The area was great. It is a popular area with lots of families living nearby which is so much nicer than being in an anonymous hotel in an area with no local flavour.
The greeting was by friends of Paola as she was working in another city on the day we arrived. They were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and everything was very easy.
The location was a short walk to many colourful and interesting little bars and only 5 minutes or so from the beautiful Piazza Bellini. We walked everywhere in Catania and it was very easy to find our way around. The famous Catania Fish Market is very close and there is a great street market with bric a brac on Sundays.