Hotel Excelsior Palace sits in the more modern, orderly part of Palermo, where wide nineteenth-century avenues, shops and cafes replace the narrow lanes of the old town. For many travellers, this is a welcome change: streets are easier to navigate, noise is lower at night and the main shopping boulevard and the Politeama theatre are close by. The Norman Palace, the cathedral and the markets are reachable by a longer walk, bus or short taxi ride.
Location and getting around
The area suits travellers who want a calm base and do not mind travelling to the old town. A taxi to the Quattro Canti takes only a few minutes, and the buses on the main avenues are frequent. Palermo's airport is about forty minutes away by road or by the airport bus to the city. Check the map before you book, so you understand the walk to the sights you care about most.
Rooms and facilities
Expect comfortable, business-style rooms in a classic building, with a restaurant, bar and breakfast on site, though you should confirm current facilities. Rooms facing the avenue may have more daytime traffic noise, so request a quieter side if you are a light sleeper. Air conditioning is a must in summer, so check when booking.
Who it suits
Couples and travellers who prefer a more upscale, quieter environment and are happy to taxi into the old town. It also suits business travellers and those who want easy access to shops, restaurants and the theatre district. Families will like the space of the avenues and the nearby parks.
What to know
Rates rise during festivals and summer weekends. Palermo's traffic can be intense, and driving into the old town is discouraged, so use taxis or public transport. Ask about parking, as central garages are limited. Many guests combine their stay with day trips to Monreale, Cefalu and Segesta, which are simple to arrange from any central hotel.
Eating and evenings
The surrounding district has well-regarded restaurants, pastry shops and wine bars, as well as the grand Teatro Politeama and its gardens. For market-style street food, take a short taxi ride to Ballarò or Capo and return for a calmer evening. Sicilian dinners start late, so many places only fill after nine.
Choosing a room
Request a higher floor or a courtyard-facing room for quiet, and check whether breakfast is included in the rate. If you plan to hire a car for day trips, collect it on the day you leave Palermo, because parking in town is difficult. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, while August can be extremely hot.
Why stay here
- ✓Modern Palermo district
- ✓Near the Politeama theatre
- ✓Restaurant and bar (confirm)
- ✓Breakfast service
- ✓Front desk and concierge
- ✓Near shops and cafes
- ✓Easy taxi access
- ✓Quieter than the old town
Good questions
Is the hotel in the old town?+
No, it is in a more modern district, a short taxi ride from the historic centre.
Is the area quiet at night?+
Generally quieter than the old centre, though avenue-facing rooms may have traffic noise.
Is it convenient for day trips?+
Yes, tours to Monreale, Cefalu and Segesta can be arranged from central hotels.
