Hotel Villa Athena

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.

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. 

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. 

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.