The baroque jewel of Sicily, Noto is often overlooked in favour of its neighbour Siracusa, or only considered as a day trip from the latter. Those who choose to stay overnight are rewarded with a calm and small-town charm that many places in bustling Eastern Sicily lack. Sure, you can’t come up with more than a top 10 list of things to do, but you are surrounded by a playground of beauty made of golden sandstone churches, highly ornate 18th century palazzi, and the bubbling energy of the main thoroughfare, Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Q92 Noto mirrors the grandiose beauty outside with its classical-inspired decor inside. Despite the fashionably antique setting, it provides guests with modern amenities, spacious rooms, and gorgeous views of the town. Did I mention you can wake up to the sound of the Cathedral’s bells next door, and open your window to find the main Corso at your feet?
Why stay at Q92 Noto?
To swap your checklist of Sicilian activities for a more relaxed setting, steeped in architectural grandeur. Also, to experience Sicilian hospitality at its finest while living like a king in your own palazzo. With only 10 rooms, Q92 has stayed faithful to its origin as an 18th century residence of Sicilian noblemen.
What are the rooms like at Q92 Noto?
If you like your room to feature a sculpted Greek bust and contemporary paintings lit by an edgy lit frame, this is for you. Every room at Q92 gives both a glimpse into the past and into the present of the city, with paintings and photographs by local artists sharing wall space with reproductions of classical statues. Quirk and extravagance aside, rooms are equipped with all you need, regardless of whether you are staying in a Classic (their core offering) or a more spenny Suite.
The Q92 Mini Suite is the jewel in this hotel’s crown, with a magnificent view of the pedestrianised Corso from the private balcony, which also faces the baroque San Carlo church. Triple-glazed windows allow you to enjoy the views of the without having the noise keep you up at night. With the higher price tag comes a fully-equipped piano bar with a Nespresso coffee-maker, complimentary water (natural and sparkling) supplied three times a day, steel kettle, and a well-stocked mini-bar. Comfortable living room and bedroom all rolled into one, the Mini Suite has a spacious sofa and coffee table stacked with glossy magazines and one big TV with premium cable. The big bathroom with two marble sinks and a huge shower is also a big appeal to cast off the sweat of those hot Sicilian summers. Plus, it comes stocked with fancy ETRO toiletries.
What is the food like at Q92 Noto?
Forget those anonymous buffet rooms – breakfast here is a royal matter. Set up in the grand living room, the hot and cold stations are kissed by light flooding in from the Piazzetta Ercole (the Cathedral square). Freshly-baked cakes and biscuits are playfully placed inside the antique glass-fronted dressers, and a majolica table is the unusual host of jars of jams, spreads, and all kinds of granolas and cereals. A small but mighty spread of local cheeses and cold cuts, alongside a hot station with grilled Mediterranean veg, fresh pizza slices, and bacon, sausages and eggs, make up the savoury offering. There’s no other word to describe Q92’s breakfast but sublime.
Breakfast is served from 7am-10.30am, either indoors or on the outdoor patio facing the Cathedral. This is also a great spot to revisit around sunset, to enjoy Noto’s famous golden hour in all its glory while sipping an Aperol Spritz or a Sicilian Prosecco from the hotel’s bar.
What services does Q92 Noto offer?
The 18th century royals who lived here sadly didn’t have a massage room, but that hasn’t stopped the staff of Q92 from finding wellness solutions to offer its guests. A quick trip to reception is your ticket to organising massages, hair and make up services directly to your room. To melt away the aches of a day of exploration, a small pool awaits in the hotel’s garden – a nudge to Noto’s Greek ancestral connection to underground waters with restorative powers.
The classy front of the hotel doubles as a boutique, with glass cases protecting goods in coral, gold, and other fine jewelry from local luxury brands. Q92 also operates a concierge and transfer service to take you wherever you want to be in the town surroundings. Noto is within easy reach of Siracusa, its coastal sister Noto Marina, Ragusa Ibla, and Catania. Though this is pricier than local transport, you can count on an efficient bespoke service.
What’s the area around Q92 Noto like?
The hotel is slap bang in the middle of the historic centre. Noto’s attractions are all within 15 minutes’ walk from the front door of Q92. A spin in the main Corso would not be complete without a granita or two, but make sure you also check out the baroque San Carlo church facing the hotel entrance, the cathedral of San Nicolò a few steps away, and the 17th century Palazzo Ducezio just opposite; the facade of this grandiose town hall is a tribute to royal French palaces such as Versailles. One great thing about Noto is that you don’t really need Google Maps to orient yourself: everything is on the main Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which ends in the imposing Porta Reale Ferdinandea, the city’s main gate.
What is the service like at Q92 Noto?
Staff are attentive to guests’ needs throughout their stay, and are knowledgeable about the area. You can count on reception being open around the clock, whether you want to request more water for your room or you’d like to book tours and experiences on short notice.
Why you should book a stay at Q92 Noto
There’s simply no hotel like it in Noto and surroundings. Not only do you get to sleep in a beautiful historic palazzo modernised to fit contemporary luxury, you are also part of the texture of this small, golden town, thanks to its location. You also don’t need to go far to find fabulous Sicilian food – if there was ever an unforgettable hotel breakfast, this was it. The super-central hotel is in the best position to explore the surroundings, but the highlights don’t end there. When you make your way back to your room, you are welcomed back with comfort in a unique, restorative setting.
DETAILS
Address: Via Ronco Bernardo Leanti, 4/5, 96017 Noto, Siracusa.
Price: Classic Rooms starting from €350 per night. Q92 Mini Suite from €550 per night
Closest transport: Noto’s central train station is a 10 minutes’ walk away.
Book now: Via Booking.com