Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia in Syracuse

I can't imagine how this hotel can call itself a boutique establishment as it's more appropriate to backpackers than serious travellers. We were allocated a bedroom with a window opening over a corridor, dark and smelly from kitchens below. The room was cramped and could only be reached using several separate narrow staircases very difficult to negotiate with cases (there's no lift). The breakfast room is very small and the only public area is the gloomy bar.

This hotel canceled our booking - made at least 4 months in advance - and booked another hotel, Gargallo, in Ortigia. While the cancelation was unpleasant, hotel Gargallo truned out to be a very nice and convenient stay for us.

Therefore, I am unable to rate Gran Bretagna Hotel, as we didn't get to stay there, due to cancellation of our booking.

15 min after we checked in, the staff came to tell us she made a mistake and we need to move to a different room. Then in the evening, there was no hot water. There was no front desk, no contact info in the room to report the issue. We had to find a number on the internet to call. Numerous calls later, a technician and a staff came. They seemed not to be able to resolve the issue. Instead asked us to move again. We asked if we could take a shower in another room which they allowed, Next morning, though we were told when checked in, the front desk would be staffed by 10:00 am and we could leave our luggage there. No one was there. We had to leave our luggage in our room with a notice, but dropped the key as told. When we came back around 11:00 to get our luggage, no one was there. After looking around, a cleaning lady opened the door for us. However, she refused to allow us to use the toilet even though the room was not cleaned. She was so rude and cold, i can’t believe she even worked in hospitality. No sympathy and no flexibility. I guess they already had our money so dont care. she should be fired!! We have never had any experience like this after traveling in so many countries and places. This hotel is really terrible!