Marsala hotels, Sicily

Hotel Villa Favorita, Marsala

This unusual three-star hotel was converted 30 years ago from a 19th-century villa 2km outside Marsala; the building was previously the home of a wine business. The grounds are extensive and include two separate bungalows, as well as a large swimming pool surrounded by sun-loungers, a tennis court, a five-a-side pitch and a bowling green. This western coast of Sicily offers much to see and do - the Hotel Villa Favorita is right by the Stagnone lagoon, home of a nature reserve teeming with wildlife and rare birds. The building also boasts excellent views of the Egadi isles - Favignana (famous for its tuna fisherman, who enjoy a similar status to Spanish matadors), Levanzo and Marettimo, and they are easily reachable by hydrofoil. Marsala itself is well worth a visit, too, for the Baroque architecture of the historic centre and the wine baglios (warehouses) where the famous drink was made.

Guests can stay either in the air-conditioned bungalows in the grounds, or enjoy the spectacular arched architecture of the hotel itself, also air-conditioned. Rooms in both have showers, satellite television, refrigerated minibars and complimentary beauty products - ask for the double room with the fourposter bed if you fancy a touch of romantic luxury. The restaurant offers a good mix of regional and national dishes, and you can eat outside under the trees in the warmer months. The Hotel Villa Favorita prides itself on being family-friendly: there is an outdoor play area and babysitting can be provided. There is also a free car park and a valet-parking service.

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Double room from €55