In short, a great downtown location, everything walking distance. Spacious and modern, nicely furnished and well equipped apartment and a wonderful host-family.
Antoinetta and her family are a wonderful host-family. We were welcomed on arrival (family is very flexible with check in and out depending on other guests), they helped with our luggage, showed us the (wonderful!) place and the parking garage (public, about 7 min walk, 10E/24h). The apartment is accurately shown in the pictures. One-floor walk up, very doable, also with our 1 year old, stroller etc. Spacious: entry, 4 full rooms (3 bed rooms, living room), 2 connecting rooms (one we used for our 1 year old, has desk as well), spacious second hall way, bathroom and kitchen. Modernly decorated, in a beautiful old building. Comfortable beds. Ample storage. The kitchen has all you need; gas stove, fridge, microwave/convection oven, water boiler, ample pans, plates, glasses etc. Although with all the many great restaurants and coffee shops (coffee right next door) walking distance, eating out is easy, family friendly (high-chair, helpful staff everywhere we went), you might not need to cook. Living is set up with cough, large dinner table. Wifi works very well and fast. All rooms have AC/heating (temperature can be set for each room), a little balcony facing Via Etna, with downtown views.
Antoinetta has an eye for details; many amenities and food and drinks (towels, toiletries, tea, coffee, bottled water, local beer, juice, fresh flowers etc) were provided and made us feel very welcome immediately. Also, everything we could ask for, for our daughter (crib, baby bath, toys, kid friendly utensils, plates etc) was included.
The location is super central. You can walk everywhere. We like and specifically picked this downtown location. Realize that downtown means busy, lively. If you look for a super quite place, this is not it. Clearly a strong plus; Shops, sites, restaurants, the local market, the fish market all is walking distance. Most foreigners might not think about getting a rental car. For me, it’s the default for flexibility. There are a number of great day trips you can take (Syracuse/ Ortigia, Mt Etna other coastal towns). It does mean navigating busy, narrow streets to get in and out of the city (Waze navigation worked well). The parking garage is close by, (I think) very affordable at 10E/24h and Antoinetta and her family made sure we could find it easily by coming with me the first day to park. If Northern Italy drivers make you nervous, be prepared for more :).