Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Villa Igiea is the grand dame of Palermo hotels. It stands on the edge of the city at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, overlooking the gulf and the port, in a building that began life as a Florio family villa and became one of Italy's most celebrated Art Nouveau palaces. Today it is run by Rocco Forte Hotels, and the combination of historic interiors, tiered gardens that step down toward the sea and polished modern service makes it the city's most glamorous address. Guests who want a luxurious retreat with a sense of place will find it hard to beat.

Location and getting around: the hotel sits in the Acquasanta district, roughly ten minutes by taxi from the old centre, the Quattro Canti and the Norman Palace, so you are away from the bustle but never cut off. Most guests take taxis or the hotel's arranged transfers into the city for sightseeing, then return to the gardens and the pool for an evening of calm. If you prefer to walk out of your door into markets and churches, a central hotel is a better fit, but if you want a resort feel inside a city break, this is the place.

The rooms and the building: the interiors keep the Liberty style, with painted ceilings, stained glass and decorative detail by leading artists of the era, and the guest rooms and suites blend this heritage with contemporary comfort. Many have sea or garden views, and the suites are among the most spacious in Sicily. The hotel's restaurants and bars serve Sicilian cuisine, and breakfast on a terrace overlooking the water is a highlight.

Who it suits and what to know: it suits couples, honeymooners and anyone treating themselves, and it works well for travellers who like to alternate sightseeing with pool time. Rates are at the top of the Palermo market and rise in high season and around holidays. Book a sea-view room if the view matters, ask about parking if you have a hire car and check the hotel's seasonal opening and spa details when you book.