In late October, my husband and I and our adult son are spending a week in Sicily using Palermo for a base. Found several hotels in the La Kalsa area, and am wondering if that is a safe area in which to stay. We'll have a car, and parking sounded easier ( and cheaper) . We'll need 2 rooms, and are trying to stay under $150 a night per room. What do you all think of this area? Thanks for any input ! Laurie

Why the car?
If you want to day trip, stay out on the coast near Mondello or even at Monreale.

As I go through all of your trip reports today ( yours was great, bobthenavigator) I am convinced we should stay only 4 days in Palermo, and then pick up the car. Thanks, this is our first time in Sicily,and am on a learning curve! For some reason, I'm having a harder time picking hotels than usual. Such mixed reviews. The city sites are coming easily!

LaurieD, we didn't make it to the Kalsa area so can't respond directly to your question. I can tell you that I really liked the area where we did stay which was between the old and new cities. The internet rate for a double room at our hotel, the Grand Hotel Wagner, was €125 in June. Very good idea to pick up the car on leaving Palermo.

Thanks! I read your posts and they've been helpful. I'll look at Hotel Wagner, and hope the dollar strengthens!

I spent 10 days in Palermo on one trip, using it as a base for daytrips to many towns in western Sicily. At the end of my stay, I had still not seen enough of the city, and could have used a few more days! You won't need nor want a car in town and, truthfully, could also use public transportation for many daytrips. There are a couple of daytrips which are easier and more efficiently accomplished with a car rental.

We usually leave most European cities feeling the same way - thanks for confirming the impressions I've gotten as I made my way through the trip reports and posts today. Lots of good, current advice. Can't wait to get to Sicily!

It's been a few years since I was in Palermo, so my information may be out of date. But for what it's worth, I'm not sure I would stay in La Kalsa - I didn't feel particularly comfortable there in the evening. I did spend some time there during the day, and enjoyed roaming around the district. Hope that helps!

I agree with kja, La Kalsa is ok in the daytime but I wouldn't want to wander at night. We had Mussolini's old room at the very cheap and atmospheric Hotel Oriente near the train station.

Thanks - we just booked at the Hotel Garibaldi which is much further north of La Kalsa, but I appreciate your confirmation since this is our first Sicily trip.

@LaurieD, I would not be too much worried about La Kalsa. Absolutely no need of a car in Palermo: it could totally spoil your stay. I would have booked a hotel around Piazza Politeama though. More central.

We liked the Hotel Joli, particularly the "attic" rooms. You might want to take a look at my trip report.