Hotel Ariston

The area around the Hotel Ariston it is remarkably busy, and particularly congested during the day, but the atmosphere on the sixth floor here remains relatively quiet. Access to the hotel is via an old and somewhat industrial cage elevator, or the stairs that encase it. Stone-tiled floors open to a small lobby that looks like it hasn't changed in decades. Room keys hang on decorative but functional wooden plaques behind a trim mid-century reception desk, opposite a small seating area with striped chairs and a dainty bench. There's also a cheery, colorful breakfast area, although guests -- who are mostly couples on vacation -- don't tend to linger here long after eating, and hurry out to see the city's sights.   

The hotel is centrally located on a traffic-ridden one-way street. Major nearby attractions include Palermo's Massimo Theater, the biggest opera house in Italy, and the Regional Archaeology Museum; both are less than a six-minute walk from the hotel. Visitors heading toward the harbor (a 15-minute walk) may want to make a slight detour to walk down elegant Via Principe di Belmonte to get there. Palermo Cathedral is about 12 minutes by bus, and the stop is a five-minute walk from the hotel. It's about a 15-minute bus ride to Ballaro street market, which dates to at least the 10th century, where vendors loudly hawk traditional foods, like chickpea fritters. Mercato Vucciria (a younger 700 years old) is 12 minutes on foot -- but get there early if you want the day's best produce. 

Plenty of restaurants and shopping are nearby, and it's a two-minute stroll to Via della Liberta, Palermo's main shopping street. Palermo's central train station is a seven-minute direct bus trip away, and the airport is 40 minutes by taxi (though allow extra time for traffic).   

The hotel has just seven guest rooms, all with stone-tiled floors, simple but bright decor, and lots of natural light. Gauzy curtains cover tall windows and some rooms open to small balconies overlooking the street (other rooms face an interior courtyard with views of neighboring walls). Basic wood furniture includes bedside tables, wardrobes, and most rooms have small desks. Double beds are standard and there are triple rooms that add a twin bed. In-room amenities are generous, with AC, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-fridges stocked with free drinks and snacks, and there's free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are tidy and have colorfully tiled floors, bidets, and come with stall showers, hairdryers, and toiletries.  

Facilities are limited at this bare-bones property, but there's a free continental breakfast served in a cheery breakfast room with a communal table and a loveseat. The spread includes pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, and cereal, along with coffee, tea, and juice. The small hotel runs a 24-hour reception desk and offers free luggage storage. Laundry service is available for a fee, as is nearby public parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout.