NH Royal Palace

Very comfortable hotel, rich and always stocked breakfast, very kind staff.

We stayed 3 nights at the end of our 7 week trip of Sicily before heading to Rome. We usually stay in self catering apartments but decided to have a change in Messina. The hotel is very conveniently located close to the rail station and central to everything. Our room was comfortable and clean. Reception staff were efficient but not so friendly. Not staying in a Sicilian hotel previously we have nothing to compare with. A down side is that the shower is impossible tiny and would be near impossible for a larg person or someone with mobility problems. The hotel advertises a "restaurant " but there is not one. There is a breakfast room but that's it. Also the bar and coffee area is not attended all the time. The flat screen TV is about the size of an average computer screen and there are no kettle and coffee provided in the room which would be expected in this level of hotel.

Overall, the experience was positive, although the first impression was rather disappointing. Our room was large, but the furniture was quite "old-fashioned" and many small maintenance tasks need to be done. The bathroom door, for example, needs to be replaced, as do the lamp plugs on the nightstand. In reality, the stay went quite well. The hotel's location is good for getting around on foot. We slept comfortably. The staff is helpful and courteous. The breakfast is good. Additionally, the garage provides the security of parking (at a cost of 20 euros per day), but there is a very steep descent/ascent to enter and exit. The tourist tax is 2.50 per person per day.