The first thing you need to know about the Hotel Caparena is that it is located on the beach and not in the center of the town. The second thing you need to know is that a train runs about 40 yards in front of the hotel and you will hear the train day and night if you leave your windows open. Having said that the beach is beautiful and closing your windows keeps out the noise of the train.

The Hotel Caparena is located about a 15 minute car ride from the center of town. The hotel runs a shuttle that will drop you off and pick you up but you need to call the reception desk well in advance to let them know you will be taking the shuttle. The shuttle holds about 6 people so if the hotel is crowded you may have trouble getting a spot. The staff at the reception desk will call you a taxi which costs about 12€ each way. You can easily catch a taxi back to the hotel from the center of town.

The train station for Taormina is located quite a distance from the center of town.  The hotel was actually closer to the train station than a hotel in town would be. The taxi to the hotel cost 16€.

If you want a view of the sea you need to ask for it or you could end up with a view of the road.

The hotel was very clean and our room was large with a nice sized bathroom.  The lobby was bright and sunny, but the staff was mixed - several people were surly while others were friendly.  Most spoke English well.

The restaurant at the hotel is excellent and they have serve wonderful local wine.  I would give the restaurant 5 stars, but the hotel only 3 stars.