro Greco (which was absolutely stunning!), providing us with excellent restaurant recommendations (in Siracusa and Noto) and information about the market (which we loved -- one of the best we've found in Italy!), to, what was above and beyond, helping us to get our lost luggage back from Alitalia (which my husband has now named Malitalia!). Kevin's helpfulness and attentiveness made a special stay even more so. We could not have imagined a better stay. Grazie mille!!!

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Guest: Yaron, Ruby and Ava (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/19/09 Review Submitted: 05/19/09

We’ve returned to Down Under after our gloriously long holiday.Just wanted to thank you for everything . The apartment was exactly as described and the area was just perfect. The markets were brilliant and Kevin’s recommendations on food were spot on! The mini-market is a great asset but don't forget the shop next door. The simple foods baked fresh every day are superb too!The island is that perfect blend of human scale, interest and history.We had a fantastic time in Siracusa and it stands as the highlight of the whole trip. Loved it from start to finish and can’t wait to go back!

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Guest: anneke h. (eastham)
Date of Stay: 03/27/09 Review Submitted: 03/27/09

My husband Jerry and I spent 2 months Jan/Feb 09 in this beautiful apartment. It was equipped with every thing; it was complete. The location was perfect. It was close to everything, including a family owned grocery store. Happy hour is about 7 p.m.. I suggest to stop there, to enjoy the Sicilian flavor. The store is on Via Giudecca. We would not have enjoyed our stay as much without Frank and Kevin. We took a day trip together and they also invited us to their home several times. We were honored to be included in Frank's unforgettable birthday party. We highly recommend this beautiful place. We hope to be back there sometime soon. Jerry and Anneke Hyatt, Cape Cod USA

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Guest: Steven24 (Miami Beach, FL)
Date of Stay: 12/28/08 Review Submitted: 12/28/08

My wife, young daughter and I stayed in this wonderful apartment for a week in May, 2007 and cannot more highly recommend it. Frank and Kevin were friendly and accessible and the apartment itself was a complete joy to stay in. With daily trips to the produce market and late night wandering around this beautiful island, we were immersed in the seductive rhythm of daily life on Ortygia from the moment we arrived. We look forward to returning soon.

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Guest: Edward (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/19/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

My wife and I spent a week in this delightful, well appointed, and comfortable apartment and can't imagine a more interesting setting or more gracious hosts. Frank and Kevin are full of information about Ortygia and share it with great enthusiasm. They treat their renters as guests.

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Guest: douglas graham (hamilton, scotland)
Date of Stay: 08/12/08 Review Submitted: 08/12/08

we had 16 wonderful days in this apartment in September/October '07, and i would endorse all of the glowing comments about the flat, the street, the neighbourhood and lovely, lovely Ortigia. Go to the local mini-market; the padrona and her son are some double act! We couldn't understand a word they said, but it was still fun listening to them. I really appreciated the feeling of living in a non- tourist area, yet being within a short, gentle stroll of the glorious Piazza del Duomo

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/11/08 Review Submitted: 08/11/08

We stayed in the apartment in August last year and had a lovely time. Frank was very welcoming and the apartment was very comfortable. Lovely memories of the square in Ortigia.

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Guest: Alma & Kevin (Melbourne, Australia)
Date of Stay: 07/26/08 Review Submitted: 07/25/08

We spent a week at your beautifully appointed apartment in June. It is in a great position, close to restaurants, shops, a well stocked small supermarket, and of course the produce market. Also there is a free bus service at the end of the street which travels around the island and ends at the bus/train station at Siracusa. We did not hire a car, but travelled to other towns by the local airconditioned and very comfortable bus, which departs from near the station. Kevin & Frank were wonderful hosts and gave us useful information about their beautiful island. We highly recommend this property, as it is very well appointed and close to everything.

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Guest: Ashley Pegg (London, UK)
Date of Stay: 06/12/08 Review Submitted: 06/12/08

Frank and Kevin are great hosts and will help you out as much as you need. The apartment is large, well decorated and on a fantastic street. We spent six nights in June here and had a fantastic time exploring the Ortygia, the surrouding coastline (Elora beach is excellent) and sights (don't miss Noto and Etna). If you want somewhere that has a bit of wow factor and is comfy too, then this place hits the target.

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Guest: Barbara S. (Adelaide South Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/05/08 Review Submitted: 05/05/08

We stayed 7 nights in Kevin and Frank's magnificent apartment in March.We found it to be quite perfect, immaculate and yet very comfortable and homely. The furnishings are stunning, an incredibly comfortable bed and great bathroom. We loved being there so much that we enjoyed a few meals at home with wonderful fresh produce from the fabulous local market. It was great to be able to drop by 'home' for lunch. The warmth and welcome was amazing and the genuine hospitality and friendship from our hosts created an unforgettable experience within our 8 weeks in southern Italy.We celebrated a birthday and anniversary with them that will never be surpassed. Ortigia was a unique destination and a great base for touring. We travelled everywhere only by train ( throughout the south )The shops and restaurants are fabulous, there is so much to see you need minimum of a week. We would love to return and base ourselves here again and see all of this magnificent Island.

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Guest: Lilla carol Le Cocq (Jersey. Channel Islands)
Date of Stay: 02/26/08 Review Submitted: 02/26/08

This was our first visit to Sicily. We wanted to come to this area as we interested in ancient history and archaeology and found this apartment on the web site. We were convinced in our choice by the many positive comments from previous 'tenants' and we certainly were not disappointed. Everything was as is described on the website and we lacked nothing. The apartment is tastefully appointed and beautifully furnished. We felt very much 'at home'. We hired a car from Catania airport and were met by Kevin and Frank who directed us the the 'free' car park, which we used throughout our stay. (Driving in Siracusa/ Ortigia is another experience!) Kevin and Frank greeted us warmly and assisted us to the apartment. They were always available on the phone should we need them, gave us many 'tips' about Ortigia, Syracuse and 'environs' and also provided us with the most delicious freshly squeezed juice from their orchard in the country. The restaurants are excellent, particulalrly those recommended by our hosts, and fresh fruits, vegetables and fish available in abundance from the local market. We had a marvellous time and spent the 11 days in the South East! So we still have the rest of Sicily to visit, but would love to return here too one day. Thank you, Frank and Kevin. Geoff and Carol Le Cocq. Jersey. Channel Islands

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Guest: Zane (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Date of Stay: 02/06/08 Review Submitted: 02/06/08

We have stayed in a number of apartments in Italy and this would have to be rated as one of the best. One of the first things we noticed was the high beamed ceilings and light fixtures that were picked to compliment the architecture including a large hanging chandelier over the dinning table. The furniture includes antiques and period pieces that produce a pleasing visual experience. It is well appointed with all the basics that one needs--- including a great shower. We fixed several meals in the evening and enjoyed the ambience of the apartment, turned in early for a good nights rest to explore the island the next day.

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Guest: Gloria & Barrie Williams
Date of Stay: 01/08/08 Review Submitted: 01/07/08

The following comment came to us as an e-mail message. Although comments posted by owners are not rated, we thought we'd simply copy and paste this positive message here for all to see anyway: "We would like to say how much we enjoyed staying at your apartment. It was perfectly described in Owners Direct. The stairs, although a little steep were no problem and if there had been a problem a stairlift was available. The air conditioning was needed in September and soon had the apartment nice and cool. Everything was very clean and comfortable. Kevin was a joy to meet. He was very welcoming and helpful and was available if needed by telephone. Arrangements were made for transport to and from the airport and everything went smoothly. I recommend this apartment to anyone who wants to experience the considerable delights of Ortigia. We stayed a fortnight and enjoyed every day." If you and Frank ever come to South Wales please look us up. Best wishes Gloria and Barrie

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Guest: Andy Beers (-)
Date of Stay: 01/07/08 Review Submitted: 01/07/08

You won't be disappointed! This beautiful, comfortable apartment is in a lovely neighborhood of Ortygia Island, in the ancient city of Siracusa. It is a short walk to everything you need. Great restaurants, fantastic fish and vegetable markets and quiet walks along the water are all nearby. Frank and Kevin are friendly, hospitable hosts who are there when you need them. They made our trip to Siracusa and the rest of Sicily much more enjoyable. They know the good restaurants that are reasonably priced, great places to shop, and sites that should not be missed. And they can advise you on trips outside of Siracusa throughout Sicily. We have already recommended this apartment to friends and plan to visit again soon.

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Guest: Sachiko Kiyabu (New York NY)
Date of Stay: 01/04/08 Review Submitted: 01/04/08

Notwithstanding the rather windy rainy conditions for our Christmas in Siracusa the entire experience was lovely - the apartment is perfectly in the center of everything in this stunning jewel of antiquity - thank you Kevin and Frank for welcoming us with warmth and charm. Our advice to all "book soon and often" this little gem in a exceptionally lovely ancient enclave.

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Guest: Donna (Kirkland, Wa. US)
Date of Stay: 01/03/08 Review Submitted: 01/03/08

As mentioned by others that stayed here, the picture does not do justice to just how elegant this apartment is. We shopped at the local market, prepared a meal, set a beautiful table with dishes nicer than I use at home and it sort of looked like a photo layout from a Gourmet article on places to stay in Sicily. The unit is immaculately clean and the art work and glass were nicer than many four star hotels. Kevin and Frank went out of their way to make our stay easy, even parking their car in a convenient spot so they could move it when we arrived. The location was perfect and we ate the best bread we found in Italy from a bakery which gave us bread out of the oven for the coins in our pocket. Kevin and Frank are knowledgeable about local restuarants and following their recommendations we found fabulous pizza and great Sicilian cooking. Our only regret is that we did not stay longer. This was definitely the best place we stayed in on a ten week vacation.

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Guest: Arthur & Lynn Penn (Baton Rouge, LA)
Date of Stay: 07/05/07 Review Submitted: 07/05/07

A (fine) home away from home! Wonderful place-the description and photos, as good as they are, don't do it justice. It's a great apartment,centrally located but quiet, beautifully restored and decorated,fully equipped for daily living (everything works), in a well-maintained solid old building on a street with NO CARS, plus a fine restaurant (Oinos) just around the corner. Best of all are the hosts, Frank and Kevin, who are friendly,gracious, knowledgeable, helpful and low-key. The daily farmer's market with great looking/tasting produce, seafood & breads is a fine bonus. If you need to check e-mail, there are 2 Internet places a short walk from the apt.

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Guest: Jim & Mary Robinson (Bradford, West Yorkshire, England)
Date of Stay: 06/23/07 Review Submitted: 06/23/07

What a joy! We spent 2 weeks in this beautiful apartment living amongst Sicilians, not a tourist in site, apart from us of course.Ortigia is so compact and yet so interesting with narrow streets filled with shops and more churches per square foot than any where else we have been. All this and the wonderful Frank & Kevin. They are the most kind and helpful people you would want to meet. We even had the extra pleasure of meeting some of the very welcoming local English speaking community plus, with some of them, an exciting tour of 'Godfather' country organised by Stephen. This was one of our very best holidays and, being in our 70's, we've had a few.

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Guest: Diane Ross1 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/20/07 Review Submitted: 06/20/07

As previous comments reflect, this apartment is fabulous, in a fabulous location, and filled with everything one needs. And, to top that off, owners Frank and Kevin were delightful and hugely helpful with tips on sights, restaurants and shopping, help getting into and out of confusing Ortigia, help with parking, etc. We spent five nights, loved every minute, could have spent far longer. Go as soon as you can.

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Guest: Nancy & Bill Dutcher (Oakland, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/02/07 Review Submitted: 06/02/07

We spent a week in the Jewel of an Apt. and loved it. Frank and Kevin were so helpful and generous. They had indeed thought of everything to make a visitor's stay comfortable. Many suggestions about where to go, where to eat and where to park! We loved Ortigia, and the apartment was indeed the best place we stayed in our month in Italia.

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Guest: Rob & Jacqui (London, England)
Date of Stay: 05/07/07 Review Submitted: 05/07/07

A lovely, comfortable, pretty apartment.Right in the historic centre, a few minutes walk from the sea and many wonderful restaurants.(we recommend Oimos, very good quality and fantastic value.Locanda Mastrarua is also really good )Kevin and Frank are really helpful (and great fun!)The only negative is parking but there is loads to do on foot!Great value!

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Guest: Ray and Jill (London Uk)
Date of Stay: 05/06/07 Review Submitted: 05/06/07

Lovely apartment in a terrific neighbourhood lived in by the locals - not over run by tourists. Frank is a very friendly and helpful host and provided all the information we needed to start exploring the area, including the great 'has nearly everything' shop just down the road. The photo's on site don't do the apartment justice. We can report the sofa bed is very comfortable as it accomodated our 6'6" son. We will definately be returning. Thanks again Frank.

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Guest: Marilyn & Jerry Feldman (Melbourne, Florida)
Date of Stay: 04/19/07 Review Submitted: 04/19/07

Wow! We never expected such a lovely, comfortable apartment so close to everything. We were so impressed with the apartment, Ortigia and our fabulous American hosts. We experienced the warmth of the Sicilians and highly recommend this apartment to anyone visiting Siracusa.

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Guest: Mary Linares (White River Jct., Vt. USA)
Date of Stay: 04/04/07 Review Submitted: 04/04/07

I stayed here for 6 nights and found the location very convenient, the surroundings lovely, and the rental agents were very helpful and totally accommodating to our needs. They even recommended a wonderful place for me to stay in Rome! It was a great place to stay to enjoy Siracusa.

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Guest: Stuart Rush (Vancouver, B.C.)
Date of Stay: 12/15/06 Review Submitted: 12/15/06

We stayed for six wonderful nights in this relaxed apartment. It is located in the middle of a thriving neighbourhood with grocery shops, restaurants and cafes close by. The apartment is bright and spacious with all necessary amenities. It was easy to cook and entertain friends. The bathroom was beautifully appointed and functional. The bed was firm and comfortable and faced two sunny windows. The bedroom contained the most beautiful hand-made cabinets we have ever seen. Added to the comfort of the apartment was the unique hospitality of our two hosts who were genuinely open and helpful, even lending us their cell phone to keep in touch. Our stay in Ortigia was exceptional in large part because of the ease of experiencing everyday life in the apartment and the kindness of our hosts. The apartment surpassed all of our expectations. We will return for a longer stay. Stuart Rush, Vancouver, Canada

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Guest: Obie & Peter (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 12/07/06 Review Submitted: 12/07/06

From the time we arrived in Ortigia until our departure nine days later, our stay in the apartment was close to perfect. The kindness of our hosts and their desire to make our stay comfortable and memorable was without equal compared to previous rental experiences in Italy or in France . The apartment is comfortable and very well appointed. All appliances are new and in working order. Our hosts kept us posted on the results of the November elections (the television in the apartment offers only Italian programming). The neighborhood is delightful with friendly trades’ people in the meat market and grocery store just steps from the apartment. Close to the apartment there is a traditional marionette theatre featuring performances during the weekend. There are excellent restaurants and cafes all over the island. We enjoyed the Café Minerva near the Duomo (try the Elixir Minerva). Buses to and from Siracusa are available within walking distance of the apartment. Near the bus station is a daily open market which is a treat in itself. Fresh produce, fish, cheeses and local specialties are available amidst the fun and confusion. Tours to surrounding cities were available but we preferred to enlist one of our hosts, for a reasonable fee, and were pleasantly surprised to learn that Kevin is an articulate and informed Art and History buff. The weather during October and November was warm during the day and cooler at night. We would highly recommend this rental to anyone interested in visiting this part of Sicily .

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/22/06 Review Submitted: 11/21/06

We had a magnificent stay at the apartment. The weather in Siracusa in November was superb - sunny and warm, perfect for walking around or lounging at cafes. The apartment's owners couldn't have been nicer or more helpful - they helped us find scarce parking in Ortygia and gave us a very helpful orientation to the island. The apartment is very well situated, within easy walking distance of everything, and is very well furnished. Don't miss Osteria Da Mariana nearby for an authentic Sicilian dinner, or Fermente across the road for a wonderful dinner.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/19/06 Review Submitted: 11/19/06

Really excellent apartment in a fantastic location. Within a few minutes walk of everything you need. Owners very friendly,welcoming and helpful. Highly recommended.

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