Built in 1732, the striking baroque architecture of this hotel is elegant and the exterior maintains the original grand mansion feel. Family-owned since 1991, the Villa Bonocore Maletto is well taken care of and has a historical design with modern accents. Expansive, exquisite gardens -- with trees, flowers, and mossy paths -- cover the property, and there’s a beautiful antique chapel on-site. The ballrooms have vintage tile, chandeliers, and lovely artwork while the lobby has original wood beams and blue suede couches. The front desk is a simple, one-person desk, but the spa is marvelously modern and upscale. Gorgeous colorful tile work in the showers and Turkish bath stands out and the woodwork is splendid. The spa is large and bright as well, but it costs a fee to use any facilities. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and refined. Common areas, however, are more upscale than rooms.

The Villa Bonocore Maletto is located away from the Palermo city noise in a residential area where a few restaurants are within walking distance. The Museo Etnografico Pitre and Renzo Barbera Stadium are under a 10-minute drive and Mondello Beach is within a 15-minute drive. Public transportation stops are within walking distance, but it’s an hour ride (30-minute drive) to Palermo. Both the Aeroporto di Palermo-Boccadifalco and Aeroporto di Palermo Falcone e Borsellino are a 20-minute drive. A rental car is a must for this hotel.

Although the soundproofed rooms are large and bright with high ceilings, the white and peach walls and lack of decoration make them feel a bit plain. There is little to no artwork and the white bedding and neutral headboards don’t add anything to the design scheme. Since the common areas are a mix of antique and contemporary, many may think the rooms would be the same; however, they lack that style. Some rooms do have wood ceilings and floors or lovely antique tile, but most are simple. All rooms have tan, striped benches, white chairs, or blue suede couches for seating. Minibars, flat-screen TVs, slippers, and air-conditioning are on offer in all rooms, but some rooms only have showers. Bathrooms are large with tan tile that’s updated, but there's nothing special besides rainfall showerheads, bidets, and heated towel racks.

What brings many guests to the Villa Bonocore Maletto are the full-service spa and outdoor pool. Massages, body wraps, manicures, and pedicures, and a sauna, whirlpool, and Turkish bath are all housed in the on-site contemporary spa, which receives mostly good reviews. With a wood deck and mountain views, the outdoor pool is alluring and serene.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, free short-term and long-term parking, and a free breakfast that receives mixed reviews. There is also a snack bar with some treats, concierge services, room service, and 24-hour front desk; however, room service has limited hours. Villa Bonocore Maletto is also pet-friendly with no weight restrictions.