Hotel Villaggio Perla del Golfo

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.

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.

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.

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.