Lovely little hotel, has everything you need if you're looking for basic needs while being out & about most of the time, & we were fortunate enough to get a sea view room with a terrace, so had great views when we were in.
Breakfast is usual continental (croissant, meat, cheese, cakes, cereal & yoghurt) wouldn't recommend having tea though - it's not great, though the coffee is very nice!!
Location wise, the hotel is right in front of the steps leading down to the beach (most of which you'll need to pay for, though there is a small area at the end that's public), & right around the corner from the cable car leading up to the main part of town & bus station (turn left for the bus station, right for the town). Very glad we stayed down near the beach front rather than up in Taormina, as even in mid-september, it was very busy.
Restaurants wise - there's an awful lot to choose from! Our picks for the week were L'Incontro, il Barcaiolo & Pizzeria Vecchia.
The hotel does open straight out onto the road (there is a small pathway) but this is common, & you'll find most places that you're required to walk on the edge of the road.
The staff were lovely & always had a smile. Overall, would definately recommend this hotel - it's very reasonably priced, & the location was spot on.