Villa Athena

We had mixed feelings about this resort. The grounds were lush and gorgeous, and kept impeccably clean. It felt safe outside the city, and the lobby and grounds had luxurious décor. Lobby and wait staff spoke English well. Breakfast was excellent: no buffet, but the staff gave us a detailed menu with lots of delicious options. The private entrance to the Valley of Temples from the parking lot was amazing. It works with a room key, and tickets were easy to buy at the hotel. The path brought us into the middle of the site by the Concordia Temple, which was the biggest and best, and went past a beautiful sensory garden. It also connects to the Garden of Kolymbetra and the Regional Archaeological Museum of Pietro Griffo, though we drove to those because we visited the temples after they had closed. The temples are lit in the evening. Dinner at the property’s restaurant was classy, delicious and beautifully plated. January was disappointing for amenities, though. Apart from visiting the temple complex, there weren’t other walking options or much else to do onsite. The pool was open but unheated, the outdoor areas had no service, and all spa experiences cost extra. The hotel listed two restaurants, but the lunch place was only open in summer and the dinner restaurant was closed for two of our four days. Our room was comfortable but not luxurious. The tub and shower were awkward: the tub was installed backwards, so we had to stand on the backrest to get under the rain shower. Water pressure was poor and the temperature kept changing. The tub floor was slippery and its sides higher than usual. We stayed in room 101, and I hope it gets updated. It could have been dangerous if we’d been older or in poor health. Wifi was spotty.

From the moment we arrived, the porter offered to bring in our bags. Check-in happened while we sat down with a drink, then we were shown to a beautiful room with great toiletries. The bed was comfortable, and the bathroom had soft towels, bathrobes, Ortigia toiletries, slippers and a Dyson hairdryer. The minibar was well stocked, though pricey. We had a small balcony with a partial view of the temples, just a five-minute walk away. They were stunning. The hotel was perfectly located and a real treat, especially at this time of year: the room cost £80, compared with around £500 a night in summer. We explored the town, so didn’t eat at the hotel. The room was beautiful. Come for a winter break and enjoy the luxury.

Hotel Villa Athena is a wonderful place to stay in Agrigento, with a view of the Temple of Concordia and easy access to the Valley of the Temples. The grounds and hotel are beautifully appointed, and the service is exceptional. A special mention for Giovanni, who hosted us and four other guests for a very special "Orto Experience" dinner in the herb garden, with a prime view of the temple lit up in the evening. The meal was delicious, and Giovanni brought such warmth and charm that the night was fun and gave us a chance to meet other couples staying there. We highly recommend it.

A pool and lovely outdoor area with a great view of the temples, plus beautiful rooms. The hotel is in a perfect spot for visiting the Valley of the Temples, and the outdoor restaurant has beautiful views too. One odd flaw in an otherwise perfect hotel: the outdoor furnishings soak up water and leave wet marks on your clothes.