Visiting from Australia and touring around Sicily my wife and I searched the internet for an hotel near Erice on the north west of the island. We came across Eremo Hotel Casa del Sorriso via Bookings.com. We could not find it nor could the Municipal Police post in Erice. No problem, we phoned the hotel and the owner drove up and we followed her back.

The hotel is an ex convent with high ceilings and tiled floors. Rooms are on two floors around a central courtyard. There are splendid view from the terrace. Rooms are basic and the on-suite has all the necessary facilities. The surrounding location is quiet and serene. Parking is safe in the grounds of the hotel - away from any undesirables.

I found the bed a little firm but if you want to complain about a hard bed, try travelling around the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. As you would expect, with so many hard surfaces, tiled floors and the paved courtyard, noise could be a problem. Either drink plenty of wine or do what I do - travel with my moulded ear-plugs, they're perfect for any eventuality. Indeed, general chit-chat in the courtyard did not bother us at all.

Wi-Fi internet access was provided by the owner.

This is a quiet location which may drive the kids mad. However, my wife and I have really enjoyed it here because of its ambience, the very special efforts of the owner, excellent meals with vegetables from their own garden, as well as the proximity to Erice and the Greek ruins at Segesta. If we're around this way again, yes! we'd be sure to book in here.