I am someone who likes a detailed review so I am going to write one for anyone like myself.
*Communication with host*
Firstly I would like to praise and commend Jenny on her communication skills! From the beginning it was seamless. She provided me with her house booklet, gave clear instructions on how to reach the apartment from Catania airport (an easy trip) and anything else I needed to know well before arrival including making sure I knew about the importance of emptying out the air conditioner's plastic containers so that it does not overflow on the balcony. She is quick to respond and very much appreciated her speed as it put any anxiety or worry I had at ease. Not all Air BnB's are the same but with Jenny's place, what you see is what you get! Her communication is brilliant.
When we arrived Jenny's friend let us into the apartment, check-in went smoothly as I just told Jenny the approximate time I would be arriving. Although I did not speak Italian, we were fine communicating via google translate and she was a lovely.
*The Apartment*
Again, what you see is what you get. The apartment is exactly as it looks in the photos. The bedroom with the double bed is a lovely size and this is where my partner and I mostly slept. There was two nights I used the other room to sleep as temperatures can get really got in Syracusa and the twin bed is as comfortable as the double bed. The air-con is a life saver as Syracusa is very hot in the summer but please make sure to empty the container so it does not overflow. I loved the balcony and spent a lot of time reading in the evenings to the beautiful sunsets.
The bathroom: The shower pressure is great and plenty of room to have a nice shower. Also the counter top area is a good size for placing all your cosmetics there and getting ready to go out (i.e. the mirror is a great for getting all glammed up). There is a washing machine there which works and I used it a couple of times.
The kitchen: The kitchen has all you need for your stay. My partner did most of the cooking and found the electric hob easy to use. The brown counter top you see in the photo can be removed to make more space for washing up (what I mean will be obvious when you get there). There is a fridge/freezer and a dishwasher (we did not use the dishwasher but it is there!). There is a small coffee machine where you can buy coffee capsules (if you want to top up) from the local very well stocked supermarket nearby. There were small things we needed already there like oil, pepper, salt and some spices which we used in our cooking. Very functioning kitchen. Please note, air con water bucket for the twin rooms is found on the balcony that you enter via the kitchen.
*The neighbourhood*
I adored the neighbourhood. It is very residential and you feel as though you are in a Sicilian community vs being in the centre of a tourist district. There is a supermarket 7-10 mins walk from the apartment that had everything! My partner and I walked to Ortigia everyday. I can't tell you how long it took us as I walked very slowly as I like to take in the scene but I would say you can walk for 20 mins and you will be there, especially when you find the shortcuts. We took day trips to Noto and Fontaine Binance (a great beach) and we managed to walk to the train station in 13 mins. Very conveniently placed! We both felt very safe at night (we even came home once at 2am on multiple occasions) and felt safe.
*Conclusion*
I recommend Jenny's flat and hope that my partner and I will return in the future.
Thank you Jenny for making my first trip to Sicily a lovely one because we had a lovely apartment to stay in as our base to discover a beautiful town. We appreciate you very much.
P.S. If you are going to the beach, there are beach umbrella's in the cupboard to use. We didn't check and ended up buying one. You need this as the sun can give you a heat stroke without it!