San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel

There is a construction Project right across the canyon below the hotel to the east. They are jack hampering and drilling concrete from 7 or 8 am all day. You can hear it inside the room even with the windows closed. It is very loud at the pool. This is a great hotel but the experience is ruined by the noise.

We decided to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to Sicily. We lived in Europe years ago, and we had been to Italy many times before, so we planned this trip months in advance. The highlight of 15 days was the San Domenico Palace. The hotel setting on the coastline is breathtaking, the food quality and presentation at breakfast are exceptional, but the service by the entire team is the best anywhere we have stayed in the world. We felt so welcome the minute that we arrived, and that continued throughout our stay. They have truly created a community of people that exist to make your stay perfect in every way possible. The concierge team assisted us in securing a sparkling wine tasting on Mt. Etna at Terrazza dell' Etna that was absolutely magical. We had a fabulous half-day Godfather Tour that was great fun. Our best meal in Taormina was in the hotel at Principe Cermani, and it was definitely the epitome of Michelin-star dining from cuisine to presentation to service. The concierge team made certain that our special anniversary was recognized, especially upon arrival in our room overlooking the ocean. We previously stayed at the Four Seasons in Bali and in Scottsdale, but the San Domenico Palace is truly special. It more than exceeded our expectations, it made the memory of a lifetime!

We went here to celebrate a birthday at the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant. As you arrive, in the courtyard there was loud karaoke style music blaring. As we were early, we tried to find somewhere for a drink but were told very curtly that as we were not staying we could not have a drink (despite being booked in the restaurant). The Michelin starred restaurant was stuffy, in both senses, with lots of performative flummery but slow service. The food is elegantly presented but bland, missing all of the zest and freshness for which Italian cooking is so well known. Overall it felt corporate and overrated. It’s also extremely poor value for money: very high prices for a mediocre product.

Our stay at Four Seasons Taormina was nothing short of magical. The property itself is absolutely breathtaking. The views are some of the most beautiful we have ever experienced, and the combination of history, architecture, and stunning surroundings makes this hotel unlike anywhere we have stayed before. Every corner of the property feels memorable. We traveled with our young child and never once felt out of place. The staff struck the perfect balance of maintaining an elegant atmosphere while also making families feel genuinely welcome. Every team member went above and beyond to ensure our stay was exceptional. Our suite was incredible and featured a private plunge pool that quickly became one of our favorite parts of the trip. The privacy was outstanding, allowing us to relax and enjoy the spectacular setting in complete comfort. The breakfast was one of the best Four Seasons breakfasts we have ever had. The quality, variety, and service were exceptional each morning and set the tone for the day. The pool area is stunning and offers some of the most beautiful views on the property. It was the perfect place to spend an afternoon soaking in the atmosphere. My son loved the gelato cart! They also had so many nice pool amenities included. The serves waited on us constantly. Never an issue finding a chair. One of the most memorable touches was the thoughtful amenities left for us throughout our stay. Each evening seemed to bring a new surprise, including welcome hats, a beautiful jewelry case, local ceramics, and other special gifts. These thoughtful gestures made us feel incredibly valued and added to what was already an unforgettable experience. This was more than just a hotel stay—it was a truly special trip that our family will remember for years to come. Four Seasons Taormina exceeded our expectations in every way, and we cannot wait to return one day.

We just wrapped up a stay here, and it is honestly hard to beat the setting. If you’ve seen it on TV or in photos, the reality matches the hype. Walking through a 14th-century monastery with original artwork, looking straight out at Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea from the infinity pool, is exactly the kind of bucket-list experience you hope for when booking a trip to Sicily. The service is where the Four Seasons transition really shows. From the front desk to the pool attendants, everyone is incredibly professional and handles everything effortlessly. They treat you well without being stuffy. Breakfast on the terrace was a highlight every single morning—the spread of local Sicilian pastries and fresh food is outstanding, and the view makes it tough to leave your table. We also had dinner at Principe Cerami, and the Michelin-starred menu absolutely overdelivered. Location-wise, you couldn't ask for better. You are steps away from Corso Umberto and the main spots in Taormina, but because the property sits on the cliffside with deep gardens, it feels totally quiet and private once you step back inside. That said, you need to know what you are paying for. The room rates here are astronomical. We stayed in a Sea View room, and while the design is beautiful and understated, the actual footprint of the room is quite tight for what it costs. Because it’s a protected historical building, the standard layout is naturally on the smaller side. If you want true spaciousness, you have to spend significantly more to get into the higher suite categories. Also, the fitness center felt a bit cramped and overly warm. Is it worth it? If you want flawless service, historic atmosphere, and one of the best views in Italy—and you don't mind dropping a small fortune for a slightly smaller room—it’s pure perfection. We left with memories that will last a lifetime, but just go in knowing you are paying a massive premium for the location and the brand name.