Hotel Orientale - Palermo, Sicily

Hotel Orientale, Palermo

If you fancy a bit of historic colour, check into the one-star Hotel Orientale in Palermo, Sicily. Just five minutes on foot from the central railway station, and in the heart of the atmospheric old town (centro storico), the hotel is housed in the royal apartments of the Fliangieri Palace - a rare example of 7th century Sicilian architecture. Enter through an impressive porch into an inner courtyard, where a lovely marble staircase leads you to the first-floor reception. All the rooms are air conditioned with private bath or shower rooms, complimentary toiletries, heating and a direct dial phone. The hotel also has a comfortable reading room, and a TV lounge with original frescoes on the ceiling. Internet access is also available on request at the reception. Many of the bedrooms are large with French windows onto a balcony, complete with shutters to keep the room quiet, and a good size table and chairs.

The Hotel Orientale is right in the historic centre of Palermo, just a few yards from historic gems including The Teatro Massimo, which was carefully restored in the 1990s, the beautiful Palazzo dei Normanni, which was once an Arab fortress, and the Museo Archeologico Regionale, one of the most important museums on the island. While you're wandering round Palermo, enjoy one of the many tempting snacks on offer from roadside vendors, including panelle (fried chickpea pancakes) and crocchette (croquette potatoes), and don't miss the colourful Vucciria street market where you can shop for local crafts, including lovely traditional pottery.

[ Map and more information... ]

Double room from €55