Federico II Palace Hotel

The rooms were excellent value, and the breakfast included with our reservation was good quality. The restaurant dinner was another matter: our group of seven found every appetizer, main course and dessert mediocre at best. It was the worst meal of the 16 days we spent in Sicily. At the pool, we were also asked without warning to buy a 3 Euro swim cap. I don't understand why that isn't included in the reservation cost.

The fitness room was one of the best equipped I've ever used anywhere. Staff were also very helpful and sorted out any problem, even changing my room. I stayed four nights; the rooms looked beautiful and had excellent equipment, though the bed was too soft and uncomfortable for me. The sauna and wellness facilities cost extra. Still, a very good hotel.

Dinner was well organized, the food was good, and the rooms were nice. But our attempt to get drinks before dinner was a mess. The bartender refused to serve mixed drinks, wine or beer in glasses and handed us plastic cups instead. He was rude, wouldn't communicate, and didn't seem familiar with the payment system. A very nice receptionist tried to help but couldn't sort it out. The manager sat in an open office behind him and didn't seem interested. It felt as if they didn't need the business from a larger group. I would have rated the place four stars if not for that service, and maybe new management could improve how it runs.

Just outside Enna Bassa, this is a lovely hotel. The rooms are beautifully decorated, parking is plentiful, and breakfast has a moderate selection.