Fodor's Expert Review Grand Hotel Ortigia

An elegant though somewhat old-fashioned design of inlaid wood furniture and stained-glass windows prevails in the guest rooms at this venerable institution, which has enjoyed a prime position on the Porto Grande at the base of Ortigia since 1890. A surreal seascape painting and whimsical chandelier set a dreamy tone in the lobby, but most guests don't linger, opting instead to relax at the small in-house spa or, between June and September, take the shuttle service to the hotel's private beach (small fee). The hotel is also one of the few in Ortigia with private parking, right across the street.