mimipam

Planning to be in Palermo Sicily in July (I know it is too crowded and hot but this is my chance). We will probably stay about 3 or 4 days and do a couple of day drips in that area.
What hotels are good as to location for walking and perhaps using the sightseeing bus . I am hoping also the hotel could help with a guide but am open to any recommendations for that as well. Hotels I am considering are Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Centrale Palace and Grand Hotel Wagner. Does anyone have personal knowledge of these and how their locations might rate. Safety is a factor for me as well. I believe we will be coming into Palermo by train from the Taormina area (possibly from Messina) so walking from the station to the hotel is a consideration. If anyone has suggestions about traveling to Palermo from Taormina area please advise. We do not want to rent a car as we are just going from this area to Palermo. Would flying from Catania to Palermo be an option? Thanks for any suggestions.

bon_voyage

I stayed at the Wagner in June 2010. It has an old world feel which fits well with Palermo. I very much liked the location near Politeama (a main square) between the old and new cities. It's not near the train station but I think the sightseeing buses may leave from Politeama. You can click on my name for my trip report for more details.

mimipam

Thanks bon. I did read your most interesting report. I wont get to see as much as you did but am grateful for the time I will have there. I appreciate your input about the Wagner. It sounds good.

valtor

When we visited Sicily, we traveled mostly by bus. It is clean, safe, there is place for luggage under the bus..
From Taormina to Palermo, you have to change the bus in Catania.

bon_voyage

Prego, mimipam, you are fortunate to have more time in Palermo than we did.

mimipam

Did not consider bus but I now will. Thanks