Villa Carmen

The owners were kind and helpful, and free parking is available near the gate. Our private-bathroom room was spotless and spacious, with every comfort. The villa itself is truly beautiful. We’d gladly return.

The hosts are very friendly, and the price for a night is reasonable. This B&B sits on the Sciacca promontory and is run by a mother and daughter. The rooms are clean, but several share bathrooms and there’s no air conditioning. Breakfast could be better: there’s fresh fruit, but the pastries, cookies, and snacks are pre-packaged.

The breakfast was tasty and more than enough, with both savory and sweet vegetarian choices. My room was small and simple, but very clean and tastefully furnished. The bathroom was across the hall, yet it was spotless and worked perfectly; it even had a hairdryer, which isn’t always provided at this price in Sicily. The courtyard fountain outside the window burbles all night, though, so light sleepers might find it bothersome.

You really do feel at home in Villa Ester, right in the heart of the city. It’s a magical villa for a B&B, run by a mother and daughter, and the breakfast is special. I especially loved the shortcrust tart with bitter orange marmalade. Give it a try, you won’t regret it.