The Best Boutique Hotels in Palermo, Italy

A walk-in shower big enough for two, a jacuzzi tub and a quiet terrace all await inside the Piazza Pretoria Master Suite at Casa Nostra. Enjoy aperitifs in the garden before a romantic spaghetti dinner in the bistro before a quiet walk through the moonlit streets of Palermo.

You don’t have to be a wordsmith or avid reader to appreciate the Grand Deluxe Room at Palazzo Natoli. Though author Luigi Natoli penned his most famous words in the same suite, you’ll appreciate it simply for its balcony view of Corso Vittorio Emanuele. As the seasons change on this pedestrian road, you’ll see the weather reflected in your complimentary breakfast. Artisan panettone and fruits fall on your plate with the winter snow while in the summer, homemade gelo di melone counters the burning Palermo sun.

The Art Suite at Palazzo Brunaccini is simply inspiring. Designed in the Liberty-style by Ernesto Basile and adorned with Eugenio Vazzano paintings, the marble pavings, wrought iron sitting room and antique furniture are as impressive as the city views from your terrace. Embracing Sicilian Art Nouveau, you’ll notice that the hotel pays extraordinary attention to detail. Leave with more than inspiration; here you’re able to purchase the antiques, paintings and fabrics necessary to dress your own home in similarly lavish style.

If nothing less than the palace life will do, BB22 has a charming room for you. This boutique hotel in Palermo, housed in a 15th-century palace within San Domenico Square, is refined yet welcoming, striking a balance between the ornateness of Palermo and a unique contemporary style. Between sunrise in the breakfast hall and sunsets on the veranda, you’ll fill your daylight hours exploring the historic center and Unesco Arab-Norman circuit just outside your door.

You won’t be able to resist trip after trip to the Mercato Vucciria when you stay at Dimora Bellini. This bed and breakfast leaves you within 396m(1,300ft) of the old-fashioned market. Within minutes you can drop your bags in your double room and absorb the smells, tastes and textures of the outdoor market. Don’t spend too much time stocking up on local goods, though; you’re only a few extra steps away from the famed Quattro Canti, the Palermo Archaeological Museum and the Church of San Cataldo.

Designed like an ancient Palermo home and filled with Sicilian furniture, antiques and artwork, Hotel Principe di Villafranca is sophisticated and elegant while retaining a laid-back vibe. You’ll find that casual chit-chats in the fireplace hall are just as common as quiet reading sessions in the library. Tea, coffee and Sicilian wine are always available at the hotel bar, though you have access to much of the same in your inviting deluxe suite.

If culture brings you to Palermo, Hotel Politeama will make it easy to keep your itinerary focused. The Superior Twin Room offers views of both the theatre and the square, its modern design perfectly complimenting the centuries-old architecture just outside the large windows. Get a tour of the best cultural sites in the area from a local – arranged at a moment’s notice through the hotel – and learn more about the Massimo Theatre.

A heavenly stay awaits in the former medieval chapel of Porta di Castro. You’ll be thankful for the junior suite’s balconies that overlook the Royal Palace of Normans. Peer out into the old neighborhood of Ballaro and spot the popular market where you’ll find baskets of Sicilian goodies. This bed and breakfast is also close to the Central Station of Palermo and Orleans-Palazzo Reale metro station, granting you quick access outside of the historic center.

Steps from the Quattro Canti, sightseeing a cinch at Palazzo Valentino. Begin your journey through the history of Palermo by first touring beyond your rooms. The Cradle of Beauty walking tour, easily scheduled with the concierge, will take you to every fascinating site before dropping you back off at the hotel. Don’t unlace your shoes just yet; cooking classes begin with a trip to Ballaro market before you uncover Palermo’s history in the best way possible – tasting it!

Kick your feet up in the deluxe suite at Alma Hotel and take it easy with an herbal tea in hand; no one will blame you for flipping through the SKY Vision Gold package and watching a Palermo F.C. match. Feel free to take your holiday at a slow pace by strolling lovely Via Liberta and Via Principe di Belmonte. Whenever your wandering feet lead you back to your room, a rain shower offers a much-needed recharge.