We stayed in this hotel in the late 90s and were pleasantly surprised. This time we noticed signs of an aging building that could stand an update. In spite of the physical decline the excellent service survives. The rooms are still very spacious, the beds comfortable, and the towels large and fluffy. The breakfast was satisfactory we enjoyed sitting on the balcony while having it. Our stay was during a local heatwave day time temperatures around 40 C. But the (quiet) air conditioning kept the room comfortably cool. The view from our second floor room was lovely.

It's an imposing building on top of a hill, but the architecture owes more to Le Corbusier than is appreciated today. All that concrete used in the construction should have a cooling effect but my room was stifling hot and when I opened the window I discovered I had a dead pigeon outside for company (a dead pigeon that not expired yesterday). However, despite this, the views are stunning especially in the morning as the rolling hills of central Sicily were incredibly photogenic especially with the sun rising over them. Of course there is an abundance of charm in a hotel like this, notwithstanding the cramped shower, the door-handle of the room which comes off in one's hand every evening, the worn-out decor of the interior and the classic 1970s feel. The lobby is very large and there are leather sofas to sink deeply into whilst using the wi-fi that doesn't quite reach the second floor rooms (or those even higher). The breakfast is adequate, with great coffee (as expected) and very attentive staff. There is a quirky charm to this hotel that can't be denied. A week is probably too long to stay but for a few days I would definitely come back.

It is a 1970s hotel, and as such it isn't exactly plush in the 2010s. The building is quite ugly and although its position at the top of the town is dominating and therefore offers good views, staying there doesn't feel like a luxury experience. The breakfast was average (why do most 4 star hotels in Sicily seem to have orange squash and not real orange juice? If you cannot get that in Sicily, where else?) and although they have a nice pool, it is recommended to drive to it because it is about 300 meters downhill from the hotel. To their credit, parking spaces were plentiful, but I think for the price they ask you can probably find a cosier B&B in the town centre.