This is a great place on exactly the right spot when you visit this part of Sicily. The big ancient walls and the double isolated windows keep it very quiet and in combination with the superb airconditioning also nice and cool. And that makes the place an oasis in the month of August.
We didn't see much of Mariella, but that was our choice. We were out most of the time. To Noto, Etna, San Lorenzo Beach (expensive to hire a parasol with beds), or to one of the very many great terrasses with splendid food that are round every streetcorner in Ortigia.
One small thing... The roofterrace looks inviting on the pictures, but isn't accessible from the apartment. You have to get invited by the hosts. But then again. There are so many places to sit down and relax on the beautiful island of Ortigia.