Via Passeggiata Archeologica 33, Agrigento, Italy
Within easy walking distance of temples and museum
Elegant refurbished rooms, some with whirlpool tubs
Surreal view of ancient Greek temples from restaurant terrace
and some rooms
Free breakfast with fresh juices
Mediterranean restaurant and wine cellar on-site
Outdoor pool lined with chic sun loungers
Ample free parking on-site
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Beautiful garden surrounding the hotel
Car needed to get to nearby town
Some rooms share terraces/patios with neighbors
Portions at Mediterranean restaurant are small
Located in the Valley of the Temples, the luxurious Hotel Villa Athena is in a prime spot for guests who want to be in the center of the famous UNESCO World Heritage site and don't mind driving a few minutes to get into Agrigento. This romantic property is ideal for honeymooners and features 27 renovated rooms and suites, some with views of nearby temples. Note that rooms advertised as having private terraces might actually share the space with neighbors. There's also a restaurant on-site and ample free parking. A small pool is open in summer months.
Scene
Romantic hotel with sparkling white interiors surrounded by beautiful foliage
Renovated in 2012, the three-level, 27-room Athena blends into its arid surroundings thanks to its unassuming beige exterior. The hotel is surrounded by gardens featuring manicured shrubs, palm and olive trees, desert flowers, and Mediterranean plants as well as a path for strolling and spots to sit. Interiors are sparkling white and the small lobby features an immaculate marble tile floor, archways, and floor-to-ceiling pillars. The space is furnished with a series of soft couches and armchairs surrounded by decorative figurines as well as a wall of books and glass-encased shelves containing jewelry and other artifacts.
The pool is small but clean and refreshing, and is surrounded by parasols and lounge chairs. There's also a sleek restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and a display case built into the floor in which remnants of real ancient ruins and pottery are displayed. Both the pool and restaurant have views of the Temple of Concordia, which is perched on a hill in the distance.
Location
Outside of town but in close proximity of ancient history
The Hotel Villa Athena is situated in the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Temple of Concordia and the Agrigento Regional Archaeological Museum are each about a 10-minute walk away. The Temple of Heracles and Temple of Olympian Zeus are all within about a seven-minute walk while the town of Agrigento itself and its many shops and restaurants takes no more than 10-minutes to reach by car. The nearest beach is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The Cantania Airport takes an hour and 45 minutes to reach, while the Palermo Airport takes over two hours.
Rooms
Elegant rooms and suites with marble bathrooms, some with temple views
The Villa Athena has 27 immaculate rooms and suites with a mix of white and dark-wood tables, nightstands, and chairs. All rooms come with air-conditioning, large flat-screen TVs, telephones, minibars, safes, and alarm clocks. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms and throughout the property. Marble bathrooms have walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. Suites are spacious and some have whirlpool tubs in the living rooms. Many of the units on the top floor have beautiful temple views, although some rooms advertised as having private terraces/patios actually share the space with neighboring units, the only division being a thin partial wall.
Features
Free buffet breakfast and Mediterranean fare in on-site restaurant
The restaurant serves a free buffet breakfast every morning, with unusual features such as a juicer for fresh-squeezed orange juice and a yogurt parfait making machine. The restaurant also offers beautifully presented Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner (though portions are smallish) and has a large wine cellar featuring a variety of Italian favorites. There are a small meeting room, a beautifully landscaped garden, and an outdoor pool that's open in warmer months. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and ample parking is free. Airport transfers can be arranged through the hotel and reception is open 24 hours. Other services include laundry and dry cleaning, and babysitting can be arranged.