Grand Hotel et Des Palmes

I have to give this place five stars. It’s astonishingly beautiful, with fascinating history and so many lovely spaces to explore. The bedrooms and bathrooms are comfortable and luxuriously furnished. The gym is the biggest and classiest I’ve seen in a hotel, and the breakfast spread may be the most beautiful and generous I’ve seen in a decade. The staff were wonderfully hospitable, and very handsome too. 😂 One serious issue for me: Room 405 is huge and otherwise perfect, but it’s directly below the hotel bar. Furniture being dragged or slammed upstairs made it really hard to rest, even with earplugs. A companion in 404 next door said that room was quiet enough, though it’s on the same side of the hall and looks over a courtyard instead of the street. I wholeheartedly recommend the hotel, with that caveat for Room 405.

The hotel’s public areas are charming, and the location worked well for us, about 5-7 minutes on foot from the opera house, around 25 minutes from thanks cathedral, and not far from the Old town, restaurants, and luxury stores. I booked a deluxe room, so there was plenty of space for luggage, plus two chairs and a street-facing window. Two things didn’t meet my expectations. The bathroom was rather small for two people, and the shower area felt cramped because of its layout. Breakfast was average, and service was inattentive on the first day, though it improved over the following two days.

Had a great time. The staff were extremely nice and breakfast was wonderful. If you can drive in Palermo, you can drive anywhere. The drivers are CRAZIE, so get all the rental insurance you can. Thank me later.

At the Grand Hotel et des Palmes, even ordinary moments felt carefully considered. The lighting is soft, the scents gentle, and the staff seem to appear just when needed. My room had quiet colors, fine fabrics, and thoughtful details, and the silence made it easy to fully unwind. I felt looked after as more than just a guest, from the smooth room service to a breakfast that started the day gently. The restaurant was a highlight in its own right. The cooking moved between tradition and invention with real confidence. A broth brought back memories, the fish balanced the sea and technique beautifully, and the desserts felt like a lovely finish. Each plate was polished enough to make you pause before trying it, then the first bite settled that hesitation. Service brought it all together with good suggestions, relaxed smiles, and wine pairings that fit naturally. This restaurant feels like the hotel’s gourmet heart, where hospitality comes through in the food. A memorable stop for anyone who enjoys being surprised with style.