SS 113 Km 300, Contrada Paterna, Terrasini, Italy
All rooms have a balcony or terrace
Private swimming cove and Olympic-sized pool on-site
Kids' club
Free breakfast
Free parking
On-site restaurant with outdoor patio
Near airport
Nightly entertainment with audience participation
Almost nothing within walking distance
Overall decor is plain
Only one dining option unless you want to drive
Hotel Villaggio Perla del Golfo is a Sicilian resort with 162 rooms spread out over six two-story buildings. Its beautiful private cove, Olympic-sized pool, and pretty gardens, along with its proximity to the airport, make the property a good choice for travelers looking to relax and enjoy the sun and scenery. While the staff will arrange tours, it's best to have a car to drive to the city of Palermo and other local sights. Families with young kids will appreciate the well-run kids’ club. Keep in mind that Italian and Sicilian are the primary languages spoken at the hotel.
Scene
Families and couples at play in a scenic locale
While there isn't much in the immediate vicinity of this hotel, the area itself is beautiful, with views of the cliffs, gardens, and sea. The lobby and common areas are tiled and decorated in terracotta and shades of blue and green, making for a Mediterranean seaside vibe. This is a tourist destination, with a large percentage of families out to enjoy the sun and sea. The clientele is mostly Italians/Sicilians on holiday. If you only speak English, communication with the staff may be halting.
Location
Near the airport and a shopping mall, though a longer drive to capital city of Palermo
This hotel is located in the town of Terrasini in Palermo province, in the northwest corner of Sicily. The landscape -- the property is perched on a cliff overlooking the waters of Castellammare del Golfo -- is lovely. That said, there isn't much to do within walking distance. The airport is about 15-20 minutes away by car to the northeast. A trip to the Poseidon shopping mall, with high-end shops and a supermarket, requires the same amount of time, and the capital city of Palermo is 40-45 minutes to the east. The route to the mall and Palermo runs partially along the gulf, so it's a scenic ride.
Rooms
Basic and clean with a view, but plain in decor
The rooms have a huge plus going for them: They all either have a patio or balcony overlooking the sea or the gardens. The rooms are clean as well. But they're also sparsely appointed: The decor is minimalist and more plain than intentionally modern. Many of the rooms only sleep two, so guests traveling as a family should make sure to reserve spaces that can accommodate one or two cots/rollaways.
In bathrooms, guests will find both bidets and a traditional toilet while showerheads are of the detached variety. There are no shower doors, so this is more of a tub that lets you spray yourself with water than a traditional shower stall.
Features
An enchanting private cove, a fun kids' club, and festive shows
The main draw here is the private swimming cove: secluded, half-moon shaped, and surrounded by jagged cliffs. The water comes in shades of deep green and blue, making the cove a gorgeous spot to swim, sun, and just enjoy the view. The area is accessed by stairs cut out of the cliffs, which, while admittedly a challenge for the elderly or anyone who has trouble with stairs, somehow adds to the "hideaway" appeal. Be aware however that this is not your classic white sand beach -- this is a rocky area, requiring water shoes.
The hotel restaurant serves a free breakfast as well as a buffet lunch and dinner at an additional cost. A kids' club gives children ages four to 10 a full day of crafts and activities plus access to their own pool and playground.
Many visitors like the nightly entertainment as well. A wide variety of shows in an outdoor arena are offered, often with audience participation. Guests will also find a soccer field (this is Italy, after all) and a bar on-site.