Palermo is loud, beautiful and full of history, and its best hotels range from a grand villa on the sea to small palazzi in the old town. Villa Igiea holds two MICHELIN Keys; the other four are the best-rated hotels in the historic centre, with hundreds of excellent reviews each.
Here is what makes each one stand out and who it suits best.
| # | Hotel | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rocco Forte Villa Igiea | Couples, Luxury | |
| 2 | Locanda SantaMarina Dimora di Charme | Couples, Families, First-timers | |
| 3 | Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel & Spa | Couples, First-timers | |
| 4 | Palazzo Balsamo Boutique Hotel | Couples, First-timers | |
| 5 | Spasimo Hôtellerie | Couples, Families, Luxury |
How we chose these hotels
We started from the MICHELIN Guide, which awards Keys to the most outstanding hotels, and from the best-rated hotels with hundreds or thousands of guest reviews. Then we looked at the location and what makes each one special. No hotel paid to appear here, and we never quote prices: they change every day, so check availability with the button under each hotel.
1. Rocco Forte Villa Igiea
The grand dame: an Art Nouveau villa by Ernesto Basile in gardens above the bay, with a pool by the sea, a tennis court and two MICHELIN Keys; about 4 km from the centre.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Location
- Salita Belmonte 43, 90142 Palermo, Italy
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- Two MICHELIN Keys; superb guest ratings, with 9.6 for staff and comfort
- Art Nouveau villa in gardens above the Bay of Palermo
- Outdoor pool, tennis court, gym and treatment rooms
- Florio restaurant with Sicilian cooking; exceptional breakfast
Good to know
- About 4 km from the historic centre: taxi or car
- Parking on site is paid / daily charge
- Cots and extra beds are not available
2. Locanda SantaMarina Dimora di Charme
For the old town: a charming hotel on a quiet street 300 m from the Quattro Canti, with a rooftop terrace, a hot tub and staff rated almost perfect.
- Hotel
- Boutique hotel
- Location
- Via dei Candelai 68, 90134 Palermo, Italy
- Best for
- Couples, Families, First-timers
Why we like it
- Superb guest ratings, with 9.9 for the staff and 9.8 for location
- Quiet street about 300 m from the Quattro Canti
- Rooftop sun terrace, hot tub and fitness room
- Restaurant serving Italian cuisine for dinner; lift
Good to know
- Parking is in a private garage nearby, paid / daily charge
- Check-in is from 15:00 to 20:00
- Pets are not allowed
3. Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel & Spa
For a rooftop plunge: a stylish hotel near the Capo market with a rooftop garden and plunge pool, a spa and one of the most praised breakfasts in town.
- Hotel
- Boutique hotel
- Location
- Via Sant’Agostino 134, 90134 Palermo, Italy
- Best for
- Couples, First-timers
Why we like it
- Superb guest ratings, with 9.7 for location and 9.6 for staff
- Rooftop garden with a plunge pool; spa with sauna and hot tub
- About 600 m from the Quattro Canti and Fontana Pretoria
- Suites with spa bath; exceptional breakfast
Good to know
- There is no parking at the hotel
- Children under 7 are not accepted; no cots or extra beds
- The rooftop pool may close at times; check when booking
4. Palazzo Balsamo Boutique Hotel
For the welcome: modern rooms in an old palazzo 400 m from the Quattro Canti, with a sauna, a hot tub and exceptional reviews for comfort and staff.
- Hotel
- Boutique hotel
- Location
- Via Divisi 93, 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Best for
- Couples, First-timers
Why we like it
- Exceptional guest ratings, with 9.9 for comfort and staff
- About 400 m from the Quattro Canti and 450 m from Fontana Pretoria
- Modern rooms in an old palazzo; suites with a balcony or duplex
- Sauna, hot tub and bar; superb breakfast
Good to know
- Parking is in a private garage nearby, paid / daily charge, and must be booked
- Cots and extra beds are not available; pets are not allowed
- Some guests mention little storage space in the rooms
5. Spasimo Hôtellerie
For space and a spa: a converted tomato factory in the Kalsa, near the sea, with large rooms and lofts and indoor and outdoor pools.
- Hotel
- Boutique hotel
- Location
- Via dello Spasimo 72, 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Best for
- Couples, Families, Luxury
Why we like it
- Superb guest ratings, with 9.9 for the staff
- Converted tomato factory in the historic Kalsa district
- Spa with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub and gym
- Spacious lofts for families; Mediterranean restaurant
Good to know
- Parking is in free public spaces or on the street nearby and cannot be reserved
- Check-in is from 15:00 to 20:00
- Some lofts are reached by stairs only
Which one should you choose?
- For a grand villa by the sea: Villa Igiea.
- For the heart of the old town: Locanda SantaMarina.
- For a rooftop pool in the centre: Casa Nostra.
- For a small, personal palazzo: Palazzo Balsamo.
- For families and a spa: Spasimo Hôtellerie.
Booking tips
- Book early for weekends and the high season.
- Check the check-in times and parking: they vary from place to place.
- Read the cancellation policy before you pay.
For things to do, the best time to visit and how to get around, read our guide to Palermo.
