Crystal Sea Hotel

Have just returned from 5 nights at the Crystal Sea hotel, this is one of the best hotels i have stayed in. As soon as we came to check in we were greeted from the lovely receptionist who quickly checked us in. The rooms are very nice, clean and with a large balcony and have a wonderful view of the sea. Breakfast was very good with plenty of choice. We ate at the pizzeria a couple of times which i would definitely reccommend. The service recieved throughout our stay was amazing and the staff could not have been more helpful! The hotel runs a shuttle to Taormina/the beach which we used a couple of time. Overall had a amazing stay and would definitely stay here again!!!

The Crystal sea is a very appropriate name for the hotel. You slide open the door onto the balcony and immediately look out onto the most exquisite panorama. the sweeping hills around Taormina drop down onto the beautiful Sicilian bay. The staff are very friendly and the pool bar manager makes a mean Cocktail. The one thing that stops me giving Crystal Sea 5 out of 5, is the standard of food in the evening. The first evening we arrived, we went up to the main restaurant looking forward to a meal which matched the standard of the surroundings. We quickly realised there was quite a bit of tension among some of the guest's and after waiting 10 minutes, just to get a menu, we understood why. 15 minutes later, with no sign of our order being taken and seeing the disappointment of some of our fellow guests, in the standard and portions being given out, we left. The duty manager apologised, stating that a wedding was taking place that evening and a number of staff had not shown up, but as my wife pointed out, a 4 star hotel, that caters for regular guests and events throughout the year, should, as a rule, look after their regular customers. That said, the staff went out of their way, over our next 3 days to accommodate us, although we didn't return to the restaurant, having heard similar reports from other guests. In short, Crystal Sea is almost a perfect location for a peaceful holiday in a perfect location, sort out the restaurant issues and it would be a definite 5 for me.

The service in this hotel was excellent. The reception staff couldn't be more helpful and even arranged for us to have a breakfast pack up as we were leaving early for the airport. The cleaners kept the hotel immaculately clean. Bar / restaurant staff were on the whole very helpful. Our room, 106 had a balcony and overlooked the sea. The room was gorgeous, modern and clean including the bathroom. The oversized bed was exceptionally comfortable. The room had tv, minibar, safe (with no charge), aircon, hairdryer, miniature toiletries, free wifi. The location is a 5 minute drive from Letojanni, which is a lovely vibrant town on the coast with a lovely beach. The hotel is about 15 minute drive from Taormina, which is a stunning old town on the hillside - do not miss. The hotel provides transport to Taormina at a small cost and transport to Letojanni Flamingo Beach for free - they will provide you with a receipt for free beds and parasol. We were half board and food was good and plentiful. The restaurant outside balcony gives a beautiful view of the coast and Taormina. There are unfortunaletly no restaurants / bars etc within a short walking distance from this hotel, however this makes for a very peaceful location. The hotel also has a walkway down stairs to the beach below which has stunning crystal waters. The pool area has sunbeds dotted about around the pool and within the beautiful grounds. There is free parking at the hotel. This is a perfect location for a peaceful retreat and I would definately return.