Hilton HHonors - Scandic by Hilton Siracusa (soon to be the HGI Siracusa)

The Scandic by Hilton Siracusa (soon to become a Hilton Garden Inn) is a modern (opened June 2005); modest hotel with 82 rooms spread over five floors. The property is run as a Hilton franchise and is owned by Euro Construzioni SpA (the same company also owns the Hilton Portorosa). The hotel is located in a suburban area of Syracuse (about 2 km from the train station) next to the city's archaeological site of Neapolis, and close to the Catacombs of San Giovanni, the Archaeological Museum, the Paolo Orsi and the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime.

I recently (April 2007) spent two enjoyable nights at the property and am happy to recommend to this hotel if your travels take you to Syracuse.

I booked a non-refundable rate of € 56 per night B & B, which was a great deal to start with – but when you take into account the special Diamond benefits offered at Scandic properties (viz a €10 Food and Beverage Voucher for each night; 25% discount on food and beverage; and 50% discount on movies), it was an outstanding deal.

At check-in, my Diamond status was recognized in the form of the special Diamond benefits; no room upgrade was offered (or requested). My room was comfortable, well appointed but the TV seemed a little small.

The hotel offers all of the facilities and services that you would expect of a three star property, including: free internet with two PCs available in a special room just off the lobby; an all-day restaurant and bar; and an outdoor “Patio” where you can enjoy your beverage. Given the included breakfast, the Diamond 25% and € 10 discounts, I had all of my meals at the restaurant and I was never disappointed. The Scandic is VERY popular with tour groups and was at 100% occupancy during my entire stay and although the restaurant was very busy at breakfast and dinner, service was quick and efficient.

Contacts: The Front Desk Manager is Carla GRASSI and the e-mail address is Res.Siracusa@scandicbyhilton.com

The staff were friendly and efficient and I enjoyed my stay.

The Scandic by Hilton Siracusa (soon to become a Hilton Garden Inn) is a modern (opened June 2005); modest hotel with 82 rooms spread over five floors. The property is run as a Hilton franchise and is owned by Euro Construzioni SpA (the same company also owns the Hilton Portorosa). The hotel is located in a suburban area of Syracuse (about 2 km from the train station) next to the city's archaeological site of Neapolis, and close to the Catacombs of San Giovanni, the Archaeological Museum, the Paolo Orsi and the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime.

I recently (April 2007) spent two enjoyable nights at the property and am happy to recommend to this hotel if your travels take you to Syracuse.

I booked a non-refundable rate of € 56 per night B & B, which was a great deal to start with – but when you take into account the special Diamond benefits offered at Scandic properties (viz a €10 Food and Beverage Voucher for each night; 25% discount on food and beverage; and 50% discount on movies), it was an outstanding deal.

At check-in, my Diamond status was recognized in the form of the special Diamond benefits; no room upgrade was offered (or requested). My room was comfortable, well appointed but the TV seemed a little small.

The hotel offers all of the facilities and services that you would expect of a three star property, including: free internet with two PCs available in a special room just off the lobby; an all-day restaurant and bar; and an outdoor “Patio” where you can enjoy your beverage. Given the included breakfast, the Diamond 25% and € 10 discounts, I had all of my meals at the restaurant and I was never disappointed. The Scandic is VERY popular with tour groups and was at 100% occupancy during my entire stay and although the restaurant was very busy at breakfast and dinner, service was quick and efficient.

Contacts: The Front Desk Manager is Carla GRASSI and the e-mail address is Res.Siracusa@scandicbyhilton.com

The staff were friendly and efficient and I enjoyed my stay.

Great detailed reveiw! ^

Couple of questions.

Was their A/C working while you were there?

Any idea when the conversion/re-flagging is to take place? I would love to get those Scandic benefits as they are not given at a HGI!!!

Were you able to get a non-smoking room, as it is impossible to pre-book one.

Any favored views or corner rooms or suites?

In addition, I did a bit of sleuthing, and although you are correct that the hotel dates to 2005 as a Scandic, I believe it is a far older hotel.

Prior to that, it was a Holiday Inn and before that, I think it belonged to a now dead Italian chain of modest motor hotels know as AGIP.

In any event, what were the beds and rooms like? New comfortable while pillow top mattress beds? Furnishings tired looking? Bathrooms, as well?

I have seen pictures of the Scandic Bari, and the pictures of the Siracusa, are not even in the same league. Are the pictures of the Siracusa property accurate, for the room pictured look awfully tiny.

By the way, I think the small TVs are an Italian or Sicilian thing. I saw the pictures that are available for the Portorsa, Villa Igiea, Excelsior and De Palmes properties, and they all have small TVs!

Unfortunately, I unable to give detailed responses to your questions other than to say I did not seem to have aproblem with getting a non-smoking room and I would guess that the AC did not present a problem otherwise I would have complained.

As best as I can recall, all of the rooms seem to be the same and the bed was comfortable. My expectations were not that high to start with considering the rate (EUR 56 minus 10) and the food discount I was very pleased with my stay.

You are right in that the Siracusa compares very poorly with the Scandic by Hilton Bari which is a modern, thoughtfully designed hotel. The Bari is a great hotel in a lousy location.

Thanks, Bondi!