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We arrived in Catania around 7:00 PM and planned to spend the night not too far from the airport at the Four Points by Sheraton Catania Hotel & Conference Center. I am not a fan of this brand and dating back to the SPG days, actively avoided it when I could. This hotel is a clear exception to my general feelings. It was filled with great art, quirky, comfortable, and just across the street from the ocean.
Anthony’s Take: The Four Points by Sheraton Catania Hotel & Conference Center exceeded all my expectations. The Phil Stern Suite we stayed in was quirky, spacious, and fun. The hotel has tons of art, a decent restaurant, an outdoor pool, and more. This stay made me think differently about this brand. Now, if all US Four Points could only be like this one.
Booking
The suite was booked on a Member Flexible Rate for €223. If you’re looking to redeem Marriott Bonvoy® points here, redemptions cost between 15,000 and 22,500 points per night.
Transportation to/from the Hotel
We rented a car and drove to the hotel from Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA). It took around 35 minutes to drive the 12.8 kilometers.
Location
The hotel is located in Catania along a strip of hotels and beach clubs. The area has a few restaurants and shops. There aren’t really any tourist attractions right nearby, but it’s good if you want to hang out by the seashore.
Check-in
We arrived around 7:00 PM and our suite was ready. There was no line and the agent was pleasant. She wished us a happy birthday as we both share June 24th and gave us two vouchers for drinks at the bar. I requested and was granted a 1:00 PM late checkout. There were no upgrades as I had booked one of the larger suites already. She explained that breakfast is served on Floor 1 in the Il Timo Bistrot and that the card in our welcome packet was to be used for pool towels. We were off to our room a few moments later.
The lobby is filled with all sorts of quirky art. The hotel feels nothing like any other Four Points that I have been in.
The hallways are bright and the carpets are in good shape.
Phil Stern Suite/Classic Suite (111-112)
There are 168 rooms (including 7 suites) at the hotel.
When you enter the door to the 111 half of the suite, a bathroom is to the right and the bedroom with a patio is straight ahead. Like the rest of the hotel, the suite is filled with quirky art.
The bathroom in 111 had a single vanity, glassed-in shower, toilet, and bidet. We used this bathroom while staying here and barely entered the one on the 112 side.
A bar of Activ Body Care soap was on the sink along with several other toiletries.
The bathroom was fairly large and there is plenty of space around the toilet and bidet.
The shower is a good size and water pressure was good.
Large bottles of Activ Conditioner, Shampoo, and Body Wash are mounted to the shower wall.
Once you leave the bathroom, there is a closet. A blowdryer and safe were in here. The safe did not work during our stay.
Further down the hall is the bedroom and the connecting door to the 112 half of the suite. The bedroom has a comfortable king-size bed. Robes were on the bed when we arrived.
Across from the bed is the TV.
A stand next to it housed a Nespresso machine and tea kettle. The chips are for sale.
At the far end of the bedroom is a large patio with sea views and several pieces of furniture for lounging or dining.
The connecting door in the center of the bedroom led to the 112 side of the suite. In here there is a large dining table. Another TV was behind this table.
There were some cookies and the General Manager’s business card as a welcome amenity on this table.
Two chairs and a table were in the corner of the room.
The art in the room is fun.
A rack for suitcases was near the door.
There is a small balcony off of this room as well.
A second full bathroom is also in the 112 part of the suite. This one featured the same amenities found in the other bathroom.
It had a bathtub with shower.
A toilet and bidet were also in here. The room was slightly smaller than the other one.
Breakfast
Breakfast was included. All guests get a free breakfast as a brand standard. Again, I was surprised for a Four Points. It provided a nice mix of eggs, bacon, breads, pastries, fruit, meats and cheeses, and more. It even had sparkling wine for mimosas. We arrived towards the end, so a lot was on the emptier side. They were refilling as they went and I bet it’s even better earlier.
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon
Sausage and potatoes
Assorted meats
Cheeses and turkey
Vegetables
Sicilian Corner
Cannoli
Cakes and tarts
Muffins
Bread and a toaster
Yogurt
Cereal
Blood orange and orange juice
Self-serve coffee
Sparkling wine
The restaurant cleared out as we were finishing and the staff quickly cleaned up.
Il Melograno Lobby Bar
The bar is located in the lobby. It was empty while we were there.
When we checked in, we were given two vouchers for free drinks.
We selected two Aperol spritz, tipped the bartender, and took them to our suite.
Dinner at Il Timo Bistrot
We were tired after three flights and driving to the hotel. We decided to stay in and try out the hotel’s restaurant. Il Timo Bistrot serves traditional Sicilian dishes for lunch and dinner.
The menu has a mix of starters, pasta, and entrees.
Some bread was brought to the table while we decided.
We ordered a bottle of Murgo Tenuta San Michele Brut. It was light and perfect since we were tired.
To start, we ordered the Prosciutto Crudo and Buffalo Mozzarella with Sautéed Vegetables. Both were fine, but nothing to get excited about.
For an entree, I had the Norma Style Sedani Pasta. The pasta was cooked well and I liked the flavors. This is a truly, traditional Sicilian dish.
My husband ordered the one of the daily special’s. It was a pork dish rolled with spinach and he enjoyed it.
Public Areas & Amenities
The lobby houses a bar, the business center, and an open foyer near the elevators. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, fitness center, wellness area, and tennis court.
There is lots of seating throughout the lobby.
The open foyer was filled with plants, water, and a giant horse sculpture.
A view from above.
The business center was around the corner from reception.
The outdoor pool was located one level above the lobby. Our room was also on this floor.
It’s a pretty big pool and nicely landscaped with palm trees.
If you want towels, you’ll need to bring the towel card provided at check-in.
We did not get to check out the fitness center, but the picture above shows that it’s small and functional.
The ocean is directly across the street. There isn’t a beach that we could see other than sunbathers piling on the rocks and into the nearby beach clubs.
Overall Impression: The Four Points by Sheraton Catania Hotel & Conference Center surprised me in the best way. It was clean, comfortable, quirky, and offered lots of amenities. This is definitely so much more than you expect from a Four Points and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was branded under the wrong flag. If you’re in the area, check it out.
Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points. Rates & fees. Terms apply.
(Fitness Center Photo Credit: Marriott.)
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