First of all, I’m a bit confused as to where my review of Dafne as a hotel/place to stay to stay should go. When I search Hotels in Alia (the closest town to Dafne) under “B&B” there is one agriturismo listing, but not for Dafne. Under “Specialty Lodging” there are 4 listings, two are agritorismos, but no Dafne. Under “Vacation Rentals,” there are 12 listings, including SIX for Dafne. Clearly, Dafne is NOT a “Vacation Rental.” It should probably be listed under “Specialty Lodging.” And there should just be one listing.
Under “Alia Restaurants” Dafne does appear, but most of the reviews are about the hotel aspect.
Hopefully TripAdvisor can sort this out.
An agriturismo is different from an ordinary hotel. First of all, they are generally family owned and run, as was the case with Dafne. Second is that the focus of the stay is on the land, and the food the farm produces.
Dafne’s hilltop location overlooks farmland and the Sicano mountains; it is a stunningly beautiful setting.
Dafne is family owned and run. The 3rd generation is now taking over. Giuseppe runs the hotel and the cheese making operation. He has a college degree in agricultural science.
The rooms are somewhat small, 12 s.m., but perfectly comfortable. There was a great refrigerator that kept things really cold, tile floors, queen size bed, a loft with 2 single beds for kids, reading lights, shutters, armoire, 2 safes, lots of outlets, but only one small mirror. The A/C was a bit weak (might be a problem in August). The highlight is the balcony w/amazing views and furniture (we were in the “A-line” rooms, top level). One minor negative: no coffee in the room.
The pillows in all Sicilian hotels are long, very firm “tubes.” Not comfortable.
Lots of activities: huge pool, cheese-making plant (a must), horseback riding, hiking. Easy to use as a hub for day trips to the north or south shore (Agrigento).
Bathroom was narrow; had a small tub with a shower curtain that crowded the space. Had shampoo, but no bar soap. Fresh towels every day.
Unlike one other review here, we thought breakfast was huge offering fruit, breads, pastries, cheese, meat, cereal and coffee.
Wifi: reasonably fast
Sleep: super quiet
Food: everything served is locally grown/produced. The first night we ordered the full dinner, which consisted mostly of ingredients that the farm was producing (40€ including unlimited wine). Delicious, but way too much! The next night we opted for a la carte. The pasta courses were large . . . but only 5€.