Hilton Villa Igiea Palermo - Palermo, Italy 

Hilton Villa Igiea Palermo details:  Villa Igiea is an elegant historic building overlooking the Bay of Palermo. The hotel features landscaped gardens and a panoramic swimming pool. During summer it offers a free shuttle to Mondello Beach.

Hilton Villa Igiea Palermo features period furniture and original frescoes. Rooms are all air-conditioned and feature a satellite TV and minibar.

Enjoy the best of Mediterranean cuisine at the terrace restaurant. Drinks and snacks are served at the poolside cocktail bar and at the piano bar.

The hotel offers a number of excursions along the coast including a cruise and dinner on the hotel's private boat. Wine and cheese tasting evenings are also organised regularly.

The building, with its characteristic castle shape, derives its name from the Greek nymph of health, Igiea. It was commissioned by the famous Florio family at the end of the 19th century, at the height of the Belle Époque period.

Originally established as an exclusive health centre in an area known for its beneficial properties, it was soon transformed into an elegant hotel. As such, it was immediately favoured by high society because of its sumptuous ambience and distinguished hospitality, along with the balmy Sicilian climate it enjoys.

The bedrooms are decorated in the Art Nouveau style with decorations, terraces and balconies overlooking the sea and the garden with its centuries-old plants. Members of the most important families in Europe, including royalty, have stayed in them.