The Best Hotels to Book in Palermo, Italy
As the capital of Sicily, Palermo is often a city that tourists bypass on the way to the airport. However, it’s home to thousands of years of history – from royal tombs in the city cathedral to the giant neoclassical Teatro Massimo, known for its opera performances. Join the bustle of the Ballarò street market or embrace the city’s slow-food renaissance. These are the best hotels in Palermo for every traveller, bookable with Culture Trip.
1. Quattro Incanti
Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouse
Surrounded by the historical sites of Palermo – from ancient monuments to baroque churches – the Quattro Incanti lies just steps from the Quattro Canti, where the city’s oldest roads meet. This hotel will give you a taste of multicultural Palermo, where centuries of invasion and trade have given rise to a unique Sicilian culture. The rooms feature nods to the island’s traditions, from brightly decorated Sicilian carts to glazed pottery, immersing you in the history of the city before you’ve even left your hotel room.
2. Harmony Hotel BB
Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast
Stay in a true slice of medieval history in the heart of Palermo. Harmony Hotel BB sits inside a restored early-15th-century building, nestled in the winding streets of the city’s historic centre. Behind the façade lies a friendly bed and breakfast with comfortable rooms and all-inclusive snacks, drinks and coffees. A genuine, warm Sicilian welcome awaits you here.
3. Grand Hotel Wagner
Luxury
Named after the German composer who lived on the street in the 1880s, the Grand Hotel Wanger is a masterpiece of sumptuous 19th-century elegance. Chandeliers light up palatial rooms filled with gold, marble and antique paintings. After a day exploring the cultural sights of Palermo, revive yourself in the spectacular American Bar, with a classic Sicilian cocktail in hand.
5. Casa Nostra
Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouse
Brimming with charm, this boutique hotel is just a short walk away from the imposing 12th-century cathedral and the eclectic must-see sights of the historic centre. Refined rooms are tastefully understated and come complete with balconies with sweeping vistas over the Sicilian capital. Soak up the Mediterranean climate at Casa Nostra’s courtyard terrace, or hire bikes to explore further afield.
6. Artemisia Palace Hotel
Hotel
7. Villa Esperia Hotel
Hotel, Villa
8. Alma Hotel
Hotel
9. Palazzo Brunaccini
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Palazzo Brunaccini used to be a palace belonging to the noblewoman Lucrezia Brunaccini (as the name suggests). The lavish hotel is now decorated with Chesterfield armchairs, contemporary artwork and Sicilian ceramics. Each room has its unique quirks – from private terraces overlooking the ancient city rooftops to Jacuzzi baths. Just behind the ancient Ballarò street market, the hotel has a restaurant, Da Carlo a Palazzo Brunaccini, serving arguably the best fish dishes in Palermo. Try the swordfish, served with sweet onion marmalade alongside caper-almond pesto.
10. Marbela Apartments and Suites
Hotel
11. Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
Hotel
12. Hotel Bel 3
Hotel
13. Albergo Athenaeum
Hotel
14. Hotel Porta Felice
Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel
15. Hotel del Centro
Hotel
To explore more of Italy, check out the best hotels in Naples, and the best boutique hotels in Palermo. These are bookable with Culture Trip. During your stay, explore the best hiking trails in Sicily, and discover the top 10 things to do and see in Genoa. Make sure to also book a table at at least one of the best restaurants in Sardinia to sample some delicious Italian dishes.
Additional reporting by Lorna Turnbull.
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