Hostel Via Zara

Mario and Justina were great hosts, with useful tips for exploring, and the homemade breakfast was really delicious and included in the price. Hostel Via Zara is clean, friendly, safe-feeling, and very central, with plenty of value for the money. There are open-air parties nearby a few nights a week, since it's in the town's party area, so it can get loud. Some reviews mention the noise, but earplugs sorted it for me. It's a particularly good choice for women traveling alone. I'd happily come back next time I'm in Sicily.

The hosts are genuinely kind and keen to help you discover Palermo, and they make a tasty breakfast each morning, included in the stay. It's a small, welcoming hostel, and I felt safe there. The bedroom doors don't lock, but there are lockers with locks provided. I stayed in the three-bed women's room and made friends with my roommates quickly. The beds aren't bunks, and the room was a comfortable size and clean. A ten-minute walk gets you to Palermo Station, and the main streets, attractions, restaurants, and nightlife are close by. I didn't find the street noise bad. There are two washrooms and one shower area with two showers. I'd stay again.

The owner was friendly, which earns the two stars, but the hostel itself felt like it belonged to the Soviet era. My bed sagged into almost a hole, either because it was poor quality or had been used by too many people. The kitchen was a disaster, and lighting a fire felt like using the most ancient method ever. Worst hostel stay I've had.

Mario, the host, made us a huge breakfast every morning and checked that we had everything. He'd sit and eat and chat with us, which made it feel like family. The staff were lovely, and the room was roomy, clean, and reasonably comfortable. Both the room and bathrooms were kept spotless. The location is ideal for exploring Palermo, though the busy neighborhood can be noisy at night. Earplugs helped us sleep. I'd definitely recommend it.