NBC News, US

“The hotel with the best combination of style and value in all of Sicily is on a coastal road in Siracusa’s historic center of Ortigia. Gutkowski’s owner, Paola Pretsch, converted a pair of powder-blue houses overlooking the Mediterranean into a 25-room hotel. She decorated the properties along minimalist lines, enhanced by traditional touches, with mod furnishings near old stone doorways.”

The Guardian, UK

“The old town is a maze of winding streets and small piazzas crammed on to the tiny island of Ortigia. It’s here you’ll find the low-key Hotel Gutkowski, which has simple, stylish rooms and a charming roof terrace where breakfast is served.”

The New York Times, US

“Hotel Gutkowski is small, elegant and simple, on the seafront.”

Condé Nast Traveller, UK

“Along its seaward side are fishermen’s houses, some weatherbeaten, others restored, like Hotel Gutkowski. It is welcoming and appealing in its simplicity: light rooms, salvaged furniture; and my bedroom has one of those little balconies you see old ladies sitting on, looking out to sea. Once the day-trippers have departed, to be staying the night here feels like a privilege.”

Telegraph, UK

“Head for the lovely powder-blue upmarket guesthouse Hotel Gutkowski, which is still my favourite place to stay in old Siracusa.”

Concierge.com, US

“The secret is out: Hotel Gutkowski is the best bargain in ancient, seaside Siracusa. You’ll need to book way ahead for one of the 26 rooms at this pale-blue villa, on the city’s island of Ortygia. All are decorated with rustic simplicity: plain white walls, white linens and drapes, basic wood furniture, and tiled or hardwood floors. But all come with satellite TVs and fridges, and seven have Mediterranean views. Your room rate includes one of the best continental breakfasts in Siracusa.”

BrokeinLondon.com, UK

“Gutkowski definitely has something special. Perhaps this magic is partly due to its name, which comes from the Polish grandfather of the owner Paola, a real traveller. Every day at 5pm during summer, granita is offered for free on a big terrace facing the sea. The breakfast features delicious local and organic products, such as orange juice in the winter and almond milk and granitas in the summer.”

how to spend it (by Financial Times),US

“When I first visited 15 years ago, the only real boutique hotel was the powder-blue Hotel Gutkowski on the brine-lashed Lungomare di Levante sea-wall road (they have to repaint the façade once a year because of salt erosion). This 25-room charmer is still there, though today there are several other options.”