First impression were good especially after spending 3 nights in Catania which is a dirty and noisy city. Originally booked for 4 nights but ended up staying for 6 because we liked the vicinity and Taormina itself. The apartment is a short walk to a small supermarket (Incoop), Corso Umberto and most tourist sites. Also a short walk to the stairs that lead up to "Cheisa Madonna".
The bed and pillows were comfortable although we can't say the same for the sofa bed. Bring earplugs because there's a rooster in the area that crows at odd times of the night and very early in the morning (from 1am to 5am) otherwise it's very quiet. Not sure what it's like in peak season though. Lots of wardrobe space to hang your clothes. Bathroom was spacious and I liked the fact that the shower area had doors so that the floors don't get wet. Good water pressure in the shower too.
We didn't cook therefore can't comment on the kitchenette. That said, I don't believe it would be a comfortable experience because the kitchenette is in a cupboard which would have made cutting/ chopping/slicing/cooking very difficult.
The host was kind enough to allow us a late checkout (11am) as our train for Messina wasn't leaving till 12.13pm.
The host didn't know much about public transport so here's some TIPS from one guest to another:
If you don't want to pay for the cable car (€6 return) to the beach and Isola Bella for the duration of your stay, there are public buses for €1(one way) from Taormina bus station (and I think from Porta Messina).
Alternatively you can walk to Isola Bella and the beach. If you walk past Taormina bus station, a few minutes down the road on your left, you'll see a lookout with columns. Next to the lookout is a set of stairs on the left (may take 30mins but you may not notice if you're constantly taking photos).
You can also take a bus to Taormina Giardini train station for €1 for trains to Messina, Cefalu, Catania, etc. I also saw a bus to Castelmola and I'm guessing the fee is minute considering it's only 4ks from Taormina.
Buses to Catania leave from Taormina bus terminal (Interbus €5.50 1.5hrs).
There's also an interbus agency(bus info) on Piazza S. Pancrazio.