Carrubella Park Hotel - Monreale

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: 

stayed in May 2008

Not so easy to arrive but once there you are astounded by the location and the view - all Palermo area is seen from your balcony!

Guest name: Avi Bar-Or, Israel

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in May 2008

We enjoyed our one night stay at Carubella Park Hotel. We drove and it the hotel has private parking. There was a mix up with what room we were staying in when we arrived but after 10 minutes it was resolved. Our room was huge with a terrace and view with Palermo in the distance and out to the sea. The bed was comfortable and the room was quiet. Bathroom was large with a bathtub/shower. Overall decor of the hotel is a bit old fashioned but clean and spacious. There is a large dining room but we did not eat there. Breakfast on the terrace was full continental with an incredible view. There was frittata which was the only time we saw eggs at breakfast out of the 7 hotels we stayed in around the island. The hotel staff was very nice. The Cathedral is a 10 minute walk from the hotel. It is located off a quiet residential dead end street. We loved Monreale and would stay at Carubella Park again!

Guest name: Jennifer Spenningsby, USA

Average rating:  4.2

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2008

We were very disappointed in this hotel after reading the reviews. The location and views are wonderful, but the rooms were noisy (construction outside and noise from other rooms inside, despite the fact that we never saw any other guests) and the bathroom smelled. In fact, the drain in the bathroom floor spewed what looked like sewage whenever the sink drained. The hotel is undergoing renovation, so perhaps it will improve. The breakfast was only adequate, perhaps because there were so few guests. Like other reviewers, we found the drive to the hotel to be hair-raising (the tightest squeeze in our 2-week Italian trip), but once there, we left the car and walked to the center of Monreale (an easy walk, but watch out for the cars!) and took a bus to Palermo (an easy trip, much better than driving). The manager said we could check our email on his computer, but he was never able to get online, and internet access in Monreale--and even Palermo--is scarce. We would come back to this hotel in the hopes that the renovations will resolve some of the problems, but mainly because of the location.

Guest name: AG, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2008

Construction was occurring in the parking area, so things were a little tight. Should be completed by 4/08. Cannot overstate the friendliness, helpfulness and willingness to please of the hosts and staff. An easy 10 minute walk from the center of town and main piazza. Armando and his staff go out of their way to insure a pleasant stay.

Guest name: JM, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Mar 2008

perfect location for a visit to Palermo (close to the city but very quiet)

Guest name: AL, France

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Nov 2007

Clientele seemed to be mixed as to age and nationality. Important to state that it is necessary to have a car to access hotel. Last 100 meters of road leading to hotel is an extremely narrow, two-way road with vehicles parked on either side. Not for the faint of heart.

Guest name: LT, USA

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Nov 2007

We had a room with a very nice view over Palermo (concha de oro). The hotelstaff was so friendly and helpful. Our stay in Monreale was better than expected. The fact the hotel has a private car park is a big asset.

Guest name: AG, BE

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Nov 2007

The Carrubella Park Hotel is the BEST place to stay in Monreale. The view is incomparable (we had room #211), the staff friendly, and the accommodations comfortable and spacious. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with a trip to Sicily -- and could not have been more pleased with our choice in Monreale.

Guest name: BR, USA

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2007

We had a very lovely stay at the Carrubella, genuinely friendly staff, incredible views, comfortable walking distance from the center of Monreale. Our room was very spacious, with a bit outdated furniture and bathroom but none the less charming. The only difficulty we experienced was in finding the turn-off to Monreale from the freeway as we were coming from the airport. It would be helpful to know exactly what sign to look for. Also ask for a room with a view. Many thanks to the Carrubella staff and management for making us feel welcome at all times.

Guest name: CP, USA

Average rating:  6.7

Guest type: sisters

stayed in Oct 2007

The hotel is up a very steep, windy narrow road yet well marked. The views were spectacular.

Guest name: TL, USA

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

Sehr angenehmes, ruhiges Hotel, mit herrlichem Blick auf die Bucht von Palermo und den Dom von Monreale. Ideal für Individualreisende, weil Reisegruppen mit Bus den Weg durch die schmalen Gassen von Monreale nicht nehmen können, es sei denn sie gehen zu Fuß. Der Dom ist in knapp 15 Minuten zu erreichen. Für Ausflüge nach Palermo lässt man das Auto auf dem hoteleigenen Parkplatz und nimmt den Bus. Das Hotel hat unsere Erwartungen voll erfüllt. Beim nächsten Mal würden wir auch länger als eine Nacht bleiben.

Guest name: HK, Germany

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

Lovely hotel. Nice people, good service,good location ( by car), very nice view, very quiet, and nice atmospher. we stayed 2 nights and covered Palermo, Monreale, Sageste and Erice.

Guest name: AL, Israel

Average rating:  4.2

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

The plumbing was poor--from inconvenient (shower) to barely working (toilet). Also, we had a very poor room--next to parking, no privacy so had to keep curtains shut--in spite of booking months in advance. Asked for a different room--response was that they were full. Driving to the hotel was hazardous--along a single-lane road that should have been one-way but was two-way. Hotel (and town, apparently) does not have internet service. To get airline boarding pass had to use hotel fax, which seemed to be significant problem for the hotel staff.

Guest name: BZ, USA

Average rating:  8.0

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Aug 2007

The view and breakfeast were worth the trip.

Guest name: Robert DiBiase, USA

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Aug 2007

First class location, a short but interesting walk from the town centre bars and eating places, and of course the Cathedral.

Guest name: RW, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Aug 2007

Extraordinary position with a view over the whole city of Palermo. A charming and helpful owner/manager, although his staff were less accomodating. Good basic room facilities and striking public rooms.

Guest name: Jonathan Lovett, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jul 2007

Monreale is in a stunning setting and the hotel capitalised on this by having the most tremendous views over the Palermo Bay. It was clean and, although rustic, a great place to stay. 2 points: 1) It was a good walk into town and back (about 15 mins) down an unlit road with traffic everywhere. Don't take young children there. 2) It was tricky to find, even in daylight. Don't arrive after dark. Overall, an excellent good value hotel and we would certainly return for a short stay.

Guest name: Francene Harris, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Aug 2007

un accueil et un site exceptionnels sur la baie de Palerme à 2 pas de la Cathédrale de Monreale

Guest name: JEAN PAUL SCHMITT, France

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Jun 2007

Photographs on the website do not show what a wonderful view over Palermo this hotel offers. Rooms were comfortable and staff very friendly. We would return.

Guest name: Anna Augustynowicz-Clark, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2007

We arrived in the middle of the night and found the instructions to the hotel sadly lacking in detail. the hotel is in a wonderful position and the views over Palermo are worth the money alone. Breakfasts are hit and miss but I should like to return in the future.

Guest name: John Jeffrey, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jun 2007

Good, quiet hotel, nicely positioned with a magnificent view on Palermo and the Conca d'Oro. Monreale Cathedral at walking distance, good bus connections to Palermo. The room was simply furnished but clean and spatious, with a very efficient and silent air conditioning system. The bathroom was also clean, spatious and recently renovated. Overall, the hotel is surely good value for money. The only criticism regards the breakfast, which was rather poor value, although served on a beautiful terrace.

Guest name: Andrea Biffis, Italy

Average rating:  4.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in May 2007

this was a decent, not remarkable hotel, with a wonderful view - it was nearly impossible to find - the restaurant was not open for dinner, so an additional drive down & up the hill was required - we left after 1 of 2 night stay, forfeiting second night's billing - in all, the pictures of the hotel & the description of access were misleading - the rooms were adequate, the bathrooms impossibly cramped - would not recommend this hotel to anyone not willing to hike up and down steep, long hill -

Guest name: Gretchen Norman, USA

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2007

Stayed 2 nights. Overwhelming views of the Conca d'Oro and the cathedral from the room's huge balcony. Hospitable and helpful staff, hearty breakfast (served on the terrace, same magnificent view). Spacious room, renovated modern bathroom. Very quiet, country-like feeling. Arrival: when arriving at the Piazza del Duomo, take Corso Umberto 1 (quite a narrow, long street) and follow the signs to the hotel - not too difficult to find, and the map on the hotel's site is OK. About 10 min. walk down to the Duomo (20 min. up). The bus to Palermo stops at the piazza (avg. 30 min. ride). Excellent choice for exploring Monreale and Palermo without the hassle of traffic and parking in the city (the hotel has a private parking).

Guest name: Tamar Shafler, Israel

Average rating:  7.3

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Apr 2007

"Shabby sheek", interesting old furnishings in the public area, lovely patio for breakfast, the whole place could use some gentle updating, our bathroom plumbing stank like you-know-what, the wonderful gentlemen manning the front desk could not have been more helpful. A nice walk to the center of town, a little far for some older folks, but really not too bad.

Guest name: MT, USA

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2007

This is a nice hotel if you can find it. We had a very hard time. The local people we asked told us that getting there would be "difficile". Boy were they right. The desk clerk spoke no English and did not even try to give us directions, though he contradicted three other people by telling us by phone that getting there would be "facile". We drove around for a long time, then ended up leaving our car in a municipal parking lot we just happened to come upon and taking a taxi to the hotel. DO NOT TAKE A TAXI THAT IS NOT CLEARLY MARKED "COMMUNE DI MONREALE! The taxi driver was an angel. The hotel was far from the parking lot, and he had to negotiate a series of one way streets to get us there. Had we not had the presence of mind to ask him to pick us up the next morning, I'm not sure we could have found our way back to the parking lot. It certainly was not within walking distance, as the desk clerk told us. The hotel restaurant is closed in the off season, and we found only take-out places in the Piazza del Duomo. The two advantages of this hotel are that it is withing walking distance of the Duomo with its mosaics and that our room, and the breakfast room, had wonderful views of Palermo, which, nevertheless, is a different town, seeing which requires a different hotel.

Guest name: Carolyn McMurray, USA

Average rating:  5.9

Guest type: Group

stayed in Oct 2006

The hotel needs some maintenance work. Our room had a very smelly and cramped bathroom - the smell premeated the bedroom as well - and the shutter over the door to the balcony got stuck. In my mother-in-law's room the door to the balcony did not close at all and the shutter also stuck. The public areas of the hotel were fine, but the breakfast was minimal; views over the valley from the balcony gave an excellent setting. The walk down to the town was fine, even in the company of a someone who isn't so steady on her feet - it took about 10 mins and was not bad coming back. The restaurants and bars in the town centre were very good and the duomo is fantastic.

Guest name: Neil Weightman, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Oct 2006

This hotel has an artistic soul. We were particularly impressed by the DiSimone floor tiles as well as some fantastic museum quality pieces. The rooms were very comfortable and the views beautiful. Good breakfast. The staff was very helpful with dinner reservations and explaining the hotel's features. Ten minute easy walk to the town center and the most beautiful church in Christendom.

Guest name: Steven Donohue, Italy

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2006

A nice location to stay with stunning views over Palermo. Perhaps a touch expensive compared to a few hotels, but the cost might be justified by the location. Easy bus ride to and from Palermo. Not so convenient for the airport.

Guest name: Martin Callaway, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.5

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2006

Personale molto cordiale, hotel situato in magnifica posizione; struttura vecchia ma con un buon rapporto prezzo/servizio. Comodo per rimanere vicino a Palermo senza subirne il traffico e i rumori.

Guest name: RB, Italy

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Jul 2006

Unparalleled location, friendly staff, perfect! Nice, clean, quiet rooms. We arrived in the evening, admired the spectacular view of the valley below us with its thousands of glimmering lights, and next morning took a leisurely walk to Monreale Catherdral, just a few blocks away from the hotel.

Guest name: RT, Finland

Average rating:  6.3

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2006

For the price I paid (€100) I expect a modernised hotel; the furniture ís really run-down. On the other hand, the hotel (including the bathroom) was very clean and the view is excellent. Do not count too much on the breakfast, it is not as copious as other users described it. More than € 80 are not appropriate.

Guest name: Thorsten Behnke, Belgium

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in May 2006

It was VERY difficult to find from the website map and we had to walk uphill about 25 mins to find it, but the manager was gracious and drove us back to our car to follow him to hotel. Breakfast first day was excellent and second day was minimal - must have been something wrong the second day. Gave us directions for bus to Palermo. Overall Excellent experience.

Guest name: Paul Fagin, United States Minor Outlying Islands

Average rating:  7.4

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Apr 2006

It's not easy to find the hotel. We have to go on a very narrow dark road. Once we decided to go back because we hardly think the road is correct. But this is the only ploblem. In the daytme the overlooking of Palermo is excellent.

Guest name: DY, Japan

Average rating:  5.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2006

BAD: It's difficult to open the doors. There's little space in the bathroom. Orange juice at breakfast is awful. GOOD: Surroundings very nice (especially in the night). Near to Monreale Duomo. Easy to find parking. Very kind employers.

Guest name: AT, Italy

Average rating:  7.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2006

definately old and shabby, a ghost of a glorious past. bathrooms good. if you don't mind dingy old and creeky, this place is perfect for hanging out in Monreale and not dealing with busses and taxis to and from Palermo. easy walk to the duomo, shopping and restaurants. parking available. arrive during siesta and the drive won't be so bad. great views, some rooms have decks with views.

Guest name: Erez Klein, USA

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Apr 2006

The signs directing guests to the hotel on the road are confusing, and do not seem to be accurate in terms of distance to the hotel. It was confusing to find, especially considering the narrow, winding streets. But overall, the hotel was nice, clean, and convenient.

Guest name: LR, USA

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2006

An oasis of calm, compared to the frantic pace, noise and pollution of Palermo. Lovely superior room,great view from our balcony, helpful staff and a very good buffet breakfast. If you have a hired car, we recommend that you leave it in Monreale and take the free bus in to Palermo!

Guest name: Margaret Bevans, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2005

Beautiful situation, overlooking Palermo. Warm welcome and excellent abundant breakfast.You can park there and walk easily to the very close town of Monreale.

Guest name: Jean-Michel Lagarde, France

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Oct 2005

The location (Monreal)and landscape seen from the hotel (Conco d-Oro) are the unique features of this hotel .With acceptable hospitality the customer get a proper return.

Guest name: Menashe Davidson, Israel

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

Der Anfahrtsweg mit dem Auto ist abenteuerlich, v.a. wenn man abends ab 18 Uhr in Monreale ankommt. Wären nicht immer wieder Hinweise, man würde nicht glauben, dass man ankommt. Wenn man angekommen ist, ist man immer noch nicht überzeugt, da das Haus von außen eher ein hässlicher Betonklotz ist. Doch von nichts abschrecken lassen!!! Ist man erst einmal im Hotel ist das alles vergessen: ein netter Empfang, stilvoll eingerichtete Lobby und vom Frühstücksraum und von den Zimmern ein atemberaubender Blick. Das Personal ist freundlich und hilfsbereit - alles bestens! Es gibt auch einen kostenlosen Parkplatz. Ich kann das Hotel bestens empfehlen.

Guest name: Annalena Schmidt-Borrmann, Germany

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Oct 2005

The service was very friendly and helpful, the rooms had wonderful views and the location is perfect as a base for exploring Palermo and the western part of Sicily.

Guest name: SB, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

Charming, great views, very relaxing compared with hotels in Palermo. Very helpful staff, good value. If you take a taxi there, they charge 20 euros extra for their return trip. 5 minute walk to Monreale cathedral. Definitely go back if in Palermo area.

Guest name: Gillian Waller, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Oct 2005

I took my elderly mother for a four day visit to Palermo. It was wonderful to be able to retreat to the Carrubella Park: quiet, peaceful and safe, stunning views, lovely breakfasts and very friendly and helpful staff. We really enjoyed staying there and wished we could have stayed for longer. The bus trip back from town can be a bit slow but it's well worth it for the chance to escape from the traffic and turmoil to the pleasant surroundings of Monreale.

Guest name: Sarah Smalley, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

We were delighted with this hotel for our last night of a two-week stay in Sicily. It's ideally situated to explore Monreale on foot -- the only practical way -- and the view from our balcony overlooking Palermo and the sea was magical, especially at night. The hotel is very comfortable, furnished in old-world style, and our room had lovely bright blue & yellow floor tiles. Because of the white-knuckle driving conditions in Palermo, we would consider staying at Carrubella Park in Monreale and using the bus for day trips into the city on a future visit.

Guest name: BW, USA

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2005

We were two ladies traveling on our own. We spoke very little Italian but the staff were so helpful even though it was hard for them to communicate with us. Nothing was too much trouble. Though the town is not a tourist town we were made to feel very welcome and we felt very safe even walking up from the town centre late at night. Any one staying at the hotel must enjoy walking and be fit enough to walk as the hotel is a good 10 to 15 minute walk uphill from the centre of the town. I would not hesitate in going back or recommending others to this hotel. Wonderful people. The hotel is older and the furnishings reflect this but everything is spotless and the view is unbelievable.

Guest name: Anne Huffman, Canada

Average rating:  5.7

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2005

Fo one night it´s o.K.. The rooms and the hotel need a refreshment. The staff was very polite.

Guest name: Markus Klung, Germany

Average rating:  7.3

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

Only an overnight stay on the way to the airport and our flight home, but Monreale is worth a visit. The hotel is situated on the edge of the town, but within walking distance of the cathedral. Incredible views from the room and the staff were friendly. The decoration was a bit dated, but for the price and the fact that we were passing through, the hotel was fine. Did not take breakfast as we left fairly early, but would have welcomed a tray with a drink and a snack to send us on our way.

Guest name: DIANE ADCOCK, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Jul 2005

I arrived rather late however i was warmly welcomed and help with my bags and car were much appreciated. The breakfast was amazing i must say that if all guests are treated with such care there will be no need to search for other hotels in the area.. I will return in the future..

Guest name: Frances Skinner, Italy

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jul 2005

Good, quiet hotel, very friendly welcome. The hotel is on the outskirts of Monreale, and the walk to the centre is through backstreets, and perhaps not recommended

Guest name: Geoffrey Vaggers, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Jun 2005

Fabulous views, great breakfast, gorgeous rooms and friendly staff - will definitely be back. This was my favourite hotel and location in Sicily.

Guest name: JUlie Hendry, United Kingdom