Lucia was very helpful and friendly, she picked us up from the main bus station, and dropped us off at the end of our stay. She provided us with a cot for our 2,5 years old girl, and checked on us throughout.
The gate to the main street/ center is indeed 5 mins away, however the slope is quite steep, pushing the stroller was a workout, but that is the nature of Taormina i guess, a village on the hill, overlooking a charming bay.
unfortunately for us the funicular was out of order, and the buses replacing it not so reliable, this was not pleasant.
we spent a lot of time on Isola Bella, it is ideal for toddlers as the water is shallow enough to play in.
We also visited Mount Etna. it was a nice trip. we booked it with a local agent and it went smoothly. also recommended, although perhaps next time i would rent a car and do it all alone, would cost more or less the same with the added advantage of being free.
drifted away with my feedback...back to my host, her place is recommended, it's clean and maintained, she is trustworthy, helpful and nice.
Samer