Stayed here as part of a tour group. First appearance is that the courtyard and exterior is inviting and visually appealing. After check in, the initial impression is quickly diminished. The hotel is under renovation (based on signage) though you couldn't tell because there was no visible activity. Elevators are SLOW and SMALL - better to take the stairs if you're able. Rooms are OLD and DATED - one would hope the renovations are to address the room conditions. It is the most basic room setup with hard beds, flat pillows and a bathroom that is just -- there's no nice way to say this -- ugly. If you're visiting in December, you'll need to open windows for any air flow as the rooms get warm easily. The HVAC system is only set for heat during the Sicilian "winters" - which isn't even that cold. So if you like cooler temps, you're not going to enjoy Sicilian hotels because there's no way to adjust the thermostat to allow for even basic air flow (not AC, not heat).
Meals are served in the lower basement - walk outside, down a set of stairs to a large open room with many windows. The 3-course dinner included as part of the tour (pasta, main, dessert) was lackluster. Pasta was undercooked, chicken was tasty but comically not Italian at all - it tasted more like a Chinese stir fry, and many of us didn't even touch dessert because the flavor was off putting.
The real "gem" is what the hotel (nor the tour) bothered to highlight, which is a real shame because the grounds are beautiful. Hotel Della Valle has a beautiful poolside area with bar and ample outdoor seating. If you're willing to explore, walk up the steps/small hill to find a whole other property that overlooks the valley. The views are stunning. It's eerie though because it's clear the mansion like building is no longer in use, rooms are dark, weeds/grass is overgrown, trash is overflowing. My assumption is this part of the hotel was once used for weddings/large gatherings and events due to its size and mountain top view. But now the primary focus is on the hotel itself - which based on this stay, it's not going to go well if they don't modernize rooms and improve the dining experience.
If you're hoping for dining/shopping outside the hotel, be prepared for absolute nothing. There are 2 grocery stores within walking distance and then literally nothing else. Such a wasted opportunity to not explore Agrigento but because this hotel is on the very outskirts of the city, the only thing you'll be able to enjoy (if you don't have a car) is the pool, a spooky hilltop mansion, and a grocery store. read more