Grand Hotel des Etrangers5

Grand Hotel des Etrangers is a magnificent Belle Époque historic hotel set right in the heart of Ortigia island. Guests consistently rave about the breathtaking panoramic sea and harbour views from the rooftop terrace and the refined atmosphere of the refreshed interiors. At the same time, stays are marred by weekend street noise, high extra costs and occasional delays with valet parking. The hotel is ideal for those seeking the aesthetics of historic Sicily and willing to accept the quirks of an old building in exchange for an exceptional location.

Key Observations

Panoramic terrace: The rooftop terrace with its infinity pool and Clou bar is regarded as the hotel’s greatest asset. Guests often call the sunsets here the best in Syracuse.

Soundproofing issue: Noise from street bars and nightclubs operating until 2:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays regularly disturbs sleep, especially in sea-view rooms.

Layout particularities: Since the hotel combines three historic buildings, getting around requires using several different lifts and navigating numerous staircases, which inconveniences some guests.

Trajectory: A comparison of reviews from past years and the 2025–2026 season shows a rise in valet parking rates to €50 per day. Complaints about long waits for cars at departure (up to 45–60 minutes) and unauthorised charges at checkout remain regular.

Main Pros

• Flawless location on the Ortigia seafront within walking distance of Syracuse Cathedral and the best restaurants.
• Exquisite interior design with marble floors, neoclassical statues and stylish contemporary furniture.
• Spacious, clean Suites and Deluxe rooms with superb sea views and premium Guerlain toiletries in the bathrooms.
• Professional and warm service from individual staff members: Davide at the front desk, Luisa and Annalisa, spa manager Valentina, and waitresses Eva and Francesca.
• Excellent breakfasts with a rich choice of Sicilian pastries, fresh fruit and the option to order hot dishes.

Main Cons

• Very small size and awkward layout in Comfort rooms, where bathrooms are cramped and shower cubicles leak due to poor seals.
• High noise levels from seafront nightclubs at weekends and loud air conditioning in some rooms.
• Expensive valet parking (€50 per day) with regular delays in car delivery.
• Instances of large tips (up to €100) automatically added to the bill at checkout without warning guests, plus double charges for the stay requiring lengthy disputes.
• Restricted rooftop pool opening hours, closing as early as 18:00 or 18:30.

Overall Grade: B+

Hotel Overview

Basic Information:

• Name – Grand Hotel des Etrangers (Italian: Grand Hotel Des Étrangers)
• Address – Passeggio Adorno 10/12, 96100 Siracusa, Italy
• Positioning & Category – Historic five-star luxury Belle Époque hotel

Description: Grand Hotel des Etrangers is a sensitively restored historic palace that blends a neoclassical façade, Art Deco elements and contemporary luxury. Its interiors are adorned with elegant mosaic, marble and works of art. The hotel’s highlight is the magnificent rooftop terrace with an infinity pool and Clou restaurant, offering stunning views over the Gulf of Syracuse. The hotel combines heritage, a high-end spa and excellent gastronomy.

Target Audience: The hotel is ideal for couples, romantic getaways and travellers wanting to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of historic Ortigia. Due to the convoluted layout with passages between wings and many staircases, it can be inconvenient for families with small pushchairs and guests with reduced mobility.

Location & Transport

Location: The hotel occupies an exceptional spot on the south-west seafront of Ortigia island, directly facing the sea. Around it buzzes the life of the old town with its narrow lanes, picturesque squares and abundant restaurants.

Key Points of Interest: Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo) and the main square are just a two-minute walk away. The legendary Fonte Aretusa, Palazzo Bellomo and Castello Maniace are within five to ten minutes on foot.

Transport: Car traffic on Ortigia island is very restricted. For guests with cars, a mandatory valet service is provided, but delivering the car to the door can take a very long time. Public transport on the island consists mainly of small electric buses linking Ortigia with the mainland part of Syracuse.

Walkability: Ortigia is entirely pedestrianised and exceptionally easy to explore on foot. All key historic monuments, shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance.

Grade: A

Rooms & Cleanliness

The hotel’s rooms vary greatly in size and comfort level. Deluxe and Junior Suite sea-view rooms earn enthusiastic praise thanks to high ceilings, spacious marble bathrooms and quality linens. Comfort rooms, however, are extremely cramped, and their bathrooms are so narrow that guests find it difficult to enter the shower cubicle. Cleanliness is maintained to a high standard, with turndown service including delightful sweet treats. At the same time, some guests note AC noise and poor soundproofing from corridors.

Grade: B

Service

Service at the hotel leaves a mixed impression. On the one hand, many guests praise the team for genuine hospitality, willingness to help with medical matters at night and excellent concierge recommendations. On the other hand, chaos often ensues at check-in and check-out. Guests report long waits for valet-parked cars (up to an hour), and cases of incorrect charges for extras and automatic addition of gratuities to the final bill, which then require time to resolve.

Grade: B+

Dining

Breakfasts at the hotel earn high praise for the abundance of fresh Sicilian pastries, quality cheeses, cold cuts and freshly squeezed juices. Dinners and aperitifs on the rooftop at Clou restaurant feature refined cuisine from chef Giulia, who gives an original twist to Sicilian traditions. However, drink prices at the rooftop bar are very high (e.g., a glass of wine for €18), and service can be slow during peak hours.

Grade: B+

Facilities & Amenities

The small but scenic rooftop infinity pool delights guests with superb sea views, yet its 18:00 closing time means you can’t enjoy the sunset from the water. The Cinque Mondi spa with its indoor pool and hammam receives excellent feedback, especially for professional massages from manager Valentina. The gym is very modest and draws criticism from fitness enthusiasts.

Grade: B+

Important Notes

• At checkout, scrutinise the final bill: the hotel may automatically add a service charge or a large tip (up to €100), which must be removed upon request.
• Valet parking costs €50 per day and delivering the car on departure can take 45 to 60 minutes — important to factor in when rushing to the airport.
• Sea-view rooms can be noisy at weekends due to a nightclub on the seafront that operates until 2:30.
• The hotel layout includes many staircases and three separate lifts, complicating navigation.

Practical Tips for Guests

• When booking, definitely avoid the basic Comfort rooms; request Deluxe or sea-view suites on higher floors for a true five-star feel.
• Order your car from the valet at least an hour before your planned departure, especially if you’re in a hurry to catch a flight.
• If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room in a quieter wing facing the courtyard, or bring earplugs for weekends.
• Be sure to head up to the rooftop terrace just before the Clou bar opens to grab the best table for a sunset aperitif.

Final Verdict

Grand Hotel des Etrangers offers an unrivalled romantic atmosphere in historic Ortigia with the best sunset views, yet requires compromises regarding soundproofing, parking and the cost of extras.

Overall Grade: B+

Breakdown: Location: A | Rooms: B | Service: B+ | Dining: B+ | Facilities: B+ | Value for Money: B

Best for: Couples on a romantic weekend, lovers of historic interiors and those who want to stay in the very heart of Ortigia with a beautiful sea view.

Not for: Light sleepers, guests with reduced mobility, families with small pushchairs and those expecting a quiet, secluded retreat.