This year I had the great privilege of touring several couples through Sicily as their guide. The itineraries changed depending on the time constraints and interest of the clients but one city was always on the agenda: Palermo. This city holds a special place in my book of favorite cities because it was blocks from the port that my great-grandfather spent the first six years of his life before immigrating to New York in 1906.

 

There are many high-end options in Palermo that cater to (Italian) business traveler but few succeed in satisfying both an Italian and an Anglo-American audience. All too often, 4- and 5-stars don’t treat tourists with the same attention and respect as business travelers, believing the tourist isn’t coming back so why bother. The Hotel Plaza Opera in downtown Palermo is an exception to this unfortunate rule. Just a block from the Teatro Politeama, and surrounded fabulous shops and restaurants, this 46 room hotel offers luxury and service to its clientele. Numerous clients of mine have stayed here and have raved about it, mentioning that it deserves a 5-star rather than a 4-star rating.

 

The small lobby is an elegant mixture of modern works of art and antique furniture. This style also typifies the dining rooms and conference areas. Upstairs, each of the guest rooms has been decorated impeccably with European design elements and maplewood furniture. The suites each have a whirlpool for two and a private solarium. All guests have en-suite internet and satellite, TV, free mini-bar and buffet-style breakfast included. Prices are fairly moderate considering what the Hotel Plaza Opera offers:

                                    Single room: 140 euros

                                    Double room: 200 euros

                                    Suite: 380 euros

 

Hotel Plaza Opera

Via Nicolo’ Gallo 2

tel +39 091 381 9026