The Baglio dello Zingaro is off a large stone street, safely behind a metal gate and mid-level cement wall. A mosaic-style large stone walkway leads to the hotel itself, which looks a bit plain on the outside. The public spaces, however, make a great impression, and the hotel seems to have invested most of its decorative efforts in the outdoor theater, pool, and chic reception area, which has faux ancient Roman tiles, exposed brick, displayed artifacts, and stylish, streamlined wicker furniture. (The hotel's building and interiors are inspired by historic local structures.) The rooms are more basic by comparison, though still adequate for this category of property. Many hotels in the area are much smaller and offer fewer amenities, so the Baglio dello Zingaro still comes out ahead.

Views of the stunning Zingaro coastline are sometimes marred by the parking lot, entrance, and pool.

Situated in the heart of the 17th century village of Scopello, the Baglio dello Zingaro is conveniently located for foot exploration of Scopello’s shops, restaurants, and small streets. The town is surrounded by green hills and rocky cliffs that eventually drop off over idyllic Zingaro Beach, and the hotel is also less than a 15-minute drive to the cliff-hanging ruins of 13th century tuna trap fishery, the Tonnaro di Scopello. Zingaro Nature Reserve (and its beautiful beach) is a little over a mile away.

The beach town of San Vito Lo Capo, the historical town of Erice, and the Greek Temple and Archeological Site of ancient Segesta are within a 45-minute drive. In just over an hour, guests can reach Palermo.

The hotel’s 29 rooms range from a teeny tiny 129 square feet (for single travelers) to 355 square feet (for up to four people). All rooms have tile floors, wrought-iron bed frames and accents, some antique-style furnishings, and tiny high-mounted flat-screen TVs. Most rooms have little to no artwork on the walls and comforters rather than duvets -- the overall effect can be a bit bare and basic. Some rooms may have stylish accent walls, wall art, mirrors, love seats, or large shuttered windows -- details that can make a big difference in terms of charm. Rooms with balconies have French doors with shutters, and although some views are of rolling, lush hills and the sea, others are marred by the parking lot, entrance, and other less desirable sights. The mini-fridges are partially stocked (we saw four items in each -- water, two sodas, and a beer), so guests have room to store food.

Tiled bathrooms are clean and contain toilets, bidets, stand-up showers, removable shower heads, and heated towel racks. There are minimal free toiletries.

The hotel offers ADA-accessible rooms and Braille signage.

The hotel's outdoor amphitheater with panoramic views is a lovely place for guests to relax outdoors and enjoy the views. The pool has a lima bean shape and rocks embedded into the artsy stucco surround; the wooden deck has lounge chairs and bistro tables. The pool is better suited for for cooling off than for actually swimming, and offers glimpses of the sea in the distance. The walk to the pool follows a rustic landscape of patchy green trees and succulents, along a rock-lined walkway. A nearby rock alcove houses a set of shower heads for rinsing off.

The restaurant, like the rest of the hotel, has a neutral color palette, as well as exposed brick and decorative tiles embedded in the wall. Square tables topped with beige and brown cloth are surrounded by muted orange leather and dark wood chairs, creating a simple and elegant upscale casual feel. The tiny bar has a mere three stools and set of table and chairs.