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.
Quattro Incanti
Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouse
4.8/5 (14 Reviews)
Quattro Incanti | Courtesy of Quattro Incanti / Expedia
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.
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.
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.
Nestled in the Galleria delle Vittorie – Palermo’s answer to the famous shopping galleries of Milan and Naples – this elegant hotel boasts a surprisingly contemporary design behind its neoclassical exterior. Guest rooms and suites feature chromotherapy showers and modern four-poster beds to flop into after a day shopping in the nearby maze of city-centre streets.
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.
The four-star Artemisia Palace Hotel lies in central Palermo, near Piazza Politeama, the vibrant main square of the Sicilian capital. With 18 double rooms and just one junior suite, the hotel offers a lavish accommodation to couples who want to splash out and eat breakfast in bed amid this ancient city.
Near the renowned beach of Mondello, a few kilometres outside Palermo, Villa Esperia Hotel has a range of rooms, from singles to triples, with garden or sea views. After checking out the beach, you can tuck into traditional Sicilian pizza downstairs at the hotel’s pizzeria.
In central Palermo, Alma Hotel is a modern boutique hotel with simple but spotlessly clean rooms. Owners Paulo and Antonella are on hand with top recommendations for places to visit and restaurants for dinner. Breakfast is served in your room or the downstairs dining room; the sweet Sicilian almond cakes are an absolute must-try (Antonella will even make a gluten-free option if requested), alongside fresh meat, bread, fruit and, of course, coffee.
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.
For those looking for a little more room, Marbela Apartments and Suites offers spacious accommodation options, from cosy studios to one-bedroom apartments. Each one has a full kitchen and dining area so that you don’t have to eat out three times per day. Grocery deliveries can be organised to your apartment door on request. It’s a 10-minute drive into Palermo, and prices reflect this, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Built in the 16th century, this four-star hotel still has original features, including the spectacular cloister with an indoor fountain. Rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, while downstairs, you’ll find the hotel restaurant, Kemonia, named after a river that flows under Palermo. There is also an entire floor dedicated to the hotel spa, complete with a Jacuzzi, a steam room and a sauna, along with massage services on request.
Hotel Bel 3’s elevated position, a 20-minute drive from Palermo, is reason alone to stay here. It offers incredible panoramic views from the rooftop swimming pool and Jacuzzi, towards the city, sea and surrounding mountains. The modern rooms are clean and simple, with options to upgrade to a family suite with a balcony. Work out in the on-site fitness centre, or spend the evening thrashing your travelling partner at billiards.
Boasting 80 rooms within walking distance of the old town and the Ballarò street market, this hotel has a strategic location for tourists who want to explore the city on foot. Albergo Athenaeum also offers private parking in a secure area, and the downstairs bar is ideal for a late-night limoncello before retiring to bed.
Close to the sea, this four-star boutique hotel is in the old area of the city, slightly further away from the main tourist sights. In contrast to the ancient streets outside, inside, you’ll find red, modern interiors with industrial beams and leafy foliage. Thoughtful features in each bedroom include robes, slippers and a flat-screen TV. Upstairs is the roof terrace, ready for your morning pastry and coffee. Cake for breakfast is a “thing” in Palermo – try the ricotta cheesecake and pistachio tart. Downstairs is the Turkish-style spa, where you can enjoy a hot-stone massage, a sauna, a steam room and a Jacuzzi, right in the centre of the city.
Hotel del Centro lies on one of the busiest, noisiest streets in Palermo. However, each room is soundproofed and air-conditioned, creating an isolated atmosphere that overlooks one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods of the Sicilian capital. Breakfast is served each morning, complete with those indulgent Sicilian pastries.
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