Via Serafino Amabile Guastella 1/C, Valle dei Templi, Agrigento, Italy
Historic hotel built around a 13th-century watchtower
Temples and museum are within a short drive (a car is a must)
Large, traditional rooms furnished with Sicilian antiques
Some rooms have whirlpool tubs and panoramic views
Continental breakfast with home-baked goodies included in rate
Breakfast can be delivered to rooms
Restaurant with splendid views and local wine and cuisine
Swoon-worthy hilltop gardens with hot tub
Sunny private courtyard for afternoon cocktails
Free on-site parking and Wi-Fi
Available cooking classes
Not within walking distance of bars, restaurants, or local sites
Decor is a bit dowdy
Portions at restaurant are small
The three-and-a-half pearl Baglio Della Luna is a small property with a 13th-century watchtower at its core. There are 23 rooms divided between a foresteria (guest house) and the watchtower itself. Some rooms have jetted tubs and jaw-dropping views of the lush valley below. Those same fantastic views surround the hotel restaurant, known for its rather skimpy portions of classic Mediterranean fare. The overall vibe here is a bit dated, with lots of heavy, dark furniture, checkered floor tiles, and oil paintings in gilded frames. The hotel's true charms lie in its expansive lawns and gardens, handsome outdoor hot tub, and sunny stone courtyard. There's ample free parking nearby, a definite plus since a car is necessary for treks to town and local sites. Travelers should consider the Hotel Villa Athena, a similarly-priced property that's a short walk from the Valley of the Temples.
Scene
Historic architecture, stunning gardens, and classic Italian decor
The hotel is perched on a hilltop within a cluster of ancient stone and stucco buildings. Inside its high walls is a large courtyard filled with potted plants and small trees. A woven twig overhang shades wrought-iron tables and chairs and a tiled fountain burbles nearby. Through a doorway in an ancient stone wall, steps lead to the gardens, filled with sloping lawns, winding gravel paths, and fragrant almond, olive, and citrus trees.
Inside, the hotel's two-story lobby is decorated with a mix of antiques and rustic Sicilian touches. Patterned carpets cover aqua-tile floors, and massive wood-beamed ceilings provide warmth and a sense of antiquity. Crimson velvet sofas and chairs fill seating areas embellished with Japanese urns and art in ornate frames. Most guests here are international and Italian couples on vacation and the overall vibe is quiet.
Location
A short drive from archaeological sites and the center of town
The Hotel Foresteria Baglio Della Luna is in Agrigento, a Sicilian town famous for the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is within a four-minute drive, while the Agrigento Regional Archaeological Museum, Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Heracles are 10 minutes away by car. The center of Agrigento, filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, takes no more than 10 minutes to reach by car. Both Catania International Airport and Palermo Airport are a two-hour drive away.
Rooms
Traditionally furnished rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs
A total of 23 rooms are ample in size and traditionally furnished. Rooms can look dowdy to some and all include a mix of ornate wood furniture, yellow plaster walls, and floral bedspreads. Most rooms are housed in the foresteria, but a two-level suite in the watchtower comes with frescoed ceilings and French doors leading to a scenic veranda. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Traditional tiled bathrooms feature stall showers, bidets, and small sink areas. The watchtower suite includes a jetted tub with sauna and aromatherapy.
Features
A restaurant with stunning views, courtyard drinks, free daily breakfast, hot tub, free Wi-Fi and parking
Features here are lovely and convenient. Il Dehors restaurant offers Valley of the Temples views from its floor-to-ceiling windows and handsome veranda. The evening menu emphasizes local ingredients accompanied by a list of Sicilian and Italian wines. Guests can also sip cocktails in the hotel bar or the quiet courtyard. In the large and sunny breakfast room, the daily fare (included in the rates) includes yogurt, fruit, and house-made baked goods. The meal can be delivered to rooms and cooking classes are available. An in-ground hot tub in the garden is shielded from view by a circle of tall trees. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and next door parking are free.