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Villa Athena Hotel Agrigento

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Villa Athena Hotel Agrigento
User Rating
3.6
out of 5
Villa Athena Hotel Agrigento [edit info]
Via Dei Templi 33
Agrigento, Italy
Amenities:Room Service, High-speed Internet, Restaurant, Parking, Swimming pool, Pets Allowed, Airport shuttle, Handicap Accessible, Valet Parking, Bar / Lounge, 24 Hour Reception, Air Conditioned, Non-Smoking Rooms, Free Breakfast, Banquet Facilities, Conference Room(s), Safe-Deposit Box, Mini Bar, Cable / Satellite TV, Wake-up Service, Meeting Rooms, Hair Dryer, TV, Laundry service
Description:The Villa Athena is housed in an 18th-century villa with views over the ancient Valley of the Temples, 100 metres from the mythical Temple of Concord directly opposite the hotel. The 33 air-conditioned guestrooms have light, modern decor and dark wood furniture and enjoy views of the ancient ruins. Amenities include cable television, telephones and minibars.
Guests can relax on the terrace and enjoy the stunning views or take a dip in the outdoor pool. Multilingual staff on the 24-hour front desk can help book tours and days out and during the high season the hotel organises excursions. The hotel's Concordia restaurant offers gourmet Sicilian, national and international cuisine, served for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed and informal setting, with spectacular views of the surrounding scenery and room service is also available. Visitors to Agrigento are well placed to explore the stunning Sicilian coastline and the many places of interest. The Valley of Temples with its ancient ruins surrounds the Villa Athena and the intriguing San Leone coastal resort is three kilometres from the hotel. Palermo Punta Raisi/Falcone Borsellino Airport is 180 kilometres (110 miles) away, approximately 90 minutes by car.
Description:
The Hotel Villa Athena is a refined and exclusive hotel located at Agrigento, right in the beautiful Tautiful Valley of the Temples, facing the Temple of the Concordia, one of the best preserved temples of the ancient world. A converted Eighteenth century princely villa, the hotel offers its guests accommodations either in en suite rooms with shower or in apartments. All have central air conditioning, telephone, cable radio and TV. The structure also boasts a restaurant, bar, car park, a delightful winter garden and a spacious park, from which an exceptional view over the valley of the temples can be enjoyed. Situated in an isolated and peaceful position, the Hotel Villa Athena offers its guests a relaxing and comfortable holiday, in a fascinating atmosphere where the vestiges of the ancient world blend harmoniously into the luxuriant and unspoiled surroundings, offering a spectacle of rare beauty and extraordinary charm. .
Location Description:
The Hotel Villa Athena stands in the archaeological area of Agrigento, precisely facing the Temple of the Concordia, the monumental symbol of the celebrated Valley of the Temples. The Hotel is situated in Agrigento, the most beautiful city of mortals, seat of Persephone as the Greek poet Pindar defined it, stands on a hill overlooking the sea. Intense light, a mild climate throughout the year, and the ancient charm of almonds blooming in the spring and cloaking the town in color and scent, make Agrigento one of the most fascinating places in the region. . Founded in 580 BC by the Gelesi originating from Crete and Rhodes and by Greeks from Rhodes on the land lying between the rivers Akragas and Hypsas, Agrigento was a great economic and military power. In the sixth century BC under the tyrant Phalaris, in the fifth century under Theron, and later still under a democratic government, the town with a Hippodamean layout, was mantled in the upper and in the valley part below, in splendid Doric sanctuaries and temples. Referring to this the Agrigento philosopher Empedocles, wrote that his fellow citizens construct buildings as if they could live forever. . Occupied by the Romans in 210 BC, then abandoned in the Byzantine period, it was conquered by the Arabs in 828 AD, taking the name Girgenti. The town kept its central economic position also under the Normans and Swabians, but experienced great building development during the eighteenth century. Finally, in 1927 the town took on its present name of Agrigento. It still conserves the intricate fifth century Hypogea which is a network of underground passages, interesting medieval monuments, including the S. Spirito monastic complex and the cathedral, the regional Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Sicily, fine churches and old palaces, and the birthplace, now a museum, of Pirandello. . The Hotel is close to the famous Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. It encloses one of the greatest ancient Greek architectural treasures still in existence. The superb Doric Temples, in an excellent state of preservation, made from the intensely yellow local conchitic tufaceous sandstone that is either tinted pink at sunset or acquires a warm amber shade, are the immortal testimony of the splendor and power of the ancient Greek colony. The poet Pindar defined it as the most beautiful among the cities of mortals, the friend of luxury, the seat of Persephone. In a crescendo of majestic beauty and in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings, the procession of temples along the valley begins with the monumental temple of Zeus Olympius, the temple of the Dioscuri, more or less the symbol of the town of Agrigento, the temple of Hercules, the temple of the Concordia, among the best preserved of the sacred buildings and one of the finest examples of Doric architecture anywhere, the temple of Juno Lucina, the temple of Vulcan and the temple outside the town of Aesculapius, all built between the sixth and fifth century BC. . The valley is one of the most important archaeological areas in the whole of Sicily, that left Goethe deeply enchanted, as he wrote in the pages of his Journey through Italy which also contains the famous sanctuary of Demeter and Kouros, the oratory of Phalaris, Theron s tomb, the remains of Greek fortifications, the site of the ancient agora, the magnificently preserved remains of the Hellenic-Roman town and the very rich Regional Archaeological Museum, that houses material of inestimable historical and artistic value. The archaeological area can be visited everyday from 8am to 9pm. Selinunte is situated about 96 km O from the Hotel and Agrigento and is one of the best preserved and most fascinating Magna Graecian cities of the whole region. It was called the favorite place of the gods. The most westerly Greek colony of Sicily was founded, according to statements by Diodorus Siculus and by Thucydides, in 650 or 628 BC by colonists from the Doric Megara Hyblea. It is settled between two rivers the Selino and the Cottone. . The city with its name derived from the Greek term used to indicate wild parsley, that grew plentifully hereabouts, indeed the herb was portrayed on the colony s coinage. It enjoyed the peak of its development in the fifth century BC, thanks above all to the presence of a double landing point, and therefore of two ports, and to the areas notable fertility. The enemy of nearby Segesta, allied first with Carthage, then with Syracuse, the city was destroyed in 409 by the Carthaginians. It was an operation completed by the Romans at the end of the first Punic War. The city was almost totally devastated by an earthquake probably in the Byzantine period. Reduced to a simple village in the Arab period, Selinunte was rediscovered in the sixteenth century thanks to the Dominican Fazello, even though systematic excavation of the area did not begin until 1823. . Its eight superb temples, five of them built on the acropolis, three on the hill facing the sea, admirable examples of the Doric style, is one of the best testimonies to western Hellenic culture. The archaeological park set up in 1993 and divided into four sections which are the acropolis, the ancient city, the Malophoros sanctuary, and the eastern temples which can be visited from 9am to an hour before sunset. It is near the ancient complex. It is the interesting village of Castelvetrano, the Cusa quarries, and Marinella, a lovely fishing village and bathing resort. . The Hotel is 90 km O from Piazza Armerina, one of the most interesting places on the island, and about 100 km from Morgantina one of the most important archaeological areas in Europe. Intense light, a mild climate throughout the year, and the ancient charm of almonds blooming in the spring and cloaking the town in color and scent, make Agrigento one of the most fascinating places in the region. Founded in 580 BC by the Gelesi originating from Crete and Rhodes and by Greeks from Rhodes on the land lying between the rivers Akragas and Hypsas, Agrigento was a great economic and military power. In the sixth century BC under the tyrant Phalaris, in the fifth century under Theron, and later still under a democratic government, the town with a Hippodamean layout, was mantled in the upper and in the valley part below, in splendid Doric sanctuaries and temples. Referring to this the Agrigento philosopher Empedocles, wrote that his fellow citizens construct buildings as if they could live forever. Occupied by the Romans in 210 BC, then abandoned in the Byzantine period, it was conquered by the Arabs in 828 AD, taking the name Girgenti. . The town kept its central economic position also under the Normans and Swabians, but experienced great building development during the eighteenth century. Finally, in 1927 the town took on its present name of Agrigento. It still conserves the intricate fifth century Hypogea which is a network of underground passages, interesting medieval monuments, including the S. Spirito monastic complex and the cathedral, the regional Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Sicily, fine churches and old palaces, and the birthplace, now a museum, of Pirandello. Agrigento, its economy nowadays is based on tourism and service industry, has still preserved its old craft and folklore traditions, and offers a varied, rich range of cuisine. .Agrigento IT
Check-in:
Noon
Check-out:
10 AM
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation policies vary. Contact property.
Description:
The Villa Athena is housed in an 18th-century villa with views over the ancient Valley of the Temples, 100 metres from the mythical Temple of Concord directly opposite the hotel. The 33 air-conditioned guestrooms have light, modern decor and dark wood furniture and enjoy views of the ancient ruins. Amenities include cable television, telephones and minibars.
Guests can relax on the terrace and enjoy the stunning views or take a dip in the outdoor pool. Multilingual staff on the 24-hour front desk can help book tours and days out and during the high season the hotel organises excursions. The hotel's Concordia restaurant offers gourmet Sicilian, national and international cuisine, served for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed and informal setting, with spectacular views of the surrounding scenery and room service is also available. Visitors to Agrigento are well placed to explore the stunning Sicilian coastline and the many places of interest. The Valley of Temples with its ancient ruins surrounds the Villa Athena and the intriguing San Leone coastal resort is three kilometres from the hotel. Palermo Punta Raisi/Falcone Borsellino Airport is 180 kilometres (110 miles) away, approximately 90 minutes by car.
Overview:
Check In Time - Noon
Check Out Time - 11 AM
24-hour front desk - 24 Hours
Location Description:
AGRIGENTO
Rooms:
Standard Single-Light, modern decor with dark wood furniture. Views of ancient ruins. Air conditioning, cable television, telephones and minibars.

Standard room-Light, modern decor with dark wood furniture. Views of ancient ruins. Air conditioning, cable television, telephones and minibars.
Check-in:
12:00 PM
Check-out:
11:00 AM
Transportation:
Taxis are available from outside the arrivals terminal to take you to the hotel. The Prestia e Comande Bus Service runs from/to Palermo daily. Travelling time to the Stazione Centrale is approximately 55 minutes. There is also a bus service to the Central Station running every half hour. Agrigento Station FS is the closest train station.
Driving directions: From Palermo airport take the Messina-Palermo highway, exit at Cartissetta and head for Agrigento.
Attractions:
- Valley of the Temples - 100 metres
- The Stoai (Museum theatre) - 100 metres
- San Leone (Coastal resort) - 3 kilometres (2 miles)
- Pirandello's House
- Historical Centre of Agrigento
- Museum of Sicilian Spirit
- Sciacca (thermal baths and ceramics)
- Aragona (small volcanoes)
- Scala Dei Turchi
Facilities:
Children Stay Free - Under 8 Years, Pets Allowed - Small Pets Only, Wake Up Service, Complimentary Breakfast - Continental, Parking (secure), Garden - Limited Hours
Room Facilities:
Air conditioning, Cable/satellite TV, Wake-up calls, Minibar, Telephone, Private bathroom, Bidet
Overview:
Every bedroom of this 18th century villa is air-conditioned and overlooks the magnificent archaeological site of the Valley of the Temples, which you can reach on foot from the hotel.

Just 100 metres away is the 5th century Temple of Concordia. At night this is lit up and you can admire this romantic view from the restaurant terrace while you enjoy some typical Sicilian and international dishes. Often there is also live music to accompany your meal.

On the other side of the hotel you can see the walls of Agrigento, just 3 km in the distance. The sea is also 3 km away and there are impressive views of it from the Valley of the Temples. You could also choose to take a refreshing swim in the hotel's outdoor pool surrounded by Mediterranean plants.
Rooms:
The bedrooms are furnished in a modern style with classical pieces.

Double Room -

Single Room -

Triple Room -

Double Room for Single Use -
Check-in:
14:00
Check-out:
12:00
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation Policy: If cancelled up to 2 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged.
If cancelled later or in case of no-show, the first night will be charged.

Children and Extra Bed Policy: All children are welcome.
All children under 4 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding.
All children under 2 years are charged EUR 0.00 per night and person for cots.
All older children or adults are charged EUR 20.00 per night and person for extra beds.
Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1.

Deposit Policy: No deposit will be charged.

VAT and city/tourist taxes: VAT is included.
Service charge is included.
City/tourist tax is included.

Internet: Wireless internet is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Meal Plan: American breakfast is included in the room rate.

Parking: Free public parking is possible on site.

Pets: Pets are allowed. No extra charges.

The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.
Facilities:
Parking, Restaurant, Pets Allowed, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Garden, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms, Free Parking, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Safety Deposit Box, Valet Parking, Soundproofed Rooms, Heating, Luggage Storage, Breakfast Buffet
Activities:
Hiking, Outdoor Swimming Pool
Services:
Room Service, Babysitting/Child Services, Laundry, Breakfast in the Room, Ironing Service, Bridal Suite, Internet Services, Shoe Shine, Fax/Photocopying, Wi-Fi/Wireless LAN, Free Wi-Fi Internet Access Included
Description:
Villa Athena - a prestigious 17th century mansion, the only hotel, located inside the archaeological area of Agrigento, Valle dei Templi, one of the most evocative places in the world - ensures you a memorable stay whether you are in Sicily on a well-deserved holiday or on business. This fabulous 4 star hotel, facing the enchanting Temple of Concordia, features a wonderful atmosphere where ancient charm combines with modern amenities. On-site services include parking facilities, a panoramic restaurant, a bar and a wonderful pool. Villa Athena hotel allows you to enjoy a unique experience, immersed into the marvellous Valley of Temples, a oasis of peace and beauty.
Cancellation Policy:
prima notte penalità First night penality
Facilities:
Entire property is air conditioned, Historic building, Pets accepted, Free parking, Shuttle service from and/or to the airport, Shuttle service from and/or to the railway station, Bar, Restaurant, Front desk - 24 hour, Meeting room, Banqueting service, Outdoor swimming pool, Air conditioning, Hairdryer in room, Safe, Mini bar, Direct dial phone, Satellite TV
Description:
The Hotel Villa Athena is a refined and exclusive hotel located at Agrigento, right in the beautiful Tautiful Valley of the Temples, facing the Temple of the Concordia, one of the best preserved temples of the ancient world. A converted Eighteenth century princely villa, the hotel offers its guests accommodations either in en suite rooms with shower or in apartments. All have central air conditioning, telephone, cable radio and TV. The structure also boasts a restaurant, bar, car park, a delightful winter garden and a spacious park, from which an exceptional view over the valley of the temples can be enjoyed. Situated in an isolated and peaceful position, the Hotel Villa Athena offers its guests a relaxing and comfortable holiday, in a fascinating atmosphere where the vestiges of the ancient world blend harmoniously into the luxuriant and unspoiled surroundings, offering a spectacle of rare beauty and extraordinary charm.
Facilities:
Air Conditioned (public areas), Bar(s), Conference Facilities, Parking - onsite, Restaurant(s)
Description:
Discover all that Agrigento has to offer with Villa Athena Hotel as a base.
The Villa Athena Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service.
This Agrigento accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class.
Being one of the good quality hotels in Agrigento, guests staying at this hotel will find its convenient location and tranquil atmosphere pleasurable.
To reserve a room at the Villa Athena Hotel, simply select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.
Description:
Villa Athena Hotel, Agrigernto is housed in an 18th-century villa with views over the ancient Valley of the Temples, 100 metres from the mythical Temple of Concord directly opposite the hotel. The 33 air-conditioned guestrooms have light, modern decor and dark wood furniture and enjoy views of the a...
Description:
The Hotel Villa Athena complex is the result of the final transformation of a princity villa of the 18th century. It is located in from of the temple of Concordia, at the center of enchanting valley of the temples between a spontaneous nature reserve and a corner of intense regulation zone.
Description:
Other amenities/services: rooms with bath or shower, radio, some with minibar. Room service 24 hours.Renovations 1991.
Facilities:
Non Smoking Rooms, OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL, CONFERENCE ROOM, Handicaps, PARKING, Bar, Restaurant, tv in rooms, AIR CONDITIONING, Central Location
Overview:
The Hotel Villa Athena is a refined and exclusive hotel located at Agrigento, right in the beautiful Tautiful Valley of the Temples, facing the Temple
Description:
Important place or monument close to the hotel: located next to historic temples. Nearest station/metro: train station - 3km.

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User Reviews:
From: Howard Richard
Date of Stay: June, 2003
This hotel lives on its location, which admittedly is the best in Agrigento. Some others had names that suggested that they were near the temples but only the Athena is so located. It is midway between the main temple area and the museum and archaic town areas. Our room was musty, had worn furniture and the bathroom needed to be completely renovated. In fact the room should have been completely renovated. We had a couple of chairs outside the room on a shared public patio but could not see the famous temples. The gardens were well enough maintained and the pool seemed clean and properly maintained. The restaurant served on a terrace looking over one of the main temples. The view was spectacular and the food and service were good, if expensive. On our second night the weather turned cold and windy and dinner was served in the hotel's conference facility. It was not necessary to be a guest to reserve at the restaurant for dinner but unless you can dine on the terrace, it would not be worth going to dine in the conference facility. Easy parking. Overall, an expensive hotel that is well past its prime and in need of renovation.
 
From: stackpoolblaikie jane
Date of Stay: April, 2003
Villa Athena is a unique hotel, built where no other hotel could be built today. The hotel itself is pretty, and well maintained. You reach it before you are caught up in the hurly burly of the town, so the breathtaking sights you've driven through just before arrival are not spoilt by the hassle of tracking down your bed via unfamiliar streets and traffic jams. The views of the Valley of the Temples from rooms, gardens and terraces are unmatched, and the scene one of extreme beauty. The hotel environment adds to this wonderful sense of being a part of the ageless beauty, timeless landscape: in a quiet location, with elegant and meticulously - kept gardens, and offering excellent dining room and other facilities. Alberto at Reception is exceptional: helpful, and with a great sense of humour. His restaurant recommendations (if you don't want to eat at the Villa's own top class restaurant)can be trusted completely. No task is too hard for this co-operative and professional team. Villa Athena is within walking distance of Agrigento, and within easy driving reach of all the sights and towns you'd want to see in this part of Sicily - nothing is more than 2 hours away: Selinunte, Caltanisetta, Villa Casale, the Norman churches, the ss 118 towns, the southern beaches, the luxuriant scenery .. all of these are possible day trips. The hotel is perfectly suited and sited as your central stop for exploring the area. We travel in Sicily almost every year, and recommend Villa Athena without question.
 
From: Crandall Elizabeth
Date of Stay: April, 2003
We had read that Villa Athena was rundown - and the carpet was a bit threadbare - BUT, it was just an amazing location!!! We had room 201 with a great balcony overlooking Temple Concordia - it couldn't be beat. It was also nice to walk to the Archeological Park - would recommend it!
 
From: akira ueyama
Date of Stay: September, 2002
The nasty smell was drifting from the air-conditioner.
 

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