Hotel Livingston Ortigia - Siracusa

We loved every moment in it, would definitely recommend, and want to go to again, and again . 🌷🌷

Livingston is easily the best looking hotel in the Ortigia peninsula of Siracusa, on the eastern seaboard. The windows overlook the Mediterranean. One of the shuttered windows is actually a full-length door that opens to a very narrow balcony that gives such a great view of the water and the fortified walks that surround the peninsula. But too not look too dark, you need to open the shutters fully for both the balcony door as well as the small window to the side. The rooms are small, too small in fact that we had great difficulty opening both luggages at the same time. But the room itself looks nice - beautifully carved work desk, night tables, and wardrobe cabinet. Walls are The lower half of the walls are wood, with the upper half in classy wall cloth. It also had three beautiful wall lamps, one above each of the night tables and one on a wall. Another complaint was the lack of outlets/ There were no outlets on the work desk, unless you removed the desk lamp. Also no outlets on the night tables but there was one behind the night table - so you had to move the table forward and reach down. The wash basin is artsy but poorly designed, with very shallow catch and water on the side of the sink doesn't drain well. they had a bidet which was a plus for my wife but bidet but the toilet seat cover was aslant which was worrisome. The shower stall is the one with different nozzles but it was hard to figure out how to switch from showered to rain forest to nozzles - so we made do with shower head. There was no comforter, only a bed spread, which at least matched the curtains. Breakfast was on the 4th floor. It was basic but at least they had salmon, an orange squeezer with fresh oranges, and strawberries, which we had not seen in other breakfasts. They had a hot water pot but supposedly you couldn't use tap water since the tap water was slightly salty. Oh, and the phone didn't work.

As per my previous review (stayed August 2023), the hotel is very nice, good breakfast and amazing views from our room (junior suite) but be aware that the promised ZTL exemption to enter Ortigia with our car didn't happened and we were fined to access the public car park outside the hotel. I have called the Hotel approx 5 times since the carhire company advised of the fine that have finally arrived to us requesting payment. Been told that they would have looked into it and always promised a call back that didn't happen. One of the last calls I have with them and asked to speak to the owner was told that they live in the US and were not available. Paid now the first and hope the last of the fines as we stayed for 5 days and used the car a lot. very poor customer service. BE AWARE

This is a gem on the Island - nestled on the side of the old town (Ortega with views over the sea and onto the next peninsula. The whole staff here were friendly and welcoming. The room I booked had a sea view and it has a balcony, and two huge windows to enjoy it from. The room was clean and well-furnished. Meanwhile, the garden room on the 4th floor is the best place to enjoy Breakfast - and the buffet is the best I've had in many years. The waitress tipped me off about the tower above the garden room, and sure enough you get 360-degree views across Syracuse, plus enough space for 3 tables and some sun loungers. Once I'd had a morning visiting local attractions and a lunch I came back and just took in the sights on the rooftop all afternoon. Heaven in a tourist city - you've got to try it!

We stayed here for two nights as part of a small group tour. I would call this a classic old-school European tourist hotel, boutique in size with wonderful sea views. Everything was pleasant, especially the staff, and the breakfast server was especially nice and welcoming. The breakfast is simple and satisfying with coffees made to order in a rooftop setting. The location is just far enough off the beaten path to be quiet and within 10 minutes' walking distance to the main areas. A lovely location, recommended!