Palermo's top 10 hotels, according to the experts

Located in a posh suburb overlooking Palermo’s harbor, this 5-star hotel offers a private beach, tennis courts, a fine-dining restaurant, and a swimming pool with a waterfront view, among other amenities. Though no two of the lavish rooms are alike, each has air conditioning, satellite TV, and a writing desk, with some featuring views of the Tyrrhenian Sea or Pellegrino mountain.

Dating back to 1874, this 4-star hotel has art nouveau grandeur and a dramatic history to match. Once the site of a mafia convention, it boasts 98 rooms with traditional furniture and supple fabrics and that promise to take you back in time. Enjoy breakfast in the luxurious, chandelier-topped hall, and pop into the Gattopardo piano bar for a cocktail or a glass of Marsala wine.

This elegant 4-star hotel is just minutes from major sites like the Teatro Biondo and Quattro Canti square. Neoclassical and baroque furnishings, along with well-preserved features from the original palazzo, speak to its long history, while amenities like a rooftop restaurant and bar, an onsite fitness center and sauna, and free WiFi provide modern-day comforts. Rooms come with comfortable beds and flatscreen TVs, and some include outdoor terraces.

Centrally located, this boutique property features 127 stylish rooms with a modern sensibility, while common areas like the ancient cloister courtyard highlight the building’s unique history. The rooftop garden, where they serve free breakfast during the summer months, has stunning views of Palermo, while the in-house spa and whirlpool caters to business and leisure travelers alike. Note: WiFi is available in the lobby but not in the rooms.

One of Palermo’s oldest hotels, the 4-star Mercure’s peaceful neighborhood setting and timeless grandeur have been drawing aristocrats since 1891. Spacious rooms feature tasteful details and en suite bathrooms as well as air-conditioning, MP3 players, and satellite TV. Also on offer: an on-site restaurant specializing in Sicilian cuisine, a 24-hour fitness center, babysitting services, and a great location near the Via della Liberta boutiques.

This no-nonsense, 27-room hotel is designed for travelers in search of quality on a budget. The chandelier-lit opulence of the lobby and breakfast area contrasts with the austerity of the rooms, which have air conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. The striking rooftop restaurant/solarium has 360-degree views of the city, and the hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center.

Once a stately, private, 16th-century palazzo, the 4-star Quintocanto is a favorite with spa-loving guests, who appreciate the free hour of services at the hotel’s in-house wellness center. Tastefully decorated rooms, a palm tree-lined courtyard, and an on-site restaurant that draws both locals and tourists are among the hotel’s other charms, as is the excellent location near Quattro Canti square.

Historic charm meets contemporary style at this lovely downtown hotel. While the lobby features antique stone arches, modern rooms have brickwork, tile floors, and lavish bathrooms with walk-in showers and rainfall showerheads. Other bonuses: generous breakfast, free WiFi (in public areas only), and optional extras like skylights and balconies. Major sites, shops, night clubs, and restaurants are easy to access from here, though the hotel is located across the street from a prison.

Set in a 17th-century palazzo facing the sea, Butera 28 offers cozy, tastefully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and washing machines, among other modern conveniences. Some apartments come with terraces or sea views, and the owners offer cooking classes as well as plenty of tips to make the most of your trip to Palermo.

Frommer's calls this bed-and-breakfast "the city's best-kept secret". The cheerful, well-kept establishment offers atmosphere and a convenient downtown location. Included in the price of your stay, the continental breakfast receives rave reviews and can be delivered to your room on request.