Villa Scilla e Cariddi — Hotel in Messina

Edited review, in light of the owners reply.

Absolutely wonderful common interior, with curious antiques and odd object to peruse. You get a great view of the Messina waters and the mainland... They even have a piano!

The rooms are tired and lack maintenance, open electrical junction boxes, missing tap aerators, floor trims coming away from the walls, but the paint is fresh, so that make it all perfect.

As the owner states "BREAKFAST IS NO LONGER PROVIDED", not even a biscuit...If you are a returning customer, it's worth noting this, as we were looking forward to the great breakfast that they apparently used to provide.... If you want breakfast, it's best to book somewhere else.

There is an industrial coffee machine that delivers a very average espresso. It's very convenient for the owners, and it's use is included in the price of the room, so it's therefore "complimentary" (apparently the people of Naples think this is a great espresso...most of the western world drink espresso, but if the people of Naples say its good then it must be)

They don't even provide fresh milk.. That not asking for much.

Go for the view, but bring your own...

This was a very welcoming place to stay and the family were delightful and very interesting, the owner indeed having been educated in Britain spoke excellent English as did her family. The house is full of character with interesting artefacts, is clean and comfortable with beautiful views across the Messina Straits from the terrace. We went for New Year and it was unseasonably cold, with snow the following day so were not able to sit out on the terrace but am sure it would be a wonderful place to eat breakfast and start the day. The breakfast was fine with cereal and a selection of cakes...standard fare in Italy but at least these were not prepacked and the coffee was good....tea was also available. You do have to drive out for a meal but al least it made us explore the place a little and eat with locals who are very friendly indeed.Would recommend this place and it's especially convenient if you are...

In the unlovely suburbs of Messina and tricky to find, but once inside the gates there is a leafy terrace that commands a splendid view over the Straits to Calabria, with ferries crossing constantly. The owner speaks excellent English, having lived in London. What is really nice - and different - is that one is effectively staying in a private house, furnished as such, rather than the usual anonymous room. A drawback is that there is really nowhere locally to eat, which means getting in the car and driving...