3 Best Hotels in Siracusa, Sicily

On Ortigia's eastern shore, this hotel, in an unusual twist, is owned by Ursuline nuns, who help to make the mood placid and peaceful, but the accommodations are simple rather than monastic. Guest rooms are bright, modern, and decent for pricey Ortigia; some have sea views, while the others have balconies overlooking the street. There's also a slightly more expensive sister hotel, Domus Mariae Benessere, across the street, with a spa, pool, and fitness room that all guests can use.

Winston Churchill, European royalty, and other VIPs have frequented the grand 18th-century Villa Politi, and although it's now a little faded, it retains a sense of elegance with rococo furnishings alongside basic modern luxuries like comfy beds. Set back from the road, the hotel is in the extensive gardens of the Latomie dei Cappuccini, overlooking a small archaeological site. Some rooms have balconies, private terraces, and partial sea views, others have far less salubrious views (be sure to check).

Down a narrow lane near the castello, you'll find these four good-value, simply furnished apartments of various sizes with kitchenettes. Choose from two small studios, which share a cute rooftop terrace, a more spacious split-level one-bedroom, or the two-level family affair with a spare sofa bed.