Hotel GRAND HOTEL ET DES PALMES

Built in 1856 as an aristocratic residence, this monumental building in Palermo's historic city centre became the Grand Hotel et des Palmes in 1874. Decorated by master craftsmen in a mixture of Liberty and Italian Art Nouveau styles, its grand halls have provided hospitality for well over a century. The modernised air conditioned guestrooms feature antique style furniture in keeping with the period of the building, together with soft, neutral colour schemes. All rooms are equipped with work desks, free Internet connections, satellite television, direct dial telephones and minibars. Guests can soak up the Sicilian sunshine while reclining on sun loungers on the rooftop sun terrace, and browse the daily papers next to the fireplace amid the marble, velvet, panelling and mirrors in the high ceilinged lobby. Regional specialties are served a la carte alongside international cuisine under the grand chandeliers in the Liberty style, wood panelled dining room and long drinks, cocktails and regional wines are on offer in the American bar. Room service is also available. Facilities for business guests include meeting and conference rooms, banquet facilities and free Internet access. Those arriving by car can make use of secure private parking. The front desk is open round the clock and offers a safe deposit box ass well as a currency exchange service and knowledgeable staff can provide local information and tour advice. Located right in the centre of Palermo between the Massimo and Politeama theatres, the hotel is within 500 metres of the city's main shopping area and less than one kilometre from the port. Palermo Airport is about 19 kilometres and a 30 minute journey away. A shuttle service runs between the airport and Palermo Centrale Station, two kilometres from the hotel. The hotel can also arrange transfers for a fee and taxis are available at the terminal.