Grand Hotel et Des Palmes

Built in 1874 and given an Art Nouveau overhaul by Ernesto Basile 30 years later, many of the hotel’s original classical and avant garde elements are still intact. The lobby is filled with eye-catching pieces, from the oak and glass enclosed entryway to modern stained glass windows to the bas reliefs ringing the ceiling and Neoclassical sculptures. Neoclassical columns and marble everything gives the space an elegant atmosphere that continues throughout the skylight-brightened hallways that are lined with red carpets and antique furniture. There are nooks and crannies around almost every corner that beg for guests—who are mostly families and couples—to sit and take in the old-world scene. The lobby bar is an excellent place to have a drink in high-ceilinged, gilded splendor, while the restaurants have an ornate, ballroom vibe, though we did notice some frayed edges, warped wallpaper, and a general need for upkeep in many areas.

On a busy street in the center of Palermo, this hotel is central to many of the city’s major landmarks and there are theaters, restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops in almost every direction. This is a busy area of the city and can feel hectic at most times of the day, but the location makes navigating by foot or taxi simple. The historic La Cala Port is just 15 minutes away on foot while Palermo’s main opera house, Teatro Massimo, is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The historic Castellammare district is a 10-minute walk while Palermo Cathedral and the historic Ballaro Street Market of the Albergheria can be reached in around 20 minutes on foot. Palermo Centrale Rail Station is 15 minutes away by taxi and the Prestia Comande bus leaves from Politeama, a six-minute walk from the hotel, making trips to Palermo Airport in 40 minutes, a journey that takes 30 minutes by car or taxi.

To be clear, these are not the most modern guest rooms in Palermo, but for guests who appreciate a historic setting with some worn edges, a stay here is a fine choice. Rooms range in size from cozy Classic Rooms (17 square meters, or 183 square feet) to large Suites (30 square meters, or 323 square feet) and retain the modern antique vibe of the hotel’s common areas. Rooms blend tan and soft gold hues, with old carpets, wainscoted walls with yellow lattice wallpaper, heavy floral-patterned drapes, and watercolor sketches of Sicilian landscapes. Larger Deluxe Rooms and suites have separate seating areas with striped love seats and armchairs and there are plenty of mirrors and walnut furniture with gilded accents and antique lamps set throughout the rooms. Some guest room furniture has seen better days, and we noticed some wear-and-tear, and though the hotel’s website claims that all rooms have flat-screen TVs, we saw some tube-style TVs when we visited. All rooms include electronic safes, desks, mini-fridges with minibars, telephones, and individually controlled air-conditioning. Beds are decent, though double beds are simply two twin beds pushed together and duvets would be nicer than comforters. Bathrooms are spacious, but look outdated, with tan marble vanities and floors, shower/bathtub combos with older fixtures, heated towel racks, and generic toiletries. Street-facing rooms have small Juliet balconies overlooking the busy road, though noise isn’t an issue here. 

This hotel’s features are similar to those found in most nicer hotel’s in central Palermo and there is no pool or fitness center here. The hotel serves a free breakfast buffet in the Palmetta Restaurant (including prosecco). The grand ballroom setting is a soaring and special way to start the day. There are three dining rooms on site, including Il Gatopardo and Sala Specchi, which serve similar classic Mediterranean menus in rooms that embrace the hotel’s fading, historic elegance and can be reserved for private functions and events. The lobby bar has plenty of cocktail tables scattered amidst potted palms and sculptures and is an atmospheric place to grab a drink or a coffee throughout the day. The hotel offers parking and a private garage, though fees apply. Laundry services can be arranged. Small pets are allowed at this hotel and the 24-hour front desk can provide concierge services, including car rentals and tours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there is also an attractive conference center with eight marble-lined rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 220 guests.