Grand Hotel Villa Igiea
S. Italy: Sicily: Palermo
Located on the harbor, this Art Nouveau style villa was built in the 1800s by an Englishman as his private residence. It opened as a hotel in 1907. Although the hotel is in close proximity to the port, there is a small sandy area where one can swim. One can also see the ruins of an ancient Greek temple on the grounds near the hotel's beautiful swimming pool that overlooks the bay. There is a very cool bar built in what was originally the cantina - complete with pianist nightly - and bar service is also available at the pool during warm weather. The restaurant has been completely redone and offers dining on the terrace, weather permitting. Following the complete renovation of all rooms, the hotel no longer offers standard accommodations. There are no connecting rooms; however, there are junior suites and suites available that can accommodate families. The new rooms are spacious and very well appointed with lovely hardwood floors, marble baths, mini bar, and satellite television. There is a small fitness facility and arrangements for massage can now be made at the hotel. The massage can even take place in the garden during warm weather!

NOTE: Driving in Palermo is very difficult due to the lack of traffic lights and the lack of attention to the traffic lights that do exist! JDB strongly recommends having the hotel send a driver to the airport to meet clients upon arrival and picking up a rental car upon departure from Palermo.