Casa Orioles

Long live "Casa Orioles"! I found the price for what you get among the best I’ve come across. It’s a family-run B&B, and the attentive staff made the stay feel genuinely pleasant. Set in a fully renovated historic patrician building in Albergheria, it’s also a great base for exploring old Palermo. Markets, transport links, and the main sights are only steps away, including the city’s remarkable art and religious attractions.

The staff were so kind and helpful, especially Laura, and the rooms and shared spaces are roomy. Casa Orioles sits right in the middle of a lively neighborhood in a beautifully restored house dating back to the 6th century. There’s a huge kitchen, handy if you want to eat in, and a market nearby selling everything from fruit and vegetables to fish at unbeatable prices. It’s very good value and I’d happily recommend it. The area may feel noisy to some, but it quiets down again in the evening. That’s Palermo.

You have to pay in advance, and the bathroom is outside the room, so getting to it means crossing the shared areas. There are loads of stairs and no lift, plus no parking nearby. The neighborhood felt terrible. There was no breakfast, and the hot water ran out after enough for washing my hands, leaving me with a cold shower.

The location is one of a kind, though that comes with the experience. We had a family feel, a generous breakfast, wiki, and huge rooms that were well equipped. Really excellent value for money.