VILLA IN A CHARM RESIDENCE IN SICILY (CATANIA)

The hospitality of the owner and the staff was extremely comforting. Two couples traveling together shared one three bedroom villa with two baths, kitchen/living room and covered outdoor dining area. There was a brick bar-b-que available, which we did not use. We did take advantage of the pool as well as the laundry facilities.

The staff is exceptional! We were assisted by the guest coordinator on numerous occasions to help translate between English and Sicilian. She helped us arrange our schedule with our family (who speak only Sicilian, with us speaking primarily English). Stephania truly went out of her way to help with communications. The housekeeping staff was extremely responsive and helped us well beyond our expectations - even by taking us on a tour of the family vegetable garden!

The property is beautiful and waking up to the sight of Mt. Etna every morning is amazing! Sharing Bingo - the property "mascot" - kept us from missing our dogs from home.

During our two week stay we visited Siracusa several times and toured the city with family. We visited Agrigento to see ancient Greek ruins. We went to the top of Mt. Etna (wear a coat). Taormino is also a "must see". Also, Catania - the home of the canoli - is a beautiful city with many hidden treasures - from the Duomo to the Roman Theatre.

All in all - a wonderful time at a wonderful place!

Our family stayed at Giuseppe's place for a blissful week. Although it's taken us a long time to write, we often reminisce about our Orange Grove days - a lovely pool, spacious, clean, cool accommodation with all conveniences and a stunning view of the enigmatic Mt Etna- all this within easy driving distance to Sicily's attractions and a short spin to Catania airport.

What made our trip unique and memorable were the touching surprises from thoughtful hosts - bowls of oranges from the grove, Sicilan Pasta Al Norma and granita at the local cafe - treats we'd never have got at a hotel. The hospitality was really icing that couldn't be beaten - always helpful and considerate and never intrusive.

We'd recommend it to all!

My husband and I stayed at Orange Grove for five days. The villas are spacious, clean and comfortable; Guiseppe (our host) is charming and gracious; Stefania(his assistant) is fluent in English and oh so willing to be helpful, even driving us to the airport when our taxi did not come on time! The other staff members are equally warm and helpful. The location is ideal for exploring Sicily, has a great view of Mt Etna and perfect for relaxing at the end of a busy day. A car is essential, preferably with a GPS. We loved being able to breakfast in the morning on the terrace and use the free WiFi to check on the news back home. A giant mall with a huge supermarket and tons of stores just opened in June, five minutes drive away, and it's good place to shop in air conditioned comfort, All in all, Orange Grove is great find with very reasonable prices that we'd recommend to anyone going to Sicily.