The Best Luxury Hotels in Palermo, Italy

From the luxury rooms at the Porta Aragonese in Palermo, you can see mountains in the distance
From the luxury rooms at the Porta Aragonese in Palermo, you can see mountains in the distance | Courtesy of Porta Aragonese Luxury Rooms / Expedia
Nick Dauk

Make no mistake, Palermo, on the coast of Sicily, is as charming and characterful as mainland Italy. Hordes of historical sights like the Palermo Cathedral dominate the streets, or at least what room the authentic street vendors afford them. The prestige of the city calls for a luxury stay, and we have trawled to find you only the best hotels – all bookable with Culture Trip.

1. Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel
Courtesy of Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel / Expedia

Each of the rooms at Casa Nostra is named after some of the owners’ favourite places in Sicily, but why dream of these enchanting towns when you can explore them? You’re invited to come aboard one of a dozen yachts and let them sail you on a personalized travel experience. Not one for the open sea? See Palermo by helicopter, go underground, and check out the catacombs, or allow a private driver to tour you around Taormina and Etna. However you wish to see Sicily, Casa Nostra will oblige.

2. Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel
Courtesy of Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel / Expedia

From the private transfers from the airport to the exclusive tours designed to show you the true soul of Sicily, Palazzo Natoli is a boutique hotel that will cater to your individual needs and comfort. The superior apartment provides the added privacy you desire, though the two balconies will give you a glimpse into the public strolling the Via SS Salvatore. Desire a peek behind closed doors? An exclusive tour of the historical buildings in Palermo can be arranged.

3. Hotel Politeama

Hotel, Boutique Hotel

Hotel Politeama Palermo view from suite
Courtesy of Hotel Politeama / Expedia

Throw on a bathrobe, slip on a pair of slippers, step out onto your panoramic terrace, and enjoy the embrace of the most luxurious suite at Hotel Politeama. You’re welcome to spend hours gazing down at the city, though anything else you desire is only a phone call away. The concierge will arrange a massage, schedule you a hair appointment with a preferred stylist and dress you in the finest Sicilian threads, with exclusive discounts at local boutiques.

5. L’Olivella

Luxury, Hotel

This former silver factory is your golden ticket to a charming stay in Palermo. L’Olivella is a charming bed and breakfast just around the corner from Teatro Massimo. Its original furnishings, preserved floors and dazzling fresco-art ceilings will inspire you to seek out all of the beauty woven through Palermo. Whenever you’re ready to explore the narrow side streets and main throughways around the city, the staff at L’Olivella will gladly pair you with a tour guide.

6. Palazzo Planeta

Boutique Hotel, Apartment

Palazzo Planeta
Courtesy of Palazzo Planeta / Expedia

At the crossroads of ancient history and modern convenience, the luxury apartments at Palazzo Planeta come with full bathrooms, fully equipped kitchenettes and a separate living and dining area. Though this 20th-century palace is relatively new compared to its neighbours, Palazzo Planeta has a guide ready to take you on an immersive tour of Palermo, where you’ll see the city through the lens of gastronomy, fashion, folklore, art, culture and more.

7. BB 22 Charming Rooms & Apartments

Boutique Hotel

BB 22 Charming Rooms & Apartments
Courtesy of BB 22 Charming Rooms & Apartments / Expedia

Who could resist a luxury apartment with exposed Medieval walls and hand-painted 17th-century beams? You’ll have no trouble making yourself at home at BB22 and even less making use of the kitchen. A personal chef can be arranged to source groceries from the local markets and teach you how to prepare Sicilian cuisine. Desire more personalised service? A trainer, babysitter, shopper, dry cleaner and tour guide are among the many professional staff members at your disposal.

8. Butera 28

Luxury, Apartment

Butera 28 exterior
Courtesy of Butera 28

Palermo has a stunning historic centre, but Butera 28 urges you to keep in mind that the sea is just as captivating. The sea-view apartments here provide the perfect self-catered stay that balances a beach vacation with a historical holiday. Spend your mornings soaking up the sun and sea breeze on the terrace, and retire to bed every evening with a warm fire burning in the fireplace. With multiple markets close by, you’ll hardly need to go far to find everything you need.

9. Palazzo Brunaccini

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Palazzo Brunaccini
Courtesy of Palazzo Brunaccini / Expedia

Eugenio Vazzano paintings and Sicilian ceramics are but a few of the luxe furnishings polishing the Luxury Suite at Palazzo Brunaccini. Your jaw will drop once you set foot onto the large mezzanine, peering up at the wooden beams on the high attic ceilings. With so much room, you may wonder if the space is too large? Nonsense; it’s simply designed to allow a bottle from the hotel’s wine selection ample room to breathe.

10. Hotel Principe di Villafranca

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Hotel Principe di Villafranca
Courtesy of Hotel Principe di Villafranca / Expedia

Hotel Principe di Villafranca is a hotel at its core, but it is more of a museum at its heart. You’ll immediately notice the extensive collection of Simona Cavaglieri artwork acting as the theme of nearly every room. A series of site-specific installations will also greet you during your stay, merging art with hospitality. Admire each piece to your heart’s desire, or flaunt your own beauty as you walk through the halls; the concierge is pleased to provide a personal shopper and photographer to capture your stay.

Alternatively, take a look at some of the other great hotels available in Palermo, all within touching distance of the best restaurants and most characterful bars. Of course, there’s also so much to see and do in the city that you won’t want to miss.

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