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Sea in front, baroque Syracuse behind. Grand Hotel Des Étrangers occupies one of the most enviable addresses on Ortigia.
This swish hotel has been part of the island’s story since 1906, and you can still sense that early grand-hotel confidence in the architecture. High ceilings, marble floors, fancy chandeliers, and generous proportions give the place a sense of occasion, though recent renovations have softened things with contemporary comfort, making it feel polished rather than precious. What really makes it work is how easily the city fits around it. Ortigia is wonderfully walkable, so you’ll spend most of your time drifting between the waterfront, Piazza Duomo and the maze of streets in between.
Why we love Grand Hotel Des Étrangers
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A waterfront position that puts the Ionian Sea directly outside the front door.
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The Miramare infinity pool and Sarausa Spa add a welcome layer of relaxation to a city hotel stay.
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A historic grand hotel that feels polished and comfortable rather than overly formal.
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A rooftop terrace where sunset drinks come with sweeping harbour views and very little incentive to leave.
Rooms
Rooms keep things elegant without overdoing the historic drama. Soft colours, tall windows and polished finishes create spaces that feel calm after a day navigating Ortigia’s lively streets.#/#The hotel offers several room types, though if you’re choosing between them the Superior Sea View room is our recommended choice. Waking up to that wide stretch of Ionian blue makes the location feel even more special.#/#
A compact but stylish base for exploring Ortigia, with high ceilings and polished wooden floors that hint at the building’s historic character.
- king-size or twin beds
- internal or street views
- air-conditioning
- smart television
- minibar
- safe
- Wi-Fi
- 22 to 27m²
Our recommended choice. Bright, well-proportioned rooms with open views across Ortigia and the Ionian Sea.
- king-size or twin beds
- French balcony with sea view towards Ortigia
- air-conditioning
- smart television
- minibar
- safe
- Wi-Fi
- 27 to 32m²
A larger room with balcony space and wide sea views that make the most of the hotel’s waterfront position.
- king-size or twin beds
- French balcony with sea view
- air-conditioning
- smart television
- minibar
- safe
- Wi-Fi
- 32 to 40m²
A spacious option with a French balcony overlooking the sea, offering more room to relax between exploring Ortigia and heading out for dinner.
- king-size or twin beds
- sitting area
- French balcony with sea view
- air-conditioning
- smart television
- minibar
- safe
- Wi-Fi
- 40m²
Facilities
Seafood naturally takes centre stage here, and the hotel restaurant focuses on Mediterranean cooking built around local ingredients. Expect dishes that highlight the island’s coastal flavours without trying to reinvent them. Up on the rooftop terrace the mood shifts slightly when cocktails arrive and the harbour stretches out in front of you.#/#
Clou
A smart restaurant serving Mediterranean and Sicilian dishes with an emphasis on local seafood.
Clou Rooftop Bar
A rooftop restaurant and cocktail terrace offering panoramic views across the Ionian Sea and Ortigia’s harbour.
What's Included
Breakfast
Set within the historic building, the Sarausa Spa & Wellness is designed to feel calm and restorative, with interiors inspired by ancient Greek sanctuaries. Treatments use products from the Parisian spa brand Cinq Mondes and range from facials to full-body rituals drawn from traditional wellness practices around the world. Outside, the Miramare infinity pool is the real highlight. Overlooking the harbour and the Ionian Sea, it’s the only sea-view pool on Ortigia.
Guest reviews
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