We wanted a place that was close to Siracusa but also near beaches — and to hold 14 people. The home is big enough and near beaches. 20 minutes to Ortiga and Noto.
But there were a few surprises:
Upon arrival the host asked for $400 Euro in cash as a deposit. I declined and he did not force the issue.
The outside area is dark and and a bit run down
The WiFi is horrible - do not depend on it
The power blew a few times a day (when people were all showering/using the washing machine)
There was one roll of toilet paper provided in each bathroom for 14 people. We asked the host what’s up with that and he said that’s the norm. Not for Airbnb’s I have stayed in.
We wanted to hire a cleaner for each day and the host helped us but she was not familiar w the house so was asking us questions ($36 Eur for 3 hrs minimum).
No garbage bags or garbage service provided — bins are three to 4 blocks away.
On the last evening the host asked us to gather all towels in one room, clean all the dishes, take out the trash, etc. Lots to do I wish that was provided.
Check out is 9am and check in is 6pm. I found this odd
The upper roof top bedroom with two beds seems from size and layout to be the most desirable room but no one really wanted it. It was hotter and the bathroom was almost like an outdoor bathroom. The stairs to access the room were spiraled and narrow.
Locking the house takes 20 minutes — tons of doors.
The two downstairs bedrooms are very dark and airless. And separated from the house.
The chef the host helped secure to make dinner for us was amazing
We loved Sicily and wanted to love the house but for the price we expected more. It’s a nice house we enjoyed the pool but, like I said for the price I expect more.