| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 28 positive, 0 negative]
|
| 10/18/09 |
Positive
|
Can't thank Kevin enough for his help while staying at his apartment. It was nice to have a "local" to show us around & suggest places to dine, etc. It's a lovely apartment, all you need is just minutes away. Really enjoyed the food at Mastrarua on Via v. Veneto and the big fat glasses of red wine at Minerva just around the corner from the apt.Would not hesitate to reccommend this rental.
Jim & Leona Henry |
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Jim & Leona Henry, St.Catharines, Ont. Can. |
|
| 07/01/09 |
Positive
|
| My husband and I spent 5 nights in the apartment in June, and it was just lovely. The apartment was so comfortable, and exactly as described. The location in Siracusa is terrific. Frank was away when we were there, but Kevin could not have been of more help to us -- starting with walking us around the neighborhood and orienting us to where we were, coming with us to get tickets (and recommending the seats we should get) for Medea at the Teatro Greco (which was absolutely stunning!), providing us with excellent restaurant recommendations (in Siracusa and Noto) and information about the market (which we loved -- one of the best we've found in Italy!), to, what was above and beyond, helping us to get our lost luggage back from Alitalia (which my husband has now named Malitalia!). Kevin's helpfulness and attentiveness made a special stay even more so. We could not have imagined a better stay. Grazie mille!!! |
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KT Newton, Bryn Mawr, PA
610-527-0177 |
|
| 05/19/09 |
Positive
|
We’ve returned to Down Under after our gloriously long holiday.
Just wanted to thank you for everything . The apartment was exactly as described and the area was just perfect. The markets were brilliant and Kevin’s recommendations on food were spot on! The mini-market is a great asset but don't forget the shop next door. The simple foods baked fresh every day are superb too!
The island is that perfect blend of human scale, interest and history.
We had a fantastic time in Siracusa and it stands as the highlight of the whole trip. Loved it from start to finish and can’t wait to go back!
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Yaron, Ruby and Ava, Sydney, Australia |
|
| 03/27/09 |
Positive
|
My husband Jerry and I spent 2 months Jan/Feb 09 in this beautiful apartment. It was equipped with every thing; it was complete. The location was perfect. It was close to everything, including a family owned grocery store. Happy hour is about 7 p.m.. I suggest to stop there, to enjoy the Sicilian flavor. The store is on Via Giudecca.
We would not have enjoyed our stay as much without Frank and Kevin. We took a day trip together and they also invited us to their home several times. We were honored to be included in Frank's unforgettable birthday party.
We highly recommend this beautiful place. We hope to be back there sometime soon.
Jerry and Anneke Hyatt, Cape Cod USA |
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anneke, cape cod, usa |
|
| 12/28/08 |
Positive
|
My wife, young daughter and I stayed in this
wonderful apartment for a week in May, 2007 and
cannot more highly recommend it. Frank and Kevin
were friendly and accessible and the apartment
itself was a complete joy to stay in. With daily trips
to the produce market and late night wandering
around this beautiful island, we were immersed in
the seductive rhythm of daily life on Ortygia from
the moment we arrived. We look forward to
returning soon. |
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Steven, Miami Beach, FL |
|
| 10/19/08 |
Positive
|
My wife and I spent a week in this delightful, well
appointed, and comfortable apartment and can't
imagine a more interesting setting or more gracious
hosts. Frank and Kevin are full of information about
Ortygia and share it with great enthusiasm. They treat
their renters as guests. |
| |
Edward Berry, Ontario, Canada |
|
| 08/12/08 |
Positive
|
we had 16 wonderful days in this apartment in
September/October '07, and i would endorse all of
the glowing comments about the flat, the street,
the neighbourhood and lovely, lovely Ortigia. Go to
the local mini-market; the padrona and her son are
some double act! We couldn't understand a word
they said, but it was still fun listening to them. I
really appreciated the feeling of living in a non-
tourist area, yet being within a short, gentle stroll
of the glorious Piazza del Duomo |
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douglas graham, hamilton, scotland
01698285294 |
|
| 08/11/08 |
Positive
|
| We stayed in the apartment in August last year and had a lovely time. Frank was very welcoming and the apartment was very comfortable. Lovely memories of the square in Ortigia. |
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Anonymous |
|
| 07/26/08 |
Positive
|
| We spent a week at your beautifully appointed apartment in June. It is in a great position, close to restaurants, shops, a well stocked small supermarket, and of course the produce market. Also there is a free bus service at the end of the street which travels around the island and ends at the bus/train station at Siracusa. We did not hire a car, but travelled to other towns by the local airconditioned and very comfortable bus, which departs from near the station. Kevin & Frank were wonderful hosts and gave us useful information about their beautiful island. We highly recommend this property, as it is very well appointed and close to everything. |
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Alma & Kevin, Melbourne, Australia
0418378193 |
|
| 06/12/08 |
Positive
|
Frank and Kevin are great hosts and will help you
out as much as you need. The apartment is large,
well decorated and on a fantastic street. We spent
six nights in June here and had a fantastic time
exploring the Ortygia, the surrouding coastline
(Elora beach is excellent) and sights (don't miss
Noto and Etna). If you want somewhere that has a
bit of wow factor and is comfy too, then this place
hits the target. |
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Ashley Pegg, London, UK |
|
| 05/05/08 |
Positive
|
We stayed 7 nights in Kevin and Frank's magnificent apartment in March.We found it to be quite perfect, immaculate and yet very comfortable and homely. The furnishings are stunning, an incredibly comfortable bed and great bathroom. We loved being there so much that we enjoyed a few meals at home with wonderful fresh produce from the fabulous local market. It was great to be able to drop by 'home' for lunch. The warmth and welcome was amazing and the genuine hospitality and friendship from our hosts created an unforgettable experience within our 8 weeks in southern Italy.We celebrated a birthday and anniversary with them that will never be surpassed.
Ortigia was a unique destination and a great base for touring. We travelled everywhere only by train ( throughout the south )The shops and restaurants are fabulous, there is so much to see you need minimum of a week.
We would love to return and base ourselves here again and see all of this magnificent Island. |
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Barbara and Philip, Adelaide, South Australia |
|
| 02/26/08 |
Positive
|
| This was our first visit to Sicily. We wanted to come to this area as we interested in ancient history and archaeology and found this apartment on the web site. We were convinced in our choice by the many positive comments from previous 'tenants' and we certainly were not disappointed. Everything was as is described on the website and we lacked nothing. The apartment is tastefully appointed and beautifully furnished. We felt very much 'at home'. We hired a car from Catania airport and were met by Kevin and Frank who directed us the the 'free' car park, which we used throughout our stay. (Driving in Siracusa/ Ortigia is another experience!) Kevin and Frank greeted us warmly and assisted us to the apartment. They were always available on the phone should we need them, gave us many 'tips' about Ortigia, Syracuse and 'environs' and also provided us with the most delicious freshly squeezed juice from their orchard in the country. The restaurants are excellent, particulalrly those recommended by our hosts, and fresh fruits, vegetables and fish available in abundance from the local market. We had a marvellous time and spent the 11 days in the South East! So we still have the rest of Sicily to visit, but would love to return here too one day. Thank you, Frank and Kevin. Geoff and Carol Le Cocq. Jersey. Channel Islands |
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Lilla carol Le Cocq, Jersey. Channel Islands
07797732952 |
|
| 02/06/08 |
Positive
|
We have stayed in a number of apartments in Italy and this would have to be rated as one of the best. One of the first things we noticed was the high beamed ceilings and light fixtures that were picked to compliment the architecture including a large hanging chandelier over the dinning table.
The furniture includes antiques and period pieces that produce a pleasing visual experience.
It is well appointed with all the basics that one needs--- including a great shower.
We fixed several meals in the evening and enjoyed the ambience of the apartment, turned in early for a good nights rest to explore the island the next day.
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Zane & Helen Bergeson, Salt Lake City, Utah |
|
| 01/08/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
The following comment came to us as an e-mail message. Although comments posted by owners are not rated, we thought we'd simply copy and paste this positive message here for all to see anyway:
"We would like to say how much we enjoyed staying at your apartment. It was perfectly described in Owners Direct. The stairs, although a little steep were no problem and if there had been a problem a stairlift was available. The air conditioning was needed in September and soon had the apartment nice and cool. Everything was very clean and comfortable. Kevin was a joy to meet. He was very welcoming and helpful and was available if needed by telephone. Arrangements were made for transport to and from the airport and everything went smoothly. I recommend this apartment to anyone who wants to experience the considerable delights of Ortigia. We stayed a fortnight and enjoyed every day."
If you and Frank ever come to South Wales please look us up.
Best wishes
Gloria and Barrie
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Gloria & Barrie Williams
South Wales
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|
| 01/07/08 |
Positive
|
You won't be disappointed! This beautiful, comfortable apartment is in a lovely neighborhood of Ortygia Island, in the ancient city of Siracusa. It is a short walk to everything you need. Great restaurants, fantastic fish and vegetable markets and quiet walks along the water are all nearby.
Frank and Kevin are friendly, hospitable hosts who are there when you need them. They made our trip to Siracusa and the rest of Sicily much more enjoyable. They know the good restaurants that are reasonably priced, great places to shop, and sites that should not be missed. And they can advise you on trips outside of Siracusa throughout Sicily.
We have already recommended this apartment to friends and plan to visit again soon.
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Andy Beers
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|
| 01/04/08 |
Positive
|
| Notwithstanding the rather windy rainy conditions for our Christmas in Siracusa the entire experience was lovely - the apartment is perfectly in the center of everything in this stunning jewel of antiquity - thank you Kevin and Frank for welcoming us with warmth and charm. Our advice to all "book soon and often" this little gem in a exceptionally lovely ancient enclave. |
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Sachiko Kiyabu, New York NY
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|
| 01/03/08 |
Positive
|
| As mentioned by others that stayed here, the picture does not do justice to just how elegant this apartment is. We shopped at the local market, prepared a meal, set a beautiful table with dishes nicer than I use at home and it sort of looked like a photo layout from a Gourmet article on places to stay in Sicily. The unit is immaculately clean and the art work and glass were nicer than many four star hotels. Kevin and Frank went out of their way to make our stay easy, even parking their car in a convenient spot so they could move it when we arrived. The location was perfect and we ate the best bread we found in Italy from a bakery which gave us bread out of the oven for the coins in our pocket. Kevin and Frank are knowledgeable about local restuarants and following their recommendations we found fabulous pizza and great Sicilian cooking. Our only regret is that we did not stay longer. This was definitely the best place we stayed in on a ten week vacation. |
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Donna Hess, Kirkland, Wash
425 828 0516 |
|
| 07/05/07 |
Positive
|
| A (fine) home away from home! Wonderful place-the description and photos, as good as they are, don't do it justice. It's a great apartment,centrally located but quiet, beautifully restored and decorated,fully equipped for daily living (everything works), in a well-maintained solid old building on a street with NO CARS, plus a fine restaurant (Oinos) just around the corner. Best of all are the hosts, Frank and Kevin, who are friendly,gracious, knowledgeable, helpful and low-key. The daily farmer's market with great looking/tasting produce, seafood & breads is a fine bonus. If you need to check e-mail, there are 2 Internet places a short walk from the apt. |
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Arthur & Lynn Penn, Baton Rouge, LA |
|
| 06/23/07 |
Positive
|
What a joy! We spent 2 weeks in this beautiful apartment living amongst Sicilians, not a tourist in site, apart from us of course.Ortigia is so compact and yet so interesting with narrow streets filled with shops and more churches per square foot than any where else we have been. All this and the wonderful Frank & Kevin. They are the most kind and helpful people you would want to meet. We even had the extra pleasure of meeting some of the very welcoming local English speaking community plus, with some of them, an exciting tour of 'Godfather' country organised by Stephen.
This was one of our very best holidays and, being in our 70's, we've had a few. |
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Jim & Mary Robinson, Bradford, West Yorkshire, England
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|
| 06/20/07 |
Positive
|
As previous comments reflect, this apartment is
fabulous, in a fabulous location, and filled with
everything one needs. And, to top that off, owners
Frank and Kevin were delightful and hugely helpful
with tips on sights, restaurants and shopping, help
getting into and out of confusing Ortigia, help with
parking, etc. We spent five nights, loved every
minute, could have spent far longer. Go as soon as
you can. |
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Diane Ross, San Francisco, CA |
|
| 06/02/07 |
Positive
|
| We spent a week in the Jewel of an Apt. and loved it. Frank and Kevin were so helpful and generous. They had indeed thought of everything to make a visitor's stay comfortable. Many suggestions about where to go, where to eat and where to park! We loved Ortigia, and the apartment was indeed the best place we stayed in our month in Italia. |
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Nancy & Bill Dutcher, Oakland, CA, USA
510-653-6018 |
|
| 05/07/07 |
Positive
|
| A lovely, comfortable, pretty apartment.Right in the historic centre, a few minutes walk from the sea and many wonderful restaurants.(we recommend Oimos, very good quality and fantastic value.Locanda Mastrarua is also really good )Kevin and Frank are really helpful (and great fun!)The only negative is parking but there is loads to do on foot!Great value! |
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Rob & Jacqui, London, England
00442083680367 |
|
| 05/06/07 |
Positive
|
Lovely apartment in a terrific neighbourhood lived in by the locals - not over run by tourists.
Frank is a very friendly and helpful host and provided all the information we needed to start exploring the area, including the great 'has nearly everything' shop just down the road.
The photo's on site don't do the apartment justice. We can report the sofa bed is very comfortable as it accomodated our 6'6" son.
We will definately be returning.
Thanks again Frank.
|
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Jill & Ray Campling, London, U.K. |
|
| 04/19/07 |
Positive
|
| Wow! We never expected such a lovely, comfortable apartment so close to everything. We were so impressed with the apartment, Ortigia and our fabulous American hosts. We experienced the warmth of the Sicilians and highly recommend this apartment to anyone visiting Siracusa. |
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Marilyn & Jerry Feldman, Melbourne, Florida
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|
| 04/04/07 |
Positive
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| I stayed here for 6 nights and found the location very convenient, the surroundings lovely, and the rental agents were very helpful and totally accommodating to our needs. They even recommended a wonderful place for me to stay in Rome! It was a great place to stay to enjoy Siracusa. |
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Mary Linares, White River Jct., Vt. USA
802-295-1803 |
|
| 12/15/06 |
Positive
|
| We stayed for six wonderful nights in this relaxed apartment. It is located in the middle of a thriving neighbourhood with grocery shops, restaurants and cafes close by. The apartment is bright and spacious with all necessary amenities. It was easy to cook and entertain friends. The bathroom was beautifully appointed and functional. The bed was firm and comfortable and faced two sunny windows. The bedroom contained the most beautiful hand-made cabinets we have ever seen. Added to the comfort of the apartment was the unique hospitality of our two hosts who were genuinely open and helpful, even lending us their cell phone to keep in touch. Our stay in Ortigia was exceptional in large part because of the ease of experiencing everyday life in the apartment and the kindness of our hosts. The apartment surpassed all of our expectations. We will return for a longer stay. Stuart Rush, Vancouver, Canada |
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Stuart Rush, Vancouver, B.C.
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|
| 12/07/06 |
Positive
|
From the time we arrived in Ortigia until our departure nine days later, our stay in the apartment was close to perfect. The kindness of our hosts and their desire to make our stay comfortable and memorable was without equal compared to previous rental experiences in Italy or in France . The apartment is comfortable and very well appointed. All appliances are new and in working order. Our hosts kept us posted on the results of the November elections (the television in the apartment offers only Italian programming).
The neighborhood is delightful with friendly trades’ people in the meat market and grocery store just steps from the apartment. Close to the apartment there is a traditional marionette theatre featuring performances during the weekend. There are excellent restaurants and cafes all over the island. We enjoyed the Café Minerva near the Duomo (try the Elixir Minerva). Buses to and from Siracusa are available within walking distance of the apartment. Near the bus station is a daily open market which is a treat in itself. Fresh produce, fish, cheeses and local specialties are available amidst the fun and confusion.
Tours to surrounding cities were available but we preferred to enlist one of our hosts, for a reasonable fee, and were pleasantly surprised to learn that Kevin is an articulate and informed Art and History buff. The weather during October and November was warm during the day and cooler at night. We would highly recommend this rental to anyone interested in visiting this part of Sicily .
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Obie & Peter, Chicago, IL |
|
| 11/22/06 |
Positive
|
We had a magnificent stay at the apartment. The
weather in Siracusa in November was superb -
sunny and warm, perfect for walking around or
lounging at cafes. The apartment's owners couldn't
have been nicer or more helpful - they helped us
find scarce parking in Ortygia and gave us a very
helpful orientation to the island. The apartment is
very well situated, within easy walking distance of
everything, and is very well furnished. Don't miss
Osteria Da Mariana nearby for an authentic Sicilian
dinner, or Fermente across the road for a wonderful
dinner. |
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Anonymous, Toronto, Ontario |
|
| 11/19/06 |
Positive
|
| Really excellent apartment in a fantastic location. Within a few minutes walk of everything you need. Owners very friendly,welcoming and helpful. Highly recommended. |
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Anonymous |
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