Populus

I spent 5 days at this hotel while in Siracusa for a conference. Even though my Italian is only intermediate, the hosts were incredibly welcoming and kind. They made sure that I understood all the entrance and exit rules for after hours and checked regularly to make sure that my needs were met. My room was small but perfect for this type of trip. It was air conditioned, which was a life saver in the July heat, and being on the terrace meant I had ready access to the sunny rooftop and to a wonderful city view. The bathroom was clean and working well with plenty of towels. The bed was comfortable and the wardrobe was plenty large enough to accommodate my clothing. I honestly can't say enough good things about this place. While my work was in Ortigia, the Hotel was off the island while being close enough for a short walk every day as well. Having read some of the other reviews, I feel some things should be said. First, this is not a US-style four star hotel, so no one should have that expectation. It is a charming Sicilian hotel with the culture and flair that you should expect from Sicily. Second, the staff speak some English, but not much, but neither should anyone expect that they would. This is Sicily, they speak Italian or Sicilian. If you come here, you would benefit from learning some of the language. In spite of that, the staff still works to help you. Third, the shower has low pressure at times and the heat isn't always that hot (not an issue when it's 30+ degrees outside), but it is a very nice shower and bathroom. I truly believe that most of the negative reviews here stem from unrealistic expectations. When you come to a place like Siracusa, you should be willing to embrace the differences and adapt your expectations to what is offered. Hotel Populus was an excellent choice for me and I am very happy to have stayed there. I would especially recommend this location for single travellers, for work or holiday, and couples.