Minissale Farmhouse

I had difficulty writing this review and actually waited a few months before I posted. We were two couples travelling through Sicily and stayed here for four nights. There are numerous positive reviews, and I concur that the setting was lovely, the evening were tranquil, the rooms were clean, and that there was plenty of parking. But there is substantial room for improvement. Firstly, guests have no control over the setting of the air conditioning, even though we asked for a certain setting, it was rarely what we asked for. It seemed like during the day, while we were out touring, the air conditioning would be turned off, and we would return to a hot, uncomfortable room and had to request that the air be turned back on. I felt like I was a twelve year old informing a parent when I was leaving and when I planned to return. Breakfast was very basic with packaged cakes offered along with yogurt and juices. After the first morning, we got bored with the limited offerings, and purchased some eggs, requesting that they be hard boiled. Other guests received full breakfasts and I am uncertain whether they paid extra, even though our room rate included breakfast. To enter and exit, one had to request permission – I understand the need for security but perhaps a code could be provided to guests. Once, after an evening dinner, we called seven times over 15 minutes before someone responded to open the gate. Another day, a member of our group actually climbed the fence and walked to the farmhouse before the gate was opened. Lastly, we were hoping to use the pool only to be told that it was closed for maintenance. Frankly, we were ready to leave after two days and we were frustrated by the lack of control and independence.