C.C.Ly Hostel — Hotel in Catania

First, I loved that I was able to communicate with Marco over WhatsApp before leaving California so I was able to know he'd have a bed for me upon my arrival from Palermo. ||||Then, when my flight got messed up badly, stranding me in Catania late at night, I was able to contact him again and it was a relief to know I could stay on that unexpected night.||||I loved that it was an easy walk from the train station. I wasn’t too sure I was in a safe neighborhood but it didn’t feel threatening. At the gate I had some challenge figuring exactly how to get in and where to go, but it really is marked clearly. ||||Walking through that old gate, into that huge door into that old mansion or whatever it really was and up the marble (?) stairs was amazing. (There’s a lift but I always worry about old lifts.) ||||I was welcomed nicely. It was late. I’d been traveling for 3 days due to flight issues. I was very hungry, tired, and not feeling quite well. I put my bag down, locked up some stuff in my personal locker in the dorm, and happy for the advice about the restaurant immediately next to them, went out for the latest-night-calzone I’d ever had. Then, off to bed. ||||I liked that I had a night table and locker right by my bottom bunk. The women’s dorm is right across from the women’s bathroom, which was easy. I loved the long sink with several taps; this keeps the floor much drier than small sinks. The shower was a bit cramped and, as I almost always do in any hostel, I wished for a place to dry and dress or to place my toiletries. They have a good place to keep your clothes dry though. ||||That first morning I received good advice and directions to purchase a SIM card and off I went. I’d have liked to keep my backpack there while seeking the SIM card, but there’s a steep fee for that. (5 euro for a few hours and then 5 more. That’s a negative to me. Later I saw that others were very surprised and unhappy with it too.)||||I returned for another stay several days later; my actual planned time there. Again, I was comfortable enough. For some reason, I didn’t find it a social hostel but that’s a reflection of the other guests, not Marco. I hardly saw Marco while there. I used the kitchen a bit, happy to have coffee and tea, but didn’t cook there. I didn’t eat the breakfast as I’m not a bread and jam and cereal eater. I liked that I could sit comfortably in the common room. ||||Unfortunately, I ended on a bad feeling. I’d misplaced my key card. (Likely within the hostel or building.) Not seeing the hostess, I was about to leave 10 euro, which I thought quite generous. As I was leaving it, the hostess came out and told me it cost 20 euro for the lost card. Considering that every other hostel and hotel doesn’t care if you lose a card (although I never have before), I thought 20 euro for a lost key card to be quite high. ||||Last comments:||Because some reviewers have mentioned the area in years past I’ll add in Sept and Oct 2017 there was one empty, not nice street you could drive or walk to the hostel but there were also several other approaches that are nice and comfortable. ||||Also, my good friend is a tour guide who loved Sicily and she said she often comes to the area and the restaurant...

This hostel is fairly easy to find and located very close to the central bus and rail stations, so you don't have to take public transport which can be confusing if you dont speak the language! I travelled alone, and felt quite skeptical about Catania when first arriving, but Marco welcomed me to his city and the experience was transformed! This hostel does not have the 'spec' of some newer popular chain hostels, but Marcos enthusiasm and genuine wish to show his guests his home is far more valuable than these material assets. Marco loves to meet new people from all over the world, and will his enthusiasm shines in this hostel! He will show you all of the best and traditional places to eat and drink (he will also join you when he can!), and great spots to visit to make the most of your stay in Catania and Sicily. He has so much knowledge of the place, that you will not need your travel guidebook! I would highly recommend this hostel for anybody who wishes to experience the...

CCLY Hostel, (pronounced: Si Si Ly....SICILY), is housed in an old palace about 5 minutes walk from the train/bus station, and about 5-10 minutes walk from the center of Catania. This is a small hostel with dormitory and private rooms, all tastefully decorated in 60's Retro style, with brightly colored wallpaper throughout. There is an elevator to take you to the 3rd floor, and even a view of Mt Etna from the kitchen and living room windows. The kitchen is always available for cooking, and breakfast is included. Marco, the owner of the hostel, is a very kind man, and he will go out of his way to help you. He will even provide a map with a detailed walking tour that starts with GELATO! Does it get better than that? I would highly recommend this place if you are...