By Peter Parkorr
A luxury hostel in a fantastic city, with history and the Mediterranean sea to discover, Lol Hostel is a great base for exploring Sicily
The location
The well-presented LoL Hostel is less than 100 yards from both the bus and train stop in Syracuse, and a ten minute stroll from the island of Ortigia, historic centre of ‘Siracusa’. Ten minutes walk in the opposite direction will take you to the archaelogical sites that a lot of people visit for. While the hostels spot is unremarkable, it’s a great point to explore the city from and has cheap eats nearby.
Rooms and bathrooms
The shared dorms in LoL Hostel have clean modern toilets and shower rooms en suite, with free lockers to keep your valuables safe. Some dorms are large, but the high ceilings and good temperature controls ensure you a good nights sleep on the comfy clean linen.
Facilities
A night at the hostel includes basic breakfast, free wifi and there are several public computers.
The chic lounge area is great for relaxing, but even better is the purpose built courtyard to the rear of the hostel. With plenty of tables and chairs, this peaceful sun-trap is great for soaking up some rays. You also get use of the well-provisioned kitchen, great for cooking with a few friends, and the hostel has its own funky bar.
What makes this a luxury hostel
With the air of a design hotel, it’s the stylish presentation of this hostel and great service from staff that really makes LoL Hostel a luxury experience. With their own bar and the comfortable living spaces, you can really enjoy your surroundings after a hot day seeing the sights or before a big night out.
Top tip
The peninsular island of Ortigia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so the best way to discover it is on foot. Don’t pay too much attention to your map and enjoy getting lost in the winding little streets where you can stop to see local crafts or have ice creams and cold drinks. But make sure not to miss the bold structures and views of the coastline from Castello Maniace at the seaward tip of the island.
The Journey
Travelling to Syracuse by bus or train is easy from all the cities of Sicily, with buses usually being quicker and more reliable. A bus from Catania, just up the coast, is less than €10 for a return and will take 1hr20. From Palermo on the far side of Sicily the journey time is around 3hr 15 and will cost between €9 – €12 one way.
Verdict A luxury hostel in a fantastic city, with history and the Mediterranean sea to discover. You’ll want to stay longer if you can!
Fact box
4 Bed Female / Mixed Dorms: €20 – €27pppn
8 Bed Female / Mixed Dorms: €19 – €24pppn
10 Bed Female / Mixed Dorms: €18 – €24pppn
20 Bed Mixed Dorm Loft: €18 – €23pppn
The hostel also has private en suite doubles at €54pn giving you the privacy of a hotel and the benefits of staying at a friendly hostel.
www.lolhostel.com
Via Francesco Crispi 92, 96100, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
About the author
Peter Parkorr is the man behind the camera & keyboard at TravelUnmasked.com.
Born in sunny Dumfries, raised in the North of England he has travelled the world with unreasonable amounts of kit, looking for outdoor adventure and human interest stories. In his last couple of years on the roa he has worked, cycled, volunteered, hitchhiked, paddled, and couchsurfed his way through 23 countries, living in 3 of them.
It’s not all about fun though. He tries to learn from the culture and lifestyle of the people he comes across.
Great review Peter. I wouldn’t usually consider staying in hostels anymore, but the private room option makes it all the more enticing. This one looks ever so stylish too, which helps;-)
Hope life is good!
Katrine x
Thanks Katrine! There was definitely a good mix of both young & more experienced travellers at LoL hostel because the location & facilities are great. Not the grubby but bareable characteristics of yr average hostel at all, classy all the way!! 🙂