Pros:
– Very nicely appointed, clean and empathetic space
– White and bright
– Easy to keep tidy
– Functional
– Beautiful lighting
– Suit both single and couple
– Solid and secure door to both apartment and building
– Hospitality extras: water, juice, welcoming “cakes”
– Charming hostess
– A pleasant 2.5 kms walk to Piazza di Duomo – the last part passing through architecturally, culturally and historically interesting areas.
– Metro to downtown 2 minutes away from front door.
– Supermarket – 2 minutes away.
– Value: acceptable and honest

Cons:
– Heating provided by an indifferent A/C unit supposedly blowing hot air
– Very limited Hot Water tank capacity – 4 mins or so
– Very steep approach stairs: not suitable for anyone even remotely mobility-challenged or not travelling lightly.
– No view – because no actual windows – only sealed skylights with electrically-operated blinds.
– No TV
– Only two electrical outlets + one for the microwave.
– For people with cars – street parking is a lottery and a game of patience: often hard to find. (Parking garage available nearby)
– No laundry facilities – though coshes washing liquid available.

Would I recommend this loft flat…?
– For a two-night, one day visit of the city (because that's all its worth) – yes.

About Catania in general as a city:
– Catania is an old city – and not in brilliant condition. Many of the buildings are indifferently maintained and not particularly attractive – though there are still some one-time jewels to be found in this obviously (during a past lief) rich and prosperous place.
– A socially irreverent segment of the Catanian youth has ruined the look-and-feel of their streets by spraying every blank surface with tasteless graffiti – and the Municipality seems incapable of doing anything about cleaning it all up – Civic indifference to the issue and a lack of citidine pride seems to be a luxury not subscribed-to by its inhabitants.
– Can easily be walked to visit main attractions.
– A fairly thorough visit of the downtown cultural centre and related areas – from this apartment – would be a day’s involvement and a total of 10 kms of walking. (As measured)
– Lots of lovely churches…!
– Catania, however, as a city is not particularly interesting.
– Visit: Piazza di Duomo. Castle Museum, all the Sant Agate related places of worship, Via Crucifore and its plethora of churches, the new harbour area, Giardino Bellini, Teatro Bellini. (A son of Catania, the composer is quite naturally fêted everywhere: from parts, to bars, to restaurants – the full gamut)
– Lots of fast-food outlets of different kinds – seemingly few actual restaurants.
– As often in Italy, “Pizza” – in all its iterations – rules.