Maria was so lovely, welcoming and patient with us; I can't say a single bad word at all because she was simply the perfect hostess through-out our stay. The other comments left about her place are all true - it is clean, in good order, appears recently renovated and the bathroom is wonderful (well-stocked by Maria with a huge supply of freshly laundered, fluffy white towels) . The coffee machine worked perfectly when we visited making gorgeous Italian espresso using the ground beans that Maria provided. Maria did also leave us a wonderful flan, fresh fruit and home-made jam which we annihilated over the week and these small touches did make all the difference to us. Lastly the apartment location is perfect; literally a few steps from the ancient streets of Ortigia and its cathedral square. This is my first trip using airbnb and I suspect I may have started with the best...