Outside, the modern, rectangle-heavy architecture of the hotel abuts and contrasts with Palermo's more traditional buildings. Inside, the lobby is large, open, and modern, with contemporary lighting in the ceiling, cheerful pops of plum and lime green, and plenty of seating. There are a couple of computers in the lobby, as well as international newspapers near the bar. Mercure Hotel caters toward both business and leisure travelers, and the clientele reflects this -- it's an excellent pick for value-minded tourists. 

The Mercure's location is one of the hotel's biggest draws: It's located right in the old quarter and a 10-minute walk away from the Palermo ferry terminal for those with onward travel. A ton of restaurants and cafes are within easy walking distance. For those staying in the city, many top sights are within walking distance or a short bus ride away (note that it can be difficult to drive and park in Palermo). The Regional Archaeology Museum is a six-minute walk; the largest opera hall in Italy, the Teatro Massimo, is just eight minutes' walk away; and the 1,000-year-old Mercato Vucciria is a 12-minute walk away. Palermo's main shopping street, Via della Liberta, is a five-minute walk away. A bit farther afield is the Palermo Cathedral, 15 minutes by bus (the stop is five minutes away from the Mercure on foot). The airport is 40 minutes by taxi, though traffic jams can sometimes hold up cars. For those coming by train, Palermo Centrale is 12 minutes by direct bus and nine by taxi. 

The rooms are generically modern in the style of most chain hotels, with beige walls and curtains, dark carpet, and white bed linens with pops of berry from the accent pillows and throw. Wardrobes are especially generous in size, and have a set of drawers and extra pillows in them. The Standard Rooms are small by American standards, though just fine by European ones. Rooms each have a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and minibar. 

Bathrooms are quite spacious across the board, with modern brown tiling throughout and a heated towel rack. Mercure-brand toiletries and a hairdryer are provided. Showers, as is standard for Italy, are of the small stall variety. 

The free breakfast is a quality mix of continental fare, meat and cheeses, and local specialities such as cannoli. However, the breakfast room can get crowded at peak times. The hotel bar, which is more a place to start or end an evening, is located off the lobby and open fairly late. It offers a happy hour in the early evening with tapas-style snacks to go with the drinks. For adults heading out for the evening, babysitting is available for a fee. 

Parking is available across the street, though there's a charge. However, parking in Palermo (not to mention driving) is quite difficult, so it might be worth the cost of locating somewhere cheaper. There's also a taxi rank across the street. For business travelers, there are two large meeting rooms that accommodate up to 45, as well as an interview room. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. There are no gym or wellness facilities, and while there's no full restaurant, room service is available.