C.C.LY HOSTEL

First, I loved that I was able to communicate with Marco over WhatsApp before leaving California so I was able to know he'd have a bed for me upon my arrival from Palermo. Then, when my flight got messed up badly, stranding me in Catania late at night, I was able to contact him again and it was a relief to know I could stay on that unexpected night. I loved that it was an easy walk from the train station. I wasn’t too sure I was in a safe neighborhood but it didn’t feel threatening. At the gate I had some challenge figuring exactly how to get in and where to go, but it really is marked clearly. Walking through that old gate, into that huge door into that old mansion or whatever it really was and up the marble (?) stairs was amazing. (There’s a lift but I always worry about old lifts.) I was welcomed nicely. It was late. I’d been traveling for 3 days due to flight issues. I was very hungry, tired, and not feeling quite well. I put my bag down, locked up some stuff in my personal locker in the dorm, and happy for the advice about the restaurant immediately next to them, went out for the latest-night-calzone I’d ever had. Then, off to bed. I liked that I had a night table and locker right by my bottom bunk. The women’s dorm is right across from the women’s bathroom, which was easy. I loved the long sink with several taps; this keeps the floor much drier than small sinks. The shower was a bit cramped and, as I almost always do in any hostel, I wished for a place to dry and dress or to place my toiletries. They have a good place to keep your clothes dry though. That first morning I received good advice and directions to purchase a SIM card and off I went. I’d have liked to keep my backpack there while seeking the SIM card, but there’s a steep fee for that. (*5 euro for a few hours and then 5 more. That’s a negative to me. Later I saw that others were very surprised and unhappy with it too.) I returned for another stay several days later; my actual planned time there. Again, I was comfortable enough. For some reason, I didn’t find it a social hostel but that’s a reflection of the other guests, not Marco. I hardly saw Marco while there. I used the kitchen a bit, happy to have coffee and tea, but didn’t cook there. I didn’t eat the breakfast as I’m not a bread and jam and cereal eater. I liked that I could sit comfortably in the common room. *Unfortunately, I ended on a bad feeling. I’d misplaced my key card. (Likely within the hostel or building.) Not seeing the hostess, I was about to leave 10 euro, which I thought quite generous. As I was leaving it, the hostess came out and told me it cost 20 euro for the lost card. Considering that every other hostel and hotel doesn’t care if you lose a card (although I never have before), I thought 20 euro for a lost key card to be quite high. Last comments: Because some reviewers have mentioned the area in years past I’ll add in Sept and Oct 2017 there was one empty, not nice street you could drive or walk to the hostel but there were also several other approaches that are nice and comfortable. Also, my good friend is a tour guide who loved Sicily and she said she often comes to the area and the restaurant beside the hostel.…

Date of stay: October 2017

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Trip type: Travelled

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coraldo wrote a review Jul 2018

5 contributions4 helpful votes

Creepy experience, avoid it absolutely

Arrived to stay one night, I had to run away in the middle of the night. In the hostel was just the owner and two strange friends of him who were living there since months. When I came back in the night one of the guy was freaking out because someone stolen his phone, and the situation degenerated at the point I had to literally run away and find another place in the middle of the night. There was caos and people screaming. he rooms were normal, nothing special, the bathrooms had no soap. Plus, the owner didn’t give me back any money or receipt. The worst experience in a hostel I ever had, never go there. Very weird and bad experience.

Date of stay: June 2018Trip type: Travelled

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Gea P wrote a review May 2017

5 contributions2 helpful votes

Scary surrounding

We arrived late at sunday evening and the first impression was a little shocked. The place is situated in a gheto, there were beggars and gangs hanging out near by. And to make it scarier you have to wait behind a big gate with your luggage to get in, in this neighbourhood it wasn't fun. The room was clean, the man who worked there was friendly and spoke a little english. Also the tv stopped working on the first night and the air conditioner made such a loud noise that a light sleeper like me couldn't sleep very well. Kitchen was dirty with flies flying around so we didn't really want to have breakfast there. Although I have to say that the surrounding was a little les scary on monday-tuesday (there were less gangs then). So in conclusion I wouldn't recomend.

Date of stay: April 2017Trip type: Travelled

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Heidiks1 wrote a review Apr 2017

New York City, New York70 contributions11 helpful votes

+1

Stay at a Palace in the Middle of Catania!

CCLY Hostel, (pronounced: Si Si Ly....SICILY), is housed in an old palace about 5 minutes walk from the train/bus station, and about 5-10 minutes walk from the center of Catania. This is a small hostel with dormitory and private rooms, all tastefully decorated in 60's Retro style, with brightly colored wallpaper throughout. There is an elevator to take you to the 3rd floor, and even a view of Mt Etna from the kitchen and living room windows. The kitchen is always available for cooking, and breakfast is included. Marco, the owner of the hostel, is a very kind man, and he will go out of his way to help you. He will even provide a map with a detailed walking tour that starts with GELATO! Does it get better than that? I would highly recommend this place if you are visiting Catania.

Date of stay: April 2017

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Trip type: Travelled

Room Tip: The hostel is on the 3rd floor in what might be an old apartment. You can either choose the dorm...

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monjesatiro wrote a review Apr 2017

Buenos Aires, Argentina1 contribution

Beautiful place. Breakfast excellent.

Beautiful place. The owner Marco a genius, excellent person. His atention was like a brother or best friend. Perfect breakfast. I never ate jams with such good flavor. It is shocking to see the living volcano etna with smoke. Marco goes ahead and thanks a lot for everything. Gabriel (Buenos Aires)

Date of stay: February 2017

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Trip type: Travelled

Room Tip: Consult with Marco for ex., If it is small the locker.

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vandanasao wrote a review Sep 2016

Reading, United Kingdom121 contributions8 helpful votes

+1

awesome location with view of Mount Etna

neat and clean rooms...well lit...nice bed...clean bathroom but shower cabin was bit of a challenge staff was very friendly, cordial and helpful...very fluent in English...and had knowledge of local area in depth....get me connected with Mt. Etna tour agencies and made sure that i gave a slot within my stay and dont need to change my plans....very helpful. Met many amazing people around the world...truely loved my stay there!

Date of stay: August 2016

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Trip type: Travelled

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El_Chinito1 wrote a review Aug 2016

Ko Samui, Thailand62 contributions39 helpful votes

Centrally located hostel in Catania with view of Mt Etna

I stayed at the CCLy Hostel because of its central location minutes by foot to the bus and train stations in Catania. Marco was a wonderful host and provided tips for travelers. There is a nice kitchen and dining area. The basic continental breakfast is included. The male dorm was not air conditioned, but there was a nice breeze at nights. The WiFi works pretty well. A bonus is the great view of Mt Etna from the living room.

Date of stay: July 2016

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Trip type: Travelled

Room Tip: Select the male dorm across from bathroom to get cross breeze.

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Andrea Z wrote a review Jul 2016

40 contributions8 helpful votes

The most colourful experience:)

Indeed the most colourful experience:) We were staying in a pink room and it was like staying in a happy place. Marco, the owner became our friend. He recommended us a great guide for Etna, local places to eat, everything. He lives for his hostel and you can see it. We had problems with shower and it was fixed in 5 minutes. They are there for you all the time 24/7.

Date of stay: June 2016

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Trip type: Travelled

Room Tip: The room next to the dormitory is quieter (farther from the reception).

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gluca2016 wrote a review May 2016

Mombello di Torino, Italy2 contributions1 helpful vote

all perfect

everything very very good , quiet and familiary mood, near the center but with the right silence for relax- the owners are friendly and give you the right freedom inside the home.very very clean and you can use the kitchen room..

Date of stay: May 2016

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Trip type: Travelled

Room Tip: quieter floors like all the rooms

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lemonjade21 wrote a review Oct 2015

Bristol, United Kingdom1 contribution

A warm stay in Catania!

This hostel is fairly easy to find and located very close to the central bus and rail stations, so you don't have to take public transport which can be confusing if you dont speak the language! I travelled alone, and felt quite skeptical about Catania when first arriving, but Marco welcomed me to his city and the experience was transformed! This hostel does not have the 'spec' of some newer popular chain hostels, but Marcos enthusiasm and genuine wish to show his guests his home is far more valuable than these material assets. Marco loves to meet new people from all over the world, and will his enthusiasm shines in this hostel! He will show you all of the best and traditional places to eat and drink (he will also join you when he can!), and great spots to visit to make the most of your stay in Catania and Sicily. He has so much knowledge of the place, that you will not need your travel guidebook! I would highly recommend this hostel for anybody who wishes to experience the real Catania :)!…

Date of stay: June 2015

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Trip type: Travelled

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