As the capital of Sicily, Palermo is among the main tourist destinations on the island. Consequently, the best boutique hotels in Palermo are forever in demand, particularly in the summer.
Palermo is a harbor city brimming with beautiful architecture, surprise-filled narrow streets, and numerous bars and restaurants. It oozes an authentic Sicilian vibe that makes the city a delight to explore.
Moreover, having a strategic spot on the island’s northwest coast, Palermo is an essential port for trade and tourism. It is thus rather well-connected by ferries to Mainland Italy and the Aeolian Islands. Whether you arrive from Salina or Salerno, tickets for ferries are available from Ferryscanner.
The capital makes for an excellent base if you wish to discover Sicily leisurely. Therefore, booking a boutique hotel in Palermo is your first step to a memorable culturally-rich Italian adventure.
L’Olivella Bed & Breakfast
Address: Via Bara All’Olivella, 67, 90100 Palermo PA
There’s so much to admire about L’Olivella that words often cannot describe the charm it constantly exudes. For starters, boasting a classic Art Nouveau façade, the 19th-century building merges beautifully with the old-world surroundings of its historic neighborhood. Moreover, once a silver factory, it has remained in the same family for four generations.
Presently, Elena Lo Cicero plays host at the bed-and-breakfast. She lives in a private part of the property but is very hands-on with her guests. From preparing breakfast to being a treasure trove of information about Palermo, she is the heart and soul of the establishment.
In terms of the interiors, Elena gives L’Olivella a sophisticated, feminine touch with her vintage-chic design aesthetics. Simultaneously, personal antiques dotted around the abode create an admirable connection with the building’s colorful and fascinating past.
One of the best value-for-money boutique bed-and-breakfasts in Palermo, L’Olivella, has only five rooms. The names of the rooms celebrate the building’s roots that link to the silver industry.
However, four of the rooms have balconies, and either one should be your first choice when making a booking. Restful, open, and full of surprises, each room has a distinct component that ranges from tiled flooring and a four-poster bed to large windows and vibrant accent walls.
Villa Esperia Hotel
Address: Viale Margherita di Savoia, 53, 90149 Palermo PA
All the best boutique hotels in Palermo share one commonality. They take up space in idyllic settings, whether in the city’s center or its exteriors. Villa Esperia is a three-star property, 12km from Palermo Cathedral, located five minutes from Mondello Beach.
Owned and run by the Petruso family, the Art Nouveau-style Villa Esperia has 22 rooms, of which 16 are singles and six doubles. The abodes either look out at the sea of the garden and come with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioners, satellite TV, minibars, and more.
While some rooms at the villa have simple modern interiors, others have a more classical style. The boutique feel comes from heavier fabrics, vintage furniture, and large almirahs. All combined, it further adds to the coziness of the abodes.
A family-friendly accommodation, Villa Esperia also has an in-house restaurant with indoor-outdoor seating. However, don’t miss out on eating at their pizzeria, one of the best in the region.
BB22
Address: Via Pantelleria, 22, 90133 Palermo PA
BB22 was one of the first bed-and-breakfasts in Palermo and continues to be among its best. The seven-bedroom accommodation is part of the 15th-century Pantelleria Palace in Cavalieri di Malta Square, next to the famous Piazza San Domenico.
Each of the rooms at BB22, named after citrus fruits, is unique in character and arrangement. While borderline minimalistic, every abode oozes a personality thanks to conversation-starting furnishings such as dressmaker’s dummies, Chinese cabinets, and giant vintage mirrors.
Individually curated, the rooms might have a quirk factor, but they still maintain a relationship with traditional Sicilian design. Additionally, amenities like en-suite baths, air-conditioners, LED TVs, and free WiFi give the rooms a modern touch.
The common areas at BB2 are cozy spaces that encourage conversations and mingling. The breakfast area with a self-serving bar and glass-enclosed terrace are lovely spots for reading a book or a casual sundowner.
Grand Hotel et des Palmes
Address: Via Roma, 398, 90139 Palermo PA
Built first as a home for the Ingham-Whitaker family, Grand Hotel et des Palmes has been an integral part of Palermo’s hospitality legacy for almost 150 years. In 1874, when hotelier Enrico Ragusa bought the residence, he envisioned and achieved a luxurious accommodation that remains one of the city’s most prominent addresses.
Situated in the capital’s historic center, Grand Hotel showcases the opulence of Liberty-style architecture mixed with Art Deco elements. However, while the hotel displays several original features, its 102 rooms are technologically up-to-date. You’ll find facilities like wooden flooring, air-conditioners, TVs, and minibars as standard in all the rooms.
That is not to say the rooms are contemporary in style. On the contrary, they reflect the heritage of the building through period pieces of furniture, spacious living areas, and an unstated elegance brought about by using muted color tones.
Grand Hotel et des Palmes is a Palermo landmark with an alluring personality. Whether a guest of the hotel or not, you can also experience its vintage charisma through its culinary offerings.
NeoBistrot is a relaxed space to enjoy contemporary Sicilian food. The Overture Terrace on the fifth floor places you on top of the city. Whereas La Palmette encapsulates the grandness of the hotel, infusing it into a gastronomic affair that is both tasteful and pleasing to the eye.
Hotel Politeama
Address: Piazza Ruggiero Settimo, 15, 90139 Palermo PA
The initial construction of Hotel Politeama dates back to 1977. However, the entire 9-story building had a facelift recently, transforming it into a centrally-located contemporary hotel with style and comfort.
Situated in the Via Liberta district, with views of Piazza Ruggero Settimo, the hotel is close to the port and Politeama Garibaldi Theater. When booking a room, try and pick one overlooking the theatre for the chance to witness Palermo’s magnificent architectural and artistic legacy in all its glory.
Hotel Politeama offers doubles, triples, and accommodation for families. Standard in-room amenities include parquet flooring, a desk, a comfortable bed with Dorelan mattresses, free WiFi, soundproof windows, and an en-suite with a shower. For a truly memorable stay with stunning city views, book the Panoramic Suite, which comes with a private terrace.
A trademark of a good boutique hotel, the breakfast at Hotel Politeama is a local affair featuring sweet and savory delights from nearby bakeries. The hotel also has an on-site lounge bar, restaurant, and fitness room.