Grande Albergo Sole

Grande Albergo Sole Review

Here's an unusual and exciting concept: reopen a faded century-old lodging in the gritty old center as a gleaming, ultramodern hotel. The result is an ideal base for exploring Palermo. The expansive rooftop balcony boasts a hot tub and encircles the restaurant and bar in a sleek wood frame that feels almost Scandinavian. Minimalist (for Italy, anyway) rooms have all the modern amenities, with the exception of Wi-Fi. The service is friendly. Call ahead to reserve a room facing the front of the hotel for a bird's-eye view of three church cupolas and the Piazza della Vergogna (Plaza of Shame), labeled as such because it's one of the few plazas in Italy with no statues of saints.