The Accommodation

The rooms are located on 3 floors, accessed by a lift, and are all elegantly furnished andcombine modern comfort with character features by preserving many of the building’s original architectural elements. Each room is a different design with the choice of Classic, Superior, Deluxe, Prestige rooms with with access to the 19th century hall, and there are also 3 Suites.

All the rooms have a safe, air conditioning, TV, telephone, free WiFi, internet connection, minibar, hairdryer and en suite bath and/or shower room.

The Facilities

Attention has been paid to every detail in order to maintain the authenticity of this period residence using typical local building products to create geometrically patterned floors in pitch stone from Ragusa and white Comiso stone, barrel vaulted ceilings and exposed stone window surrounds. Guests will have the privilege of experiencing traditional Hyblean hospitality with courteous staff, excellent service in a convenient location to explore the local town and area.

There is a continental style buffet breakfast served with local products and a lounge bar offering guests drinks, aperitifs and snacks throughout the day. The reception offers guests hotel and location information and can book cooking classes, bike and quad rental, food and wine tours and other activities.

De Stefano Palace Hotel has created an elegant Wellness centre & spa with a small Thalasso indoor pool (heated) with jacuzzi jets and filled with seawater, Turkish bath, massage room and relax with herbal teas (all extra cost):
60 minutes (max 4 people) €30pp
60 min exclusive use (max 2 people) €50pp with prosecco included

It is possible for guests to access the sister hotel Villa del Lauro (100m away) with terraced picturesque garden with a swimming pool (open April - October), adjoining hydro massage pool and sunbeds on the lawn.

Close to the hotel there are many typical Sicilian restaurants, bars, ice cream parlours, shops and steps that lead to Ragusa Ibla with many historical sites of interest for guests to explore being part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Local Area

Ragusa is situated in south east Sicily, built on a wide limestone hill between two deep valleys. In 1693 the city was devastated by an earthquake and was largely rebuilt forming two distinct areas, the lower and older town of Ragusa Ibla and the upper town of Ragusa Superiore with many Baroque buildings from this period. The two towns, separated by the Valle dei Ponti, a deep ravine crossed by four bridges including the 18^th century Ponte dei Cappuccini, remained separated until 1926 when they were fused together to become the provincial capital.

Ragusa is renowned for its Baroque buildings and together with 7 other cities in the Val di Noto, it is part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including 18 stunning pieces of architectural interest, drawing art and history enthusiasts from all over the world.

The main sites in Ragusa Superiore include the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista just 400m from De Stefano Palace Hotel and the Museo Archeologico 900m away.

Ragusa Ibla is accessed via steps not far from the hotel with many places of historical interest such as the 15^th century church of Santa Maria della Scale, Duomo di San Giorgio and the Hyblean gardens. It is a delightful old town to wander round with the central Piazza del Duomo (2km from the hotel) which comes to life in the evening with many restaurants including 3 with Michelin stars.

From Ragusa other historic towns of interest to visit include Modica 14km away, Scicli 25km, Ispica 33km and Noto 50km.  The coast and beaches at Marina di Ragusa are approximately 25km away.

Huw's View

De Stefano Palace Hotel was a private residence which has been restored to its original elegance using authentic materials and some 19^th century frescoes.  

It boasts a central location in the historic centre of Ragusa Superiore, an ideal base to admire not only the town’s beautiful Baroque architecture but also to explore the old town of Ragusa Ibla.

It is ideal for those with an interest in art and architecture with a whole host of historical attractions within walking or driving distance as there are numerous other towns and cities to visit relatively close by.

De Stefano Palace Hotel would be a perfect choice for couples or families wishing to explore the diverse history and culture of the island. 

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Essential Information

All prices from are based on accommodation only. Flights, transfers and car hire are priced separately.

Opening/Closing Date: Open All Year Round
Arrival/Departure Day: ANY
Check In: 3PM
Check Out: 11AM
Included in Price: Accommodation as stated, Just Sicily Rep Service and Emergency Number
Not Included in Price: Flights, Transfers, Car Hire and Travel Insurance

COVID-19 Protocols

Our accommodation providers ensure compliance with regulations and COVID-19 protocols from the Italian government in order to ensure the maximum enjoyment, safety and security of our guests whilst on holiday. 

All our hotels, villas and apartments will ensure the maximum level of hygiene and cleanliness given the continuing potential impact of COVID-19 to ensure the healthiest environment in which guests can continue to enjoy their holiday with confidence. The necessary heightened levels of cleaning and preparation of properties and equipment may occasionally have a minor impact on the provision of certain services and facilities, but are unlikely to detract from the overall holiday experience.