We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this wonderful apartment. The place looks great, is very comfortable, and is conveniently located.
The flat is actually larger than we expected from the pictures. Ceilings are very high; there is light on all sides; it feels airy and is furnished well and comfortably. Beds are great but it would help to have more pillows available. The kitchen is well equipped, but the modern and chic-looking cupboards and set-up are not the most convenient (e.g., kitchen cupboard doors swing up and out, less convenient than standard openings, and the sink it positioned awkwardly). These are minor inconveniences, however, and the apartment is perfectly suitable for preparing meals with the wonderful, fresh ingredients that are easily procured in the neighbourhood. The windows are of very high quality, almost completely blocking the daytime traffic and lively night-life noise.
Air conditioning works well, which is a great asset in the high heat, humidity and general noise of this part of Ortigia (which is nonetheless, the best place to stay, in my view). Tub and shower worked well and the bathroom is pleasantly large and well-lit.
Matthew arranged a car from Catania airport, which worked very well. I would not have wanted to try to secure public transport from Catania, given the uncertainties of air-travel and arrival times. We were most grateful that Rico didn't bail on us when our flight was late and it then took an hour and a half for the luggage to arrive (we called him a couple of times to keep him updated while we awaited the arrival of our valigie)! Mind you, despite his claiming that he was "tranquillo" as a driver, I don't think any car-ride in Sicily is very comfortable for a Canadian. (The Catania airport was chaotic both when we arrived and when we left, by the way.)
We would recommend this place to anyone as a wonderful refuge after a day's exploration of the area. It would easily accommodate four in the two large bedrooms.