Rifugio Sapienza Hotel Nicolosi, Nicolosi
About the Hotel
Rifugio Sapienza is an Alpine-style hotel situated just 0 miles from the cable car leading to the summit of Mount Etna. It offers guests ski-in/ski-out access and a range of amenities in a scenic mountainous setting. The hotel is located at the highest point reachable by car, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Its proximity to outdoor activities makes it a significant choice for nature enthusiasts visiting this iconic Italian region.
Location
Conveniently located near Catania Fontanarossa Airport, which is about 25 miles away, Rifugio Sapienza makes travel accessible for guests. A roundtrip airport shuttle service is offered for a surcharge. The hotel is located near several nature trails and adventure parks, enhancing its appeal for outdoor activities such as skiing, cycling, and hiking. Free private parking is also available nearby.
Rooms
Each room at Rifugio Sapienza features a private bathroom equipped with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Rooms are designed with parquet flooring and are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Guests can enjoy heating, a mini-bar, and a wardrobe in their accommodations. Some rooms offer spectacular mountain views and a terrace with sea views.
Eat & Drink
The hotel's restaurant serves a complimentary breakfast buffet daily from 7:30 AM. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar/lounge, as well as grab a snack or coffee at the on-site café. Room service is also available for guests preferring to dine in the privacy of their rooms. A shared lounge provides additional space for socializing or relaxing.
Leisure & Business
Rifugio Sapienza features leisure amenities that include ski-in/ski-out access, making it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. The hotel offers bicycle rentals for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area. A library is available for quieter moments, and concierge services help guests discover local activities. The property also includes a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Baggage storage
- Ski to door
- Ski storage
- Elevator
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Ski school
- Hiking
- Cycling
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Housekeeping
- Ski equipment rental
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Children
- Cribs
- Children's menu
Room features
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Heating
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Media
- Flat-screen TV
Room decor
- Parquet floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel's location is its best feature, being right next to the cable car station up to Mount Etna. The rooms, though clean and somewhat comfortable, are in need of refurbishment. The dining experience falls short with unimpressive self-service options. On the upside, the service is friendly and the pricing is reasonable for the basic offerings.
I had a delightful one-night stay at the hotel, enjoying a clean and cozy room with a magnificent balcony offering views of the valley and volcano. The location couldn't have been better, right next to the cable car for easy access to explore Mount Etna. The dining experience was very good, with plenty of choices and quality meals, including delicious Etna Doc wine. However, the room inconsistency in pricing and lack of ice cream were minor drawbacks.
I stayed at the hotel at the bottom of Etna in the Refugio Sapienza and had a mixed experience. The rooms were pretty basic but had decent views from the window, and the fact that they came with a private bath was a definite plus. The staff was friendly and helpful, the breakfast was good, and the restaurant was superb. However, the room could use some more amenities to make it more comfortable.
My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms, though simple, were warm and comfortable, with a lovely balcony offering a spacious setting. However, the absence of a kettle was a downside for me. The service was satisfactory, although there were some missed opportunities in housekeeping. The location right by the Etna cable car was convenient for exploration, but the high altitude may not suit everyone. Dining had its ups and downs, with good quality meals in the restaurant contrasting with some disappointing aspects. Overall, a decent stay with room for improvement.