Disadvantages
The pool is advertised as heated, but it is NOT! for an extra £600 euros and 2 days notice it is, otherwise freezing! I felt this was false advertising as this was the initiall attraction to the property.
I confirmed with Pietro before booking that the pool was open and heated, but no extra cost was mentioned. It was apparently written in Italian small print Pietro stated. I feel this is unfair for people who do not read Italian.
Not child friendly, no stair gates. Steep steps to bedroom with a giant gap in the middle and an 8 foot drop (no pictures of this in listing). Very easy for a child to have an accident here. Gap in the cot provided so baby can slip or crawl out.
Kettle does not fit socket, so you have to use floor extension socket, which is both dangerous being by the television. Overload of sockets, fire hazard and for young children on lower ground.
Water cut out twice on us. We reported it during first instance and it was resolved within 30 minutes, which we were pleased about. Second time it cut out we were patient hoping it would come back on before initially bothering Pietro, but it didn't. We kindly asked him to resolve stating we were unfortunatly only having to bother him because we were unable to shower the children before bed and used bought bottled water to cook dinner.
We recieved a very rude response from Pietro who stated we were "unbelievable" for informing him of this through air bnb and not watsap. After explaining, we still found him very unapproachable and unprofessional.
Dangerous washing machine, dripping next to electric sockets.
Noise at 3am parties occurring in next door villa's on balconies. Possibly out of the hosts control, but restless sleep.
Too far out of town, a car is a MUST! The nearest beach is very small and not really a beach, busy road off the accommodation and any sites or excursions you have to travel to. In my opinion you are worth stopping in Cefalu or Taormina.
After our visit we ensured we left the property clean and tidy. An hour after we left we had pictures sent from Pietro of pen stains on the sheet. We were not aware of these, but assumed our three year olds had made a few marks by accident. We explained this and apologised, reassuring him that they are " Washable marker pens!". Pietro made accusations that this was done on "purpose" or that we would not allow this in our own home.
We were happy to pay for these if the marks had not come out, but Pietro was "assuming" they would not and refused to show us evidence that the pen had not been removed after wash. The main issue was Pietro's rudeness and inappropriate communication and this appeared to be a personality trait as his buisness associate was extremely helpful. She went out of her way to help us and was easy to talk to.
The whole family were covered in Mosquito bites from Head to toe and they were all in the bathroom and rooms constantly.
Cats and kittens on the balcony by the pool and round the grass. They were not friendly or easy to deter and would often hiss and arch their backs at you. We were worried about the children getting scratched! There was constant cat excrement on the lawn, which was unhygienic for a crawling baby and two toddlers we had in the group, but we cleared up ourselves.
Advantages
Lovely beautiful views, ideal ensuits within each room. Amazing balcony sea facing. Good for two families without children. Large TV with Netflix to provided good entertainment. Key safe and property felt secure with cameras and locked gates. Pietro cleaned the pool every other day.
Comfortable beds. All cutlery etc provided. Air con in rooms, although in one room it did not work for 4 days.