Hotel Garibaldi

At first glance, there are plenty of classic charms at this hotel, from the attractive tan-and-white façade lined with balconies to the gorgeous marble staircase that spirals through the hotel’s core to a skylit ceiling above. But the rest of the hotel doesn't live up to the expectations set by those details, and much of the hotel’s lobby feels cluttered and furnished on the cheap. Striped, multicolored furniture sits throughout the marble tiled space, and within small seating lounges and a bar just off to the side. The lobby bar is a decent place to hang out for a nightcap or a coffee, and while it’s bright and cheerful with expressionist artwork on the walls, it has a slightly dated quality. Guests here are predominantly couples and families, though business travelers and solo travelers also pass through.

This hotel is well situated for exploring several downtown Palermo historic sights, and walks to the narrow, atmospheric lanes of the Castellammare district take about 15 minutes. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops in the hotel’s immediate area as well, and the neoclassic Teatro Politeama Garibaldi is just across the street from the hotel. The Palermo Cathedral and Ballaro Street Market—both local icons—are around 20 minutes from the hotel on foot, while a taxi to the up-and-coming Kalsa district that’s rapidly filling with trendy restaurants and bars will take about 10 minutes. The historic seaside town of Cefalu is an hour away by car, while the sparkling beaches of Mondello are only a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The Prestia Comande bus to Palermo Airport takes 40 minutes from Politeama, just around the corner from the hotel (a two-minute walk), while a taxi can make the same journey in 30 minutes.

Modern rooms are are understated and streamlined, but the result is generic and functional rather than stylish. There are contemporary accents, like the undulating patterns in the rooms’ headboards, wardrobes, and desks, but lack of details such as artwork and accent rugs makes rooms feel a bit spartan overall. They're spacious, though, and each room includes a contemporary love seat, cut-out patterned desk chair, flat-screen TV, electric safe, mini-fridge with minibar, electric kettle, and individually controlled air-conditioning. Beds are decent, with swirling, floral-patterned bed runners, but guests should keep in mind that double beds are often just two twin beds put together and can be uncomfortable to share. Street-facing rooms have French doors leading on to Juliet balconies, some of which have views to iconic Monte Pellegrino. Spacious bathrooms are OK, with modern gray tiles, glass vanities, walk-in showers with modern fixtures, and heated towel racks, though we noticed some dirty grout between tiles and rust stains in the showers. Junior Suites have a bit more style, with surrealist prints on the walls and separate office and dressing areas. Bathrooms are also larger in Junior Suites and include separate bathtubs and showers, though there are no shower curtains or screens to speak of and floors can get wet. The hotel is in the city center, and guests should expect some traffic noise, though on the whole the soundproofing is good and noise isn’t too disruptive.

The features here are pretty typical of three-pearl properties in Palermo. The hotel serves a decent breakfast buffet with hot and cold options that is free with every booking, though don’t expect hand-brewed coffees or fresh juices. The hotel’s lobby bar offers cocktails, coffees, wine and beer throughout the day and room service is available. The 24-hour front desk can help arrange ticket bookings and reservations throughout Palermo and well as car, motorcycle, or bicycle rentals. Though there are non-smoking rooms available, smoking is allowed in various parts of the hotel and smoke can travel to non-smoking public areas. The hotel’s meeting room isn’t the most attractive, and though it has windows and natural light, low ceilings makes the space feel extremely cramped. The hotel allows small pets, laundry services can be arranged, and the hotel offers parking at reasonable rates. Wi-Fi is free in certain common areas throughout the hotel, though internet is not free in guest rooms.