Le Cinque Novelle

We arrived at 8:08 pm after struggling to find parking, and they refused to check us in or offer a refund. We called three times from outside the locked door with all our luggage, but got no answer until a WhatsApp message saying they were closed. We had to find somewhere else at the last minute, in the dark, on our honeymoon. I've lived in Italy and speak some Italian, but have never been treated so rudely or unprofessionally there. Check-in is only from 5 to 8 pm. The listing says there's free street parking, but finding a spot is hard if you don't know the area. We parked in a paid garage down the hill and had to walk up, which was part of why we were eight minutes late. If you do book, the Google Maps directions are wrong when approaching from the south and send you up a one-way street the wrong way. If you're just visiting the temples, do yourself a favor and stay outside the main city.

The strict 5-8 pm check-in window caused us trouble. The place is down a tiny street and hard to find, and the supposed street parking seems suited only to a Smart car and a professional stunt driver. We arrived at 8:05 pm, partly because of the location, rang the bell, then called the listed number, but got no response either way. A WhatsApp message brought only an automated reply at first. About 20 minutes later, a person sent a very curt message saying they were closed. We gave up and found another place, the Doric Hotel, which was amazing. The business denied our refund request, and we heard nothing from them until after the incident. Maybe they didn't technically do anything wrong, but the lack of consideration left a bad taste. 8:05 isn't exactly very late, and refusing guests who are just a few minutes past 8 seems like poor practice for a B&B. If you're turning people away for being five minutes late, at least refund them when they couldn't stay. And the harsh check-in hours should be made clear to guests in advance.

Giovanni and Giusi made our two-night stay in Agrigento feel warm and personal, and they were ready with any information we needed about the area. Breakfast was a treat, with local sweet and savory foods, cappuccino, juice, fruit, and more, served in a beautifully decorated living room. Our room, Ciaula scopre la luna, was comfortable and modern, with vintage touches and a huge window looking over the ruins, city, and distant ocean. The location is right downtown, making it easy to walk around Agrigento and visit the surrounding area. We had such a great stay and hope to come back one day. Thanks, guys!

Giovanni and Giusy, thank you for making our stay in Agrigento so special. We were welcomed warmly in an elegant place, and the prices were very reasonable.