If you need to walk out of the front door to historic charm or hear the waves lapping on the shore, go to Ortigia.
If prefer a place that is competitively priced, spacious, quiet, clean, newly redecorated, has free parking on the street and a washing machine and is only a 10 minute walk from the archeological park and museum, the well stocked Deco supermarket and the railway station, stay here. Since we were mostly visiting places near and around Siracusa by car, Carmelo's place was perfect. There are decently rated bars and restaurants nearby. Ortigia is 20 minutes walk, just right to work off the first canal of the day.
Communication and welcome were perfect.