Romano House

For fans of baroque architecture — churches in particular — the Sicilian coastal city of Catania is an absolute treasure trove. And in a city where a long scenic walk is among the most likely attractions, a centrally located base of operations is essential. Romano House, a 17th-century building rehabilitated in the style of a cosmopolitan boutique hotel, seems tailor-made for the purpose.

While the exterior is a model of old-world propriety, with two rows of modest white balconies jutting from the slate-colored façade, the interior doles out plenty of fun, vibrant accents, beginning with the lobby, where minimalist furniture is bathed in blue light. The hallways have a distinctly Kubrickian futuristic bent, with gleaming white walls lit from below. Each of the fifty guest rooms plays with aesthetic contrasts by laying out contemporary details — flatscreen TVs embedded in the walls, leather headboards, gleaming silver-framed mirrors — beneath an ornately frescoed ceiling (warning: may contain cherubs). Bathrooms drop the baroque homage and go straight for the modern jugular, with sleek marble and rainfall showers.

The bar is hip and angular (the décor a treat for Liza Minnelli fans), while the restaurant serves local specialties in a mod-inflected atmosphere. Expanding culinary horizons within walking distance isn’t a problem due to the hotel’s location, and the staff is aces when it comes to a good recommendation. Additionally, if you happen to be in town from June to September, you’ll appreciate the hotel’s private beach.