Magaggiari Hotel Resort

Air here is thick with olive, citrus, and hibiscus fragrance from the 4.4 acres (1.8 hectares) of well-maintained grounds with stone paths and terra-cotta planters. Although dated, the lobby has a homey mix of turquoise floor tiling, ceramic decor, wicker chairs, and a natural-stone front desk. A clear-tented lounge area has additional seating, cacti, and views of the parking lot. Tiled citrus motifs around the pool give a nod to nearby lemon groves, and while mountain views from surrounding terraces are gorgeous, the pool itself is seasonal. Transit couples and families join a significant airline worker presence here, and aside from the odd wedding party, it's peaceful. 

Surrounded by private residences and the odd restaurant, the hotel has a somewhat isolated location. However, it's setting a 10-minute drive from Palermo Airport is a big draw, and the hotel operates a shuttle service, although guests find it expensive. Immediate offerings are humble, but not non-existent. Magaggiari Beach is a 13-minute walk, and has some good beach bars, plus there's a livelier harbor 12 minutes farther. The small town of Cisini is a 20-minute walk, and livelier Terrasini's town square and cliff-view bay takes 30 minutes on foot. A vehicle here is recommended. The city of Palermo is 40 minutes by car, as are beaches at San Vito and Castellammare del Golfo. 

Rooms are contemporary, though minimally decorated, with fittings that include white or light-wood furniture, glossed blue floor tiles, white bed linens, and either exposed stone or artwork for a touch of pizazz. Additionally, desks that slope like slides to the floor are a funky, mod touch. Note that some guests find the beds on the hard side, and airplane noise is occasionally audible. Singles are a small 194 square feet (18 square meters), while Doubles rise to 269 square feet (25 square meters). 

Amenities include phones, satellite flat-screen TVs, open hanging space, and mini-fridges with bottled water, but rooms lack tea- or coffee-making facilities. Mosaic-tiled bathrooms continue blue palettes, and have shower/tub combos, bidets, toiletries, hairdryers, slippers, and robes. Private outdoor spaces are sparsely furnished, but pool or garden views are mostly lovely. Mini-apartments are more extensively equipped, and private villas have offices. All rooms have safes, and can be fitted with cribs, for a fee. Both AC and Wi-Fi are weak in rooms. 

The free breakfast buffet doesn't get rave reviews, although its continental spread is decent. Rolls and pastries with jams accompany cold meats and cheeses, cereals, yogurts, and fresh fruit, plus tea, coffee, and juice. Magaggiari Restaurant prides itself on sourcing organically grown produce from the property's vegetable garden, and its fresh fish dishes and pastas are well-reviewed. Guests can dine indoors or out, weather-permitting. The lobby bar's hanging lamps and lucite stools are fun, and the spot welcomes late arrivals with toasted sandwich and drink menus. 

Open May through September, the large freeform pool overlooks greenery and mountains. It has a built-in kiddy pool, and both are surrounded by ample loungers and partially shaded cabanas on a spacious terrace. A shack-style pool bar serves drinks, snacks, and ice cream in summer. The tennis court is free to use. An equipped meeting room holds 300 people, and terrace spaces can be hired for functions. Parking is free and plentiful. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but unreliable in rooms.