Fond memories of the Villa Igiea

Due to travel delays, we didn't get to Sicily, and ultimately to the hotel, until the middle of the night! But the concierge pointed us in the direction of our room (literally!) and off we went. This place is all of the things I've seen mentioned previously; it is off the beaten path, but not too much so. The views of the sea from the gardens are beautiful, and the staff was most accommodating. The hotel is a bit older, but still attempts to provide a luxurious atmosphere. I enjoyed an Italian beer at one of the outdoor bars, and along with it the waiter brought a bowl of olives and caper berries. For me, that was total bliss. A little slice of heaven right in Palermo. We only had the one night at the Igiea, other than the half-night that we arrived, but I would definitely return again if given the chance. I'd have loved to spend more time just relaxing in and around the hotel, chatting with the staff who very patiently encouraged me to practice my Sicilian and awaiting night time when the terrace came alive with live music. I think in any situation, travel or everyday life, we come across nice people and not-so-nice people....luxurious locals and less-than-luxurious hotels, perfect atmospheres and less than ideal ambiance. It's up to you to decide which parts to remember, in whichever way suits you best. I remember the Villa Igiea in such a way that I can't wait to return!

More beautiful than the photos on their website - Great service!!

The twenty foot ceilings in our junior suite were only outdone by the enormous terraces overlooking the gardens and sea.

The concierge was most helpful.

The ice that we ordered each evening after a day of sightseeing was delivered within minutes.

Would definitely return!

Villa Igiea: Elegant old hotel outside Palermo

My husband and I spent 3 days at the Villa Igiea. It is a beautiful old place with attractive gardens terraced down to the water. The service was excellent and we enjoyed breakfast on the terrace. Good: the hotel is outside Palermo itself, which is a noisy, untidy place, so our room was very peaceful. Bad: the hotel is outside Palermo and we had to take taxis everywhere and taxis cost a fortune in Palermo (on top of the already very high cost of the Villa Igiea). There is a free shuttle service at certain times to the downtown hotels in Palermo, which helped a bit. There is nothing in the hotel area in terms of restaurants, shops, etc. We had a nice large room with old furniture - this both good and bad, as it looked attractive but half the wardrobe door wouldn't open and there weren't enough electric outlets, etc. I would have expected October to be warm still, but the hotel pool was closed, which was a disappointment to us. Because of these drawbacks, I can't give it an excellent rating, though it certainly is elegant.

A bit faded but lovely

We spent three nights at the Villa Igiea Grand Hotel which is right outside Palermo overlooking the water. The bedroom was very large with high ceilings and a lovely view overlooking the grounds and the water. Night tables, a chair and a desk included in the room. The bathroom was large too, and fairly well-appointed but didn't feel luxurious.

There were basic amentities provided in the bathroom, hand shower, good water pressure, a barely adequate blow dryer, and a little stool to put your towel or robe which was a nice touch.

The hotel itself is old, large, and grand and a just a bit faded, but still has its charm. Weddings are held there along with visits from dignitaries. Free internet service in a room behind the conciege was welcome. There are several areas to relax in in the expansive lobby which are very nice. A wonderful full buffet breakfast is included and tables out on the terrace are delightful...one of the best parts of the stay.

I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars, and would be comfortable there again, but may check out what else is in the area...I would miss that fabulous breakfast, though!

Disappointing

This is a beautiful building in a beautiful setting but it is definitely trading on past glories. The service was poor and, although it was high season and there were very few guests, sometimes non existent. The rooms are only ok and the bathrooms are in need of refurbishment. The food was unimaginative and over priced - especially the lunch menu. The hotel was difficult to find by car from the airport and no directions were available on the hotel website. For the price we paid I expected something much better - I am very, very disappointed.

A big deception with Villa Igiea

quite a deception for a 5* hotel! the prices are way too expensive for what they offer .. think they really need to leave their "beginning of the century" glory and get modern and luxurous again. the concierge are rude and not helpfull at all. they recommended a rental car company with which we had a lot of problems

the restaurant was good.

plus you're neither outside the city nor in the city and need to take a taxi whenever you want to go outside .. the hotel not being so pleasant to stay inside all day long

Faded Grandeur

beautiful art nouveau villa overlooking the sea on edge of Palermo. Lovely original decor public rooms. Bedrooms with seaview and terrace patio (as opposed to balcony) worth paying extra for (would check direct with hotel to ensure you get these as there are only 5). Non-seaview rooms have view of rather dull surrounding area. Drinks and food expensive and service can be slightly unfriendly. Nice attended pool area with steps down to marina for a dip. Local area residential with not much to offer but at least one beach within 20 mins walk. Shuttle service into city centre available. Overall, despite the slightly faded appearance (but this adds to its character), it still retains its charm and elegence and its location is ideal if you do not want to be stuck in the centre of Palermo.

Living on past glories

The Grand Hotel Villa Igiea is in need of modernisation, appearing to live on long past glories (with pictures of Edwardian guests on the walls) and is more of a business hotel than a holiday destination. Levels of service are also not great. This hotel is way below the standards of the San Domenico Palace in Taormina and the Hotel Raya in Panarea, which are Sicily's best hotels. However, if you have to go to Palermo then it is probably still the best hotel in town.

Interesting

Very very expensive (got a good deal on Octopus), wonderful old villa with loads of history (see photos on walls), rooms very good, spacious and comfortable, 5 star service, valet parking, escorted to rooms etc . Pool area small and was crowded with 20 people, gardens not as large as i expected and needs some gardening /maintenence plus a good sweep up, but an interesting experience . The hotel is in an awful area with no restaurants close so you are forced to eat in , take loads of money .

Luxury

enjoyed being pampered- rooms comfortable,food superb, service excellent.Make sure you get a room with a sea view- lovely outlook over Bay of Palermo and delightful gardens