Who's Going
Design Lovers, Foodie Weekenders, Fashion Elite
Reason to Stay
Gourmet Eatery, All-Suite Hotel, Designer Interiors
Hotel Type
Luxury Boutique Hotel
Amongst a cluttered landscape of high-end luxury properties, El Jebel is a refreshing dose of luxury boutique hotel located in the center of historic Taormina opposite Palazzo Ciampoli. A restored palazzo façade of unique zig-zag topped Catalan gothic style, the hotel made its debut in 2009 as a partnership between local celebrity chef Pietro D'Agostino of La Capinera who worked with a local investor and recruited French architect to create this truly unique 9-room hotel.
Dramatic stone archways leads to a grand double-door entryway and into a soothing lobby that mixes raw stone surfaces with reclaimed, wide-plank floors that all feel remarkably new for a space that is remarkably old. Flowing layout leads to Restaurant Ciampoli with its blanched-wood décor and glass ceiling gives straight-up views of the building impressive architecture, a mix of Venice and Moorish influences that include an iconic tower.
While the hotel lack the hilltop pool scene of Grand Hotel Timeo or San Domenico, a rooftop tanning deck offers views down to Naxos and Mount Edna. Even more convenient, the hotel has an exclusive arrangement with Paradise Beach Club accessed via private transfer to the Letojanni seashore, Taormina's famous beach equipped with deck chairs, umbrellas, swimming pool and sexy Sicilian-flavored beach scene.
The Room
A series of nine suites and junior suites are arranged within the top floors of the hotel to maximize head-on views Bay of Naxos and more-difficult-to-see Mount Edna. Spaces lack a regional Sicilian feel, seen as a good thing to some who marvel at the wide-plank reclaimed floors, arched architectural details and plaster walls with occasional coat of muted color splash. Décor mixes Venetian and Moorish influences with classic French and Gustavian styles topped-off with must-have amenities like wall-mounted TVs. Individually styled bathrooms range from loft-style with jade green stone tiling and chrome in-lay sinks to more extravagant spaces with clawfoot tubs and pounded-copper sinks under dramatic picture windows.
Preferred Room
Junior Suite
Special Features
Personal Shoppers, Private Beach, Roof Terrace
Amenities
Concierge, Restaurant, Lounge, Historic Hotel
