Vucciria Hostel

Vucciria Hostel sits in the historic center of Palermo, close to the sea, Marina Square, gardens, museums, and the city’s main monuments. It’s on the third floor of a large, cozy house by Vucciria, one of Palermo’s oldest and best-known historic markets. The market is lively during the day, and on Friday and Saturday nights the area fills with music and young people. It makes a good base for exploring this part of the city, especially if you like a warm, family atmosphere while traveling. The family-run hostel is brand new and has 18 beds across three rooms. Two rooms, with 12 beds in total, are on the first floor and share two bathrooms. The third room has six beds, its own bathroom, and a private balcony on the second floor. All rooms have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and heating. Towels and sheets are included, as are use of the kitchen and lockers. Guests can use the terrace, living room and kitchen, plus a ballroom with a screen and multimedia system for watching movies. Breakfast is included and served in the morning, a chance to meet other travelers and make friends. The place describes itself as a home away from home, with the warmth and hospitality of a family. Check-in is from 8 a.m. to noon, and guests are asked to tell the property their arrival time. Check-out is at 10 a.m. The cancellation policy is three days. Payment is cash only, as credit cards aren’t accepted. Taxes are included.

The place has a lovely, homely feel, and the staff were friendly, though a little disorganized. It’s a nice hostel and I’d stay again, but I’d bring proper earplugs because the street noise gets through.

The rooms are lovely, spacious, and there are several of them. The staff were lovely too. The problem is the neighborhood gets devastatingly loud on weekends, with parties in the nearby piazza.

Really nice, clean, and the people were gentle.