A melting pot of cultures, Palermo has seen countless civilizations pass through it since the beginning of time. Because of this, the city is an intoxicating blend of intricately frescoed cupolas, colorful Arabian domes, and golden Byzantine mosaics.

The center of the ancient world, Palermo is perched on the outskirts of Europe and has a distinctive African flair, thanks to its close proximity to Tunisia.

Here you’ll find bustling souk-like marketplaces filled with aromatic spices neighboring imposing baroque churches with brightly colored stained glass windows. The city’s remarkable Gothic palaces are bathed in glowing sunshine and framed by date palm trees, which thrive under the gloriously warm climate.

Stay in one of the best Palermo hotels, and you’ll have a marvelous time exploring a city that feels like it’s on two continents.

Palermo boasts all kinds of amazing places to stay, from boutique inns to glamorous hotels and medieval cottages. In fact, there are so many fantastic accommodation options that you might find it tricky choosing just one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Palermo to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels in Palermo, Sicily

Where to Stay in Palermo

Palermo is divided into 25 individual neighborhoods, each of which has its own unique character and flavor. Whether you want to surround yourself with ancient history or stay in a modern, chic area, Palermo’s got you covered.

If this is your first visit, we recommend staying in La Kalsa. One of the four areas that make up Palermo Old Town, La Kalsa is largely pedestrian and is overflowing with medieval buildings, beautiful churches, antique stores, cool bars, and sophisticated restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find some of the most stunning Palermo boutique hotels. 

Politeama Libertà is one of the top places to stay in Palermo if you’re traveling as a family. The newest part of the city center, this neighborhood is very safe and full of high-end cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Old Town and all the attractions it offers are just a short walk away, too.

For the best nightlife in Palermo, consider staying in Borgo Vecchio. This area is tucked in between sophisticated neighborhoods and the port area, but it’s also close enough to the center so that you can explore on foot. Here you’ll be spoiled for choice with a huge range of cafes, cocktail bars, taverns, and restaurants to suit all moods and tastes.

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Palermo

1. Porta di Castro

Tucked away in the ancient Ballarò neighborhood, Porta di Castro is a wonderful place to stay if you want an authentic taste of Palermo. Here you can spend your days wandering the cobblestone streets, visiting historic churches, admiring grand palaces, and enjoying Sicily’s slower way of life. 

The hotel is set inside a building that was once a medieval chapel. What was originally the altar has been transformed into a gorgeous breakfast room with walls that are 500 years old. Some parts of the original building, such as the entrance arch and the arch that leads to the guest rooms, are still intact.

Porta di Castro offers a great range of accommodation, with everything from double to quadruple rooms to choose from. Whichever option you go for, you’ll be treated to whitewashed walls, exposed brickwork, and wooden beamed ceilings. Many rooms also feature fun extras, such as full-sized mopeds, creative photography, and roll-top tubs.

2. Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel

One of our favorite boutique hotels in Palermo, Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel is nestled in the heart of the city, inside a historical palace that dates back to the 9th century. Just steps away from ancient squares, grand theaters, and tempting restaurants, this hotel is the ideal place from which to explore Palermo.

One of the highlights of Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel is the secret garden. A peaceful retreat in the middle of the bustling city, the garden is decorated in tropical plants and features a small pool – something that many hotels in Palermo don’t have. This part of the hotel is a wonderful place for dining on balmy summer evenings.

Here you can choose between 12 different rooms, each of which is unique. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, we recommend splashing out on one of the master suites. These spacious rooms boast private terraces with lounge and dining spaces, plus hot tubs for romantic nights in!

3. Palazzo Valentino

Step back in time and experience traditional Palermo by staying at Palazzo Valentino. Set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the center of the city, this hotel is brimming with art, history, and culture from the 18th and 19th centuries.

If you like having a lot of space, choose one of the apartments. Decorated in a contemporary design, each apartment features a fully-equipped kitchen, a separate living room with a TV, and Wi-Fi access. But if you want a historic experience, opt for one of the rooms or suites.

These stunning guest rooms boast wooden four-poster beds, oversized headboards, period furniture, and medieval-inspired color schemes for a trip to the past.

One of the best parts of Palazzo Valentino is the incredible experiences the hotel organizes. Cooking classes, gala events, and sophisticated dinners are regularly part of the schedule. There are even poetry presentations and intimate concerts designed to reignite the aristocracy’s cultural society from centuries ago!

4. Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel

A unique hotel in Palermo, thanks to its breaking-the-mold modern style, Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the city’s ancient streets and then return to somewhere contemporary and chic at the end of the day.

Located in the city center, within walking distance of the Quattro Canti and Palermo Cathedral, the hotel offers just nine rooms and a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. If you feel like treating yourself, definitely book the Grand Deluxe Room!

The room in which Luigi Natoli wrote his most famous novel I Beati Paoli, the Grand Deluxe Room is incredible. It boasts two balconies overlooking the main street, a black marble bathroom with top-end toiletries, sumptuous linens and cushions, and a swanky black chandelier. 

Breakfast is a luxurious affair here. You can choose to head down to the breakfast room or have breakfast delivered to your room at no additional cost. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be treated to all kinds of typical Sicilian delights, including cannoli, cookies, jams, cheeses, breads, and baked goods.

5. Hotel Politeama

Whatever type of vacation you’re planning, Hotel Politeama is a wonderful place to stay in Palermo. Within walking distance of opulent shopping streets, glamorous nightlife, traditional markets, and historic attractions, this hotel is guaranteed to please – whatever mood you’re in!

All the rooms here are bright, airy, and modern. Each features a neutral color palette, superior Dorelan mattress, and luxurious quilt to help you get a great night’s sleep. Most rooms come with fantastic views of the Teatro Politeama and the city center, too. But you don’t have to worry about the noise – all rooms also come with soundproofed windows. 

If you want to go all out, take a look at the Panoramic Suite. This huge room has a large terrace with remarkable city views where you can relax and enjoy breakfast in the morning.

The lounge bar is a great place to go if you’re in the mood for a snack. Here you can enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail while nibbling on a local cheese board.

6. Palazzo Brunaccini

One of the coolest hotels in Palermo, Palazzo Brunaccini invites you to come in and feel like royalty. This hotel is set inside a palace that was once owned by Princess Lucrezia Brunaccini! Since then, it’s been transformed into a stunning boutique hotel with 17 guest rooms.

Here you can choose between a wide range of accommodation, from simple classic rooms with balconies and superior rooms with four-poster beds to deluxe rooms with private hot tubs and suites with opulent leather furniture.

Our favorite room is the Art Suite. This room blends modern and Art Nouveau styles to create a unique atmosphere that’s welcoming and rustic. It features original Liberty furniture, as well as some beautiful works of art.

Although there’s a great selection of restaurants on your doorstep, we recommend dining within the hotel at least once. Here you’ll find a menu flowing with authentic Sicilian dishes brought to life with a contemporary and creative twist. 

7. Domia Boutique Hotel Mondello

Just steps away from a golden sandy beach, Domia Boutique Hotel Mondello is one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve come across in Palermo. Located in the trendy, upmarket neighborhood of Mondello, this hotel is a paradise on Earth if you want to split your time between sightseeing and sunbathing.

Its location is what makes this hotel exceptional. The dramatic mountain backdrop, soft golden shore, and dazzling aquamarine waters will leave you feeling relaxed as soon as you see them. When you’re in the mood for some culture, the historic center of Palermo is just a short drive or cab ride away.

Within the hotel, you’ll find all sorts of fantastic extras, including Sicilian cooking classics, amazing breakfast buffets filled with local products, and on-site art galleries with pieces made by talented Italian men and women.

All the rooms are minimal and modern, with neutral tones and subtle sea-inspired pops of color. Each comes with a private outdoor space and a modern bathroom with a rainwater shower, plus eco-friendly products. A number of rooms also boast their own outdoor hot tub.

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com

8. BB 22 Charming Rooms & Apartments

If you want to be surrounded by all the action, consider booking a stay at BB 22 Charming Rooms & Apartments. Set inside a historic building that was once owned by a prestigious and noble family, the hotel is just steps away from the harbor, Palermo Cathedral, and Teatro Massimo. 

Each room here features its own style and vibe. From large gilded mirrors and cute private balconies to designer wallpaper and four-poster beds, every room has something that will wow you. 

A great choice for foodies, the BB 22 Charming Rooms & Apartments regularly organizes cooking classes. Sign up, and you’ll get to purchase the finest local ingredients at the market before returning to the hotel and whipping up a classic Sicilian dish. Local wine tastings are also sometimes offered in the bar and are definitely worth checking out.

When you want to relax outside your room, you’ll find plenty of communal places to enjoy. Our favorite is the charming veranda. Grab yourself a drink from the self-service bar and chill out!

9. Villa Igiea

Hidden away inside a glamorous 19th-century palazzo, Villa Igiea is one of the coolest Palermo hotels. Perched on the water’s edge with breathtaking sea views, this hotel is the place to go when you want to feel like a VIP.

Grandiose restaurants inspired by the Belle Époque, sophisticated bars tucked inside elegant sandstone vaults, and casual pool bars modeled on Palermo’s Palazzo Butera are just some of the things you can expect to enjoy here. 

If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, Villa Igiea is an excellent choice. Here you can reward yourself with a few hours at the Irene Forte Spa. Choose from a fantastic selection of facials and body treatments carried out by expert teams of therapists and specialists. Relax as they work their magic, and the delicate scent of orange blossom fills the air.

You can also unwind by joining one of the group yoga classes. Alternatively, you can book your own private class and have it anywhere on the hotel’s grounds or in your room. For something a little more simple, grab a sun lounger and take it easy by the outdoor swimming pool.

10. Hotel Porta Felice & Spa

Nestled in between Palermo Old Town and the ocean, Hotel Porta Felice & Spa is a great choice if you want the best of both worlds. Here you can enjoy both jam-packed mornings filled with sightseeing as well as lazy afternoons at the beach.

If hopping between stunning churches, fascinating museums, and opulent palaces gets too much for you, make an appointment at the hotel’s wellness club. Here you can rejuvenate and re-energize yourself with a steam bath, sauna, hot tub, and tailor-made beauty treatments.

Start your morning with a delightful buffet breakfast on the rooftop terrace. From up here, you can admire unparalleled views of the city while digging into all kinds of typical Sicilian breakfast delicacies. Make sure you come back up for a cocktail at sunset – the view is even better then!

The accommodation comes in the form of 30 rooms and three suites. If you’re in the mood for treating yourself, we definitely recommend one of the suites. These spacious rooms feature separate lounge areas and gorgeous bathrooms with spa-style baths and double sinks.

11. L’ Hôtellerie

Boasting a prestigious location in the heart of the city, L’ Hôtellerie is set inside ancient Arab walls, which have guarded the city against intruders since the 9th century. From here, you can enjoy spectacular sea views, a laid-back atmosphere, and the relaxing vacation you deserve.

If you’re in the mood for something a little livelier, you’ll be glad to know that the bustling La Kalsa neighborhood is just a short walk away. This hotel is so beautiful that you’ll easily be forgiven for thinking you’re staying in an art gallery. Oversized wall murals, sparkling marble tiles, delicate ceramic vases, and ornate doorframes can be found throughout the shared areas of the hotel.

Take a look at the guest rooms, and you’ll find the artistic vibe carries on into them, too. Each room has a unique size, look, and feel. Depending on which room you choose, you could be rewarded with an original wooden ceiling, exposed brickwork walls, giant genuine artwork, or a four-poster bed.

12. Grand Hotel et Des Palmes

Grand Hotel et Des Palmes is the place to go when you want to be surrounded by complete opulence. A glamorous five-star palace in a central location, the hotel is set inside an elegant historic building that’s centuries old.

From the intricately carved pillars and dazzling chandeliers to plush velvet armchairs and sparkling marble floors, everything about this hotel suggests luxury and extravagance.

If you’re a fan of cocktails, you’ve got to check out Neobistrot & Mixology Bar. This quirky bar combines local traditions with innovative techniques, resulting in an incredible cocktail menu and gorgeous surroundings where you can enjoy the drink of your choice.

Thousand and One Nights, the hotel’s restaurant, is also worthy of a visit. Located on the rooftop, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and mountains while you dine on fine Sicilian cuisine.

The accommodation at the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes is simply sublime. While the rooms are beautifully appointed and more than comfortable, it’s the suites that will really blow you away. Boasting added luxuries such as grand pianos, crystal chandeliers, gold embellishments, and hot tubs, these suites are so spectacular that you’ll never want to leave!

That completes our list of the 12 best boutique Palermo hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Palermo? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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