I loved this place.
Everyone says it's quiet, and that's true. Once you get to Taormina, you'll notice how constantly loud and active the center of town is. Staying here gets you away from the crowds of day trippers, student trips, and musicians. The walk to Porta Messina is really easy, and it's basically impossible to get lost doing it. There is a nearby grocery store which should have everything you need. The funivia is about ten minutes away.
The apartment itself is great. The stairs down to the place are sturdy and not too steep. The kitchen inside is well-furnished, and the patio is bright and sunny. The bed was EXTREMELY comfortable; we slept better there than almost anywhere. It was very clean. The area it is in is very pretty, with trees and flowers everywhere.
The host is great at communicating. He answers questions immediately, and has great recommendations for eating/drinking/having fun. He's very knowledgeable, and really capped out how awesome this place was. I'd highly recommend it!