Italy
First off, if you're driving to Taormina, ensure that your directions to your hotel are spot-on perfect: the twisting hills are confusing. The Michelin Guide directions (online) are extremely detailed.
I liked the Bel Soggiorno: great location and some character. But I hated my room. Book a perimeter room with a balcony/view.
Another tip: be careful of crime. I'm pretty sure that I was targeted while I was there.
The Palazzo San Domenico hotel is an atmospheric place: sneak in and roam the halls at night.
I regret not having visted Castelmola, the village on the cliff overlooking Taormina. I've since heard that there's a phallic-themed bar (Bar Turrisi).
Michelin Guide:
www.michelinguide.com/us/index.html
Hotel Bel Soggiorno:
www.belsoggiorno.com/uk/
Bar Turrisi:
www.barturrisi.com/
My Sicily trip report:
www.travelmusings.net/sicily-2009/
Search Been there