Hotel Mediterranee - Taormina, Italy 

With right room get probably best views of both sea & Mt Etna of any hotel in Taormina, also on-site parking. BUT for 4 star, rooms and bathrooms are unacceptably small, no mini-fridge and breakfast selection very basic. Lift far too small & looks like goods lift. Booked through Ryanair.

Let me begin by stating that my spouse and I are reasonable, friendly and gregarious people. We get along with most everyone and are tolerable to unexpected situations that may occur. On that note, please allow me to elaborate on our decision to modify our stay at Hotel Mediterrannee; The location of this hotel is good, the rooms are clean and the staff are polite. However, the significant problem we encountered is the air conditioning system is outdated, ineffective and inadequate. It was sweltering hot in that hotel!!! The management refrained from turning any a/c system or fans on in the common areas and hallways of the hotel. Also, when we entered our room it was rediculously hot inside. Not a welcoming experience at all. The staff served us drinks with sweat pouring down their faces, staff walking down the halls were wiping their faces dry of persperation, some of them understandably had body odour from sweating in their clothes all day long. We spoke to some of the few guests in the hotel and asked if their rooms were any cooler only to get the same response we were experiencing. It is generaly a nice hotel however, at the prices guests are paying, one of the least expectations would be the hotel and rooms are cooled during the summer months. We had no alternative but to book another hotel nearby that at the very least provided us with air conditioned rooms.