Hotel Porta Felice

Pourquoi 4 étoiles?
— un personnel certes disponible mais absolument pas souriant.
— un petit déjeuné plutôt cheap. (quasiment que des produits industriels).
— nous nous sommes retrouvés à 3 couples dans l’espace wellness alors qu’il est sensé être privatisé… Et il n’est clairement pas extraordinaire.
— la chambre est grande et confortable mais pour ce prix, je préfère une ambiance plus intime et personnalisée. (et un meilleur petit déjeuné!!!)

Centrally located… this is why reason we booked it.
They also offer to book transportation from the airport which we also used. The driver was in time and it costs 45,00 Euros.
The check in was smooth and quick, the receptionist very friendly and warm. She explained all the features of the hotel and the Spa.
Our room was huge, flat screen with some English and German Channels. The bathroom has a bathtub and shower, a bidet and is also: very big; and clean.
Although daily service was not always consistent, one day our soap was changed, the other the amenities remained the same, but that did not bother us.
Beds: comfy and huge! We also had a small balcony overlooking the side street.
Breakfast was included in the rate and is served on the top floor, one morning we were able to sit outside. There is a wide variety of Italian cakes, fruits, pastries, juices, and the usual stuff. It provided a good start into the day.
If you do prefer very quiet nights you better check before if any festivals might be happening otherwise it will be very loud at night. But then again: you are in Italy! :)

At the time of our booking, this was listed on a few sites as the #1 hotel for Palermo. I have to say, I can see why this is thought of so highly. This hotel is amazing! From the tastefully decorated public areas to the comfortable and relaxing rooms, the Hotel Porta Felice is a virtual paradise in gritty Palermo.
It’s not every trip that I have such a thoroughly great review, so I’ll keep it short and sweet and say, if you book here you will not regret it.
Pros — Spacious rooms, modern conveniences (flat screen tv, big safe, mini bar, excellent light and air controls), super clean, the entire hotel from hallways to lobby to rooms is beautifully decorated, free breakfast buffet with wonderful view of the city, good location, competent service, luxurious beds, huge bathrooms.
Cons — Only a few minor ones: parking here is 16 euros a day, however on the site it’s listed as (or implied to be) a free «feature» along with other complimentary things in the hotel such as elevators, fitness room and breakfast. That was a bit disappointing, but there’s plenty of street parking so it wasn’t a big deal. Also, the area a few blocks from the hotel can at best be described as grimy. Generally safe, but somewhat less than pristine.