Piazza Mercato del Pesce, Trapani, Italy | (937) 315-4602
Proximity to Trapani on foot, as well as wide array of dining options
Many rooms on higher floors have views of the ocean
Residence-style rooms are convenient for families
Rooftop lounge with sea views
Simple, attractive decor combines historical architecture and modern furnishings
Tasty on-site restaurant
Free Wi-Fi
Fee for use of room kitchenettes
Some complaints of rooms being musty and loud
Free Wi-Fi can be spotty
This boutique hotel, elegantly laid out around a 16th-century cloister, has been beautifully updated on the interior while still preserving the stone architectural details that identify it as a historic site. Pale wood and stucco walls create a surprisingly bright atmosphere in the common areas despite a lack of natural light. As with the rest of the town of Trapani, water from the faucet is non-potable. Some guests have noted that walls may be thin and the rooms near the elevator shaft and breakfast room may experience some extra noise. This hotel is a little pricier than local luxury competitors, but many feel that its historic setting and views make it worthwhile.
Scene
Updated 16th-century convent with contemporary interior
The hotel has delightfully preserved some of the quirkiest features of this historic building. On the way to the elevator, guests walk on a glass floor overlooking what was once the building’s stone well. Plentiful and inexpensive parking can be had near the hotel; guests have recommended unloading luggage at the property first to avoid a 10-minute walk toting bags. Couples in particular enjoy the romantic setting; families come here as well for the cultural offerings nearby.
Location
In an ancient city on the water, 25-minutes from Birgi airport
The hotel is situated at the western end of Trapani, on the west coast of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. It sits a ten-minute walk from the lovely Port of Trapani, near plenty of nightlife and restaurants serving fresh seafood. The city center has Sicilian Baroque and medieval religious architecture. Private transportation from the airport can be arranged in advance with the hotel for a reasonable fee; it takes about 25 minutes to reach the airport from the hotel. Private buses serve Trapani from Palermo.
Rooms
Cozy rooms with colorful details and contemporary furnishings
The rooms in La Gancia have been handsomely updated with warm wood, minimalist furnishings, and lovely details like colorful ceiling tiles. Larger rooms have french doors that allow for a lot of natural light; it has been noted that smaller rooms can be dark. Some guests have remarked that plumbing can give rise to odors in the bathroom, but that covering the drain can remedy the situation. There is free Wi-Fi, but it can be spotty. Many rooms have kitchenettes, but there is a fee for their use.
Features
Roof deck with sea views and a small but modern gym
A vaulted stone room with several exercise machines and a set of free weights constitutes the modest but pleasant fitness center. Breakfast is served, weather permitting, on the hotel’s roof deck with 360 degree views of the surrounding sea; some room rates include it in the price. An additional section of the roof, which serves as a solarium, is equipped with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and three outdoor showers lined with jewel-toned, hand-painted tiles. An intimate reading room with white leather settees nestled under stone archways provides a cozy place to relax.