Corso Ruggero 185, Cefalu, Italy
Walking distance to all sights in the old town and the train station
Comfy rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes
Excellent restaurant serves dishes typical of the region
Well-reviewed and varied buffet breakfast included in room rate
Welcoming, traditional decor includes pieces from the owner's family
All rooms have balconies or terraces (albeit small ones)
Hotel provides free towels for the nearby beach
Free offsite parking, plus free shuttle service to the hotel
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Classical styling may be a bit too old-fashioned for some
Shower stalls are small (typical for region)
No gym or wellness facilities on-site (common for small urban hotel)
The three-pearl La Plumeria Hotel is a quaint property that serves as an excellent base from which to explore the idyllic town of Cefalu. Composed of just 10 rooms, the small property is all Sicilian charm, with antique furniture and paintings, and a picture-perfect restaurant -- which serves a free breakfast -- spilling onto a side patio. Major sights are all within walking distance, and a street with several of the town's best restaurants is a three-minute stroll away. Simple, classically styled rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and balconies or terraces with views of narrow lanes and the massive Rocca di Cefalu that backgrounds the town. However, some might find it expensive, given a relative lack of frills. It's worth considering the cheaper Dolce Vita B&B, located in the old town.
Scene
A charming boutique hotel full of Sicilian charm
Named after a traditional flowering Sicilian plant, the family-owned La Plumeria Hotel sprung to life in a late-medieval townhouse. With just a handful of rooms, the hotel feels like an actual residence, enhanced by the antique paintings hung in gilded frames and Sicilian furniture (some of which comes from the family of the owner). Outside of the welcoming lobby are two courtyards, one of which is beautifully done in the local style.
Location
Ideally situated in Cefalu's charming old town
Located in the central part of Cefalu's tiny, charming old town, La Plumeria is within walking distance of its must-see sights and restaurants. It opens up onto Corso Ruggero, one of the main roads, though don't expect too many cars: Traffic is limited to certain hours in the old town, and parking is forbidden within its boundaries (more on where guests can park in the Features section).
The hotel is a three-minute walk from the Cathedral-Basilica of Cefalu, an Arab-Norman architectural beauty that's hard to miss; Situated above a piazza, locals gather below its steps to play, drink espresso, and pass the evening. Four minutes in the opposite direction is a small harbor, and a minute farther from the shore is a site where the public washed their laundry in medieval times. A street of excellent restaurants, including the mother-and-son run Ristorante La Brace, is three minutes away.
The town's train station is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. From Palermo's airport, the drive is about an hour and 15 minutes, though add time to take into account traffic when going through the city.
Rooms
Rooms are inviting and classically styled, and all come with balconies
Traditionally and individually decorated, the hotel's 10 rooms contrast pops of color -- often soft golds -- against dark woods and antique furniture. Each room has its own wrought-iron balcony with street and courtyard views, though they're typically narrow in the Sicilian fashion and not large enough for furniture beyond a single chair (some rooms have terraces, which offer a bit more room). Although rooms are clean, they have some minor wear and the classic style won't appeal to all. Rooms all have a flat-screen satellite TV and minibar, plus safe in the wardrobe. Each bathroom is beautifully tiled with golden ceramic from the island; however, like the rooms and balconies, they run small. The stall showers might be too cramped for some, though they're pretty standard for the region. Toiletries and a hairdryer are included.
Features
Hotel restaurant holds its own against city's excellent gastronomy
Designed with terra-cotta floors, stone walls, and seating that spills out into a side patio, the hotel's Cortile Pepe restaurant is pure Sicilian charm. Food there is excellent, and served for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast, which is free, features both Sicilian and seasonal choices, including local breads and pastries, homemade cakes, and continental offerings like fruit, cereal, sausages, hams, and cheeses.
As this is a small urban property, it's not surprising that there are no gym, spa, or pool facilities. There is, however, a free parking lot a five-minute drive from the hotel -- par for the course here. For guests who have difficulty walking or don't care to, a free shuttle can be scheduled to transport guests to and from the lot. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property. The hotel also provides free towels for the nearby beach.