San Domenico Palace, Taormina
Expert reviews
“History and romance abound at the striking San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel. With its scenic location on a cliff overlooking Taormina’s winding alleyways, majestic Mount Etna and the bright blue Ionian Sea, the 111-room luxury hotel in Sicily occupies a former 19th-century palace, which was itself a Dominican convent dating back to 1373.”
“The sweeping views of the castle, the sea, and Mount Etna from this converted 14th-century Dominican monastery will linger in your mind, along with the equally memorable levels of luxury and wonderful food in the hotel’s highly lauded restaurant, Principe Cerami”
“Dating back to the 14th century, this magnificent former monastery, which has been a hotel since 1896, stands on the cliffs overlooking the Ionian Sea in Taormina, with Mount Etna to its right and the city’s ancient Greek theatre to its left.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Swimming pool
- Friendly staff
- City views
- Comfortable beds
- Garden
All you need to know
Perched on a hilltop in the picturesque Taormina, the chic San Domenico Palace hotel provides patrons with an indulgent resort experience, consistent with its association with the Four Seasons Hotel group.
Upon entry, visitors are met with majesty and elegance characterized by the hotel’s lofty ceilings and 19th-century design. Initially established as a Dominican convent, the structure has experienced a remarkable transformation into a modern hotel, while preserving its antique allure.
A blend of stunning art pieces, traditional architecture and vintage features complements the modern furniture, crafting a welcoming ambiance at the San Domenico Palace.
Hotel attendees are privileged to relish in the captivating infinity pool, adorned by a terrace that provides a breathtaking view of the enchanting Sicilian bay underneath.
This place serves as an excellent retreat for those who crave relaxation and unique experiences such as mastering Sicilian sushi or embarking on stargazing expeditions to Mount Etna. The San Domenico Palace’s guest rooms are strikingly comfortable, showcasing modern decor and spacious, well-lit interiors.
Suites come with a private balcony, with larger ones boasting their own private dipping pools. Every room at the hotel is extraordinary and offers guests a spectacular view of either the vast ocean beneath or the legendary Mount Etna in the backdrop.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
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Location
Recent guest reviews
7 June 2023
our holiday exceeded all our expectations
Everything!
Nothing!
29 April 2023
i would do it again
It’s just beautiful! The staff is very kind helpful!
too expensive
27 April 2023
the best hotel in the world.
the staff is absolutely AMAZING!!!!!!! the property is amazing, they take care of everything, best service ever, beautiful hotel, great location.
We expected a restaurant in such a prestigious hotel to be excellent, but this was not the case, the waiters' service was poor, the food was disgusting. Do not eat dinner in the hotel restaurant!!!
26 April 2023
It was as close to waking up in Paradise as you can get.
The breakfast was beyond delicious! Eggs offered anyway you want, fresh pastries, fruits, fruit juice, cappuccino, coffee, absolute perfection in a setting overlooking the sea, snow capped mountains, Mt.Etna and the hills of Taromina!
Nothing to improve.
25 April 2023
We would like to complement particularly one member of your front desk staff, Dunia El Boutaybi.
Excellent. The service was wonderful. The servers were suggestive of dining options and offered to go above and beyond. Your front desk staff person Dunia El Boutaybi, greeted us as we checked in very late and throughout out four day stay followed us and insured we had the best time. She is a treasure and clearly goes the extra mile.
We liked everything
22 April 2023
It felt like we were living in Paradise.
The location is spectacular. The views of the sea, snow capped mountains, Mt. Etna, and the gardens, pool, patios and interior of the hotel exceeded all expectations! The staff treats guests like royalty. Breakfast…I’m hungry now just thinking about how delicious it was!
I can’t think of anything.
17 April 2023
Breath-taking surroundings, exquisite food and an unparalleled guest experience
It is difficult to put into words just how fabulous this hotel, and staying here, was to experience... From the moment we arrived, San Domenico Palace’s team showed the very highest level of customer service and care – they truly provide an unparalleled guest experience. Located within this stunning, restored historical monastery in the heart of Taormina’s old town, our beautifully-designed and appointed hotel room featured a private terrace with views over the picturesque hillsides and coastline below. Staying at San Domenico Palace is like staying in a private museum full of beautiful antiquities, albeit artfully framed within gorgeous, luxurious, contemporary surroundings which cater to every possible 5-star need. In summary, the surroundings are quite literally breath-taking, the food exquisite and the team unparalleled in the care they provide. This was an incredible hotel experience which we will never forget, so thank you Team San Domenico Palace!
N/A
17 April 2023
An outstanding vacstion
Everything was outstanding: the location of the hotel, the view from the room, the food, variety and quality of the breakfast, the design and style of the hotel and the courtesy of the staff.
11 April 2023
All very good.
All nice.
Nothing.
9 April 2023
Exceptional
best Four Season hotel !
2 October 2022
Magical setting, ambience and attention to details
Exceptional ambience and attention to all the small details that make the difference. Incredibly attentive staff, wonderful setting, and magnificent hospitality
Bedroom faced hotel entrance and approach road, with great views of Etna, but was woken up very early (2X) by lorry unloading and other logistics.
2 October 2022
Exceptional
Awesome place & location. Exceptional service.
Nothing
1 October 2022
the perfect stay
Staying at The Four Seasons is a next level experience from the attentive service of the staff to the cleanliness of the rooms and amazing food and design throughout the hotel. The property itself is unlike any other I’ve been to. They transformed a historic landmark in a quieter area of Taormina into a beautiful escape, with perfectly manicured courtyard gardens and expertly decorated ballrooms. You could spend hours just walking around the property and enjoying the peace and tranquillity. The property is just a minute or two walk away from the excitement of the city, unlike other luxury hotels in the area, the four seasons is away from any super tourist heavy areas. The staff went above and beyond and helping us reserve restaurant reservations and transportation. We will definitely be returning. Last thing, the pool is one of the best I have ever been to.
27 September 2022
great .. shame about the weather - amazing hotel but value for money I feel the Grand Timeo ( Belmond) is the best by fa
I visited here for over 20 years prior to the Four seasons taking over. it still has its originality charm and character- but maybe lacks warmth being a corporate hotel
as above and pool closes 6pm staff start to prepare - I don’t believe this is comfortable and right.
27 September 2022
The staff are wonderful, the hotel & grounds incredible and the Anciovi Restaurant is heavenly.
Breakfast served on either the balcony overlooking the ocean and Mt. Etna is really spectacular as well as the lovely formal dining room, is just heavenly.
14 September 2022
Extraordinary property! Spectacular grounds! Amazing staff! Jaw Dropping Views.. Not to be missed.
Exceptional service and a beautiful hotel. The team was supper attentive and happy to assist with everything. Room was very clean and the shower and bathroom are great. Bed is very comfortable with the best sheets!!! Have to find to buy! Best sheets ever. Breakfast is great with nice selection of food and great service. The view, the gardens simply jaw dropping gorgeous! Lovely entertainment in the courtyard after dinner. Simply beautiful, luxurious and AA+++ experience. Already booked for next year!
our room was tinny-tiny, but its an old monastery, so its to be expected. Its not preventing us from coming back. We enjoy a cocktail before heading out to dinner. and the drinks are tinny-tiny as well. Don't get me wrong, we are not huge drinkers. A standard martini is about 6 oz. These we maybe 3oz and cost 28EU.
12 September 2022
A true visual feast for the eyes, and a refuge from the frenzy of Taormina
staff were professional and provided excellent service.
the wine list was not comprehensive, by the glass mostly Italian wines. television did not have what was advertised by the Hotel on the website. there always seemed to be people in my room either repairing things, delivering items which could easily be provided in the room initially, or overly servicing.
11 September 2022
one of the finest hotels I ever stayed in
its beauty and elegance
nothing
8 September 2022
fantastic place , amazing hotel
the location, the facilities , the building, the breakfast, the pool
nothing
6 September 2022
Historical hotel with fabulous service.
Consistent and impeccable service by all staff whether at reception or one of the restaurants.
2 September 2022
An exceptional historic hotel - one of the best in the world.
Have travelled extensively for both work and pleasure - this is the best hotel we have stayed in, anywhere in the world. The staff are absolutely exceptional- professional, consistent and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble and everything is done to the highest standard. A special mention to Denise who was a very special host. The hotel itself is remarkable. Historic and painstakingly restored- the perfect balance between old and new. Some parts of the hotel feel like you are in a museum. The court yard next to reception is charming and a place we really enjoyed having an evening drink in after the stunning pool and before dinner. We also thought the food at Massimo Manttaro’s restaurant was the best we ate at in Sicily (far better than up the road at the Belmond). An exceptional stay in every respect, words don’t do it justice.
The hotel is expensive… but we left feeling like it was worth every cent.
2 September 2022
Exceptional
fantastic hotel!
31 August 2022
Good as a Four Season has to be! The staff were really good.
The view, best staff and perfect location.
22 August 2022
Unforgettable 4 days at the best Four Seasons Hotel I’ve experienced so far.
Amazing property, beautiful location, incredible attention to each and every detail.
It is really hard to find something that you don’t like about this amazing ex monastery, turned into probably the most luxurious Four Seasons hotel
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kid meals
- - Kid-friendly buffet
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Lockers
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Solarium
- - Spa and wellness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Hammam
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (seasonal)
Entertainment and family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
- - Board games/puzzles
- - Strollers
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Accessible parking
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Emergency cord in bathroom
Pool and wellness
- - Infinity pool
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming Pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
8 June 2023
Fabulous
Service at the outside courtyard bar was very slow and disorganized. But, also very beautiful.