Villa Belvedere

“A nice stay at the Villa Belvedere in lovely Cefalu”

You can tell from the mixed reviews that this hotel isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste. But as long as you keep expectations ‘within reason’ then all will be fine. The staff are all great and try their best to be friendly and helpful. The double we had was fine - good aircon, a great shower and … more

You can tell from the mixed reviews that this hotel isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste. But as long as you keep expectations ‘within reason’ then all will be fine. The staff are all great and try their best to be friendly and helpful. The double we had was fine - good aircon, a great shower and a sun trap balcony (ok, with a less than exciting view of the car park!). The pool area was good, the pool itself clean and refreshing and we never had a problem getting a sun bed (although there is a charge for a towel). Breakfast downstairs (in the ship’s dining room as we called it) was ok, if a little repetitive. There are a few negatives- the floors are all tiled so you don’t always get a peaceful night’s sleep due to noise from other areas in the hotel. Our room had only one power socket so charging up tablets, phones etc. was always a challenge. There is no dinner service - so you have to head into town 15 minutes away) for something to eat in the evening. And be prepared to queue for your coffee in the morning as there is only one working machine in the breakfast room. But the worst aspect? Yes, the wretched hill - just what you don’t need after a trip out or last thing in the evening. However, overall,for people to mark down the hotel because it isn’t a 5 star place with all mod cons is somewhat unfair. But treating it for what it is - a clean and well looked after mid-range place with great staff (and that is also good value for money), then we’d recommend. And, you know what, we might even come back!

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“Nice place”

Many positives that outweigh the negative. Clean, tidy, friendly and lovely views. Little snack bar next to a clean pool with plenty of beds. It is up a steep hill, the beds are hard and there is a dog next to the pool that constantly barks. However, Cefalu is a great place an this hotel is recomme… more

Many positives that outweigh the negative. Clean, tidy, friendly and lovely views. Little snack bar next to a clean pool with plenty of beds. It is up a steep hill, the beds are hard and there is a dog next to the pool that constantly barks. However, Cefalu is a great place an this hotel is recommended.

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“Luckily first impressions didn’t last.”

They say first impressions last but luckily for us with the Villa Belvedere they didn’t. We arrived mid afternoon after the 2 hour 15 minute transfer from Catania (not 75mins as stated by the travel agents!) Check is was easy, staff were great. We had booked a double room, with balcony and king siz… more

They say first impressions last but luckily for us with the Villa Belvedere they didn’t. We arrived mid afternoon after the 2 hour 15 minute transfer from Catania (not 75mins as stated by the travel agents!) Check is was easy, staff were great. We had booked a double room, with balcony and king size bed. I’d have to say it was the smallest double room we’ve stayed in, there was a double wardrobe with 3 coat hangers in and the balcony looked onto some garage roofs and a car park! I went to reception to ask if we could move to another room but was told the hotel was full (all politely), asked for some more coat hangers which seemed a strange request to the hotel reception staff but they sorted it and gave us another 5! When I say the room seemed smallish once our cases where unpacked there was nowhere to store them. As with most Italian hotels the room was basic, clean, as with a lot of the other reviews I have to say the bed was hard but that wasn’t an issue for either of us. Have to say the air con in the room was fantastic. The bar area is basic but nice same as the pool area. Pool area has plenty of sun beds, tables and chairs and shade if you required it. Pool is decent, snack bar is good, food is nice and good service. Breakfast room again is basic but nice with plenty of tables and seating, breakfast is your typical Italian continental breakfast with plenty of choice, meats, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, breads and cakes. Only one two slice toaster and more importantly only one coffee machine which caused queues, some mornings there was over 20 people in the breakfast room so as you can imagine there was quite a queue for coffee. Now the hotel location and the hill mentioned in many other reviews. The hotel is on a relatively steep him, walking down the hill to the main road takes around 8 minutes and then from there a further 10 minutes to the beach or 15 minutes to the beginning of the street that takes you to the plazza Del Duomo where the shops and restaurants are. I did the 3 peaks a few months ago so I’m not exactly unfit but after a few drinks a lovely meal we only walked back up that hill once and that was the first night. So bare in mind that you’ll need to get a taxi back to the hotel, cost is 10 euros or 15 euros after 11pm. I have added some photos to try and give a good idea of the walk back up the hill to the hotel. I have to say I find it poor that considering the location of the hotel they don’t have a shuttle bus to take you down to Cefalù centre even if it only did one drop off and pick upper night. The staff do make this hotel they are very good without being in your face, always there if you needed them.

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