Sicily -- Please critique itinerary
Dec 4th, 2003, 09:26 PM
#21
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I really liked staying at the Massimo. Like GAC says, it is the best location. We had a very nice room with everything that you needed, including slippers and a magnifying mirror for make-up, air conditioning I think and a very nice and helpful staff.They arranged a driver to pick us up at the airport...I thought it was a great hotel and was surprised that it was rated 3*. I wouldn't change hotels, I think that the other one is about the same.
Dec 5th, 2003, 06:05 AM
#22
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We very much enjoyed our stay at the completely refurbished Albergo Sole which is also at the 4 canti. However, if we had it to do over, we'd stay close the the Politeama piazza where the shopping and whole area seemed more upscale.
Dec 5th, 2003, 06:18 AM
#23
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Centrale Palace really can't be compared to the Massimo Palza. The Centrale used to be a run down mid-sized hotel which was completely gutted and rebuilt as an upscale property. It is located in a VERY atmospheric (some might say "marvellously decaying"
part of town, within walking distance of the Cathedral. The Massimo used to be a flea trap pensione, which was also gutted and rebuilt. However, with only 14 rooms or so, it's really a hotel de charme or boutique hotel. It is located closer to the "modern" city (the Teatro Massimo marks the beginning of the "modern" growth of Palermo around the turn of the century). The Massimo is within walking distance of Piazza Castelnuovo and the Archeological Museum. However, you can walk to most of Central Palermo's sites from either property, which are not that far apart.
part of town, within walking distance of the Cathedral. The Massimo used to be a flea trap pensione, which was also gutted and rebuilt. However, with only 14 rooms or so, it's really a hotel de charme or boutique hotel. It is located closer to the "modern" city (the Teatro Massimo marks the beginning of the "modern" growth of Palermo around the turn of the century). The Massimo is within walking distance of Piazza Castelnuovo and the Archeological Museum. However, you can walk to most of Central Palermo's sites from either property, which are not that far apart.
Dec 5th, 2003, 07:46 AM
#24
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GAC:
thanks for the clarification, I couldn't find your review of the Massimo when I did the search. When I was there 2 years ago the Massimo was all new, and I don't think that the Centrale was completely redone, and it didn't look as nice as the Massimo nor did I think that the location was as good,even though they were within walking distance.
thanks for the clarification, I couldn't find your review of the Massimo when I did the search. When I was there 2 years ago the Massimo was all new, and I don't think that the Centrale was completely redone, and it didn't look as nice as the Massimo nor did I think that the location was as good,even though they were within walking distance.
Dec 5th, 2003, 08:04 AM
#25
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Further comment on Palermo hotels; most
rooms at the Centrale Palace face a central courtyard and are absolutely quiet. Hard to believe in Palermo. The
immediate surroundings are quiet at night, but an within easy walk of the modern city. Concierge recommended some good off the beaten track restaurants, (which I can't remember)
rooms at the Centrale Palace face a central courtyard and are absolutely quiet. Hard to believe in Palermo. The
immediate surroundings are quiet at night, but an within easy walk of the modern city. Concierge recommended some good off the beaten track restaurants, (which I can't remember)
Dec 9th, 2003, 04:25 PM
#26
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Trvllr
I have just returned from 2 weeks in Sicliy and 2 weeks in Italy. I would have to say that I would try and shorten my time in Syracuse. I have to agree with most other peoples description of the town. The Greek ruins are amazing and Ortiyga was great but that was about it. Villa Casale at Piazza Amerina is fantastic. Buy one of the guild books at the entrance to help you get around as self guided. As far as Taormina goes, didnt like it and would never go back. The greek theatre was fantastic but that was about it really.
I have to say it is a toss up between Agrigento and Selinute as to what was my favourite 'Greek' ruins. I have now seen all the Greek ruins left in the world and these two are my favourite. Selinute was fantastic and we had lunch on the beach afterwards with fantastic views of the Acropolis.
I have to say the west coast of Sciliy is a lot nicer and more modern then the east. We enjoyed travelling through the east a lot more. Sciacca was very nice although we only visited at night for dinner with relatives. Mondello outside of Palermo is another favourite. We had dinner at the Charleston one night and that was amazing. Monreale cathedral is really great as well. My father was actually born in Sicily so we spent some time in the village he was born in and it was great. The village was actually destroyed in an earthquake in 1968 but they have left it there as ruins and built the new town down the road 3kms. So this is where we stayed. I love Sicily and will be going back to spend more time with family.
I have just returned from 2 weeks in Sicliy and 2 weeks in Italy. I would have to say that I would try and shorten my time in Syracuse. I have to agree with most other peoples description of the town. The Greek ruins are amazing and Ortiyga was great but that was about it. Villa Casale at Piazza Amerina is fantastic. Buy one of the guild books at the entrance to help you get around as self guided. As far as Taormina goes, didnt like it and would never go back. The greek theatre was fantastic but that was about it really.
I have to say it is a toss up between Agrigento and Selinute as to what was my favourite 'Greek' ruins. I have now seen all the Greek ruins left in the world and these two are my favourite. Selinute was fantastic and we had lunch on the beach afterwards with fantastic views of the Acropolis.
I have to say the west coast of Sciliy is a lot nicer and more modern then the east. We enjoyed travelling through the east a lot more. Sciacca was very nice although we only visited at night for dinner with relatives. Mondello outside of Palermo is another favourite. We had dinner at the Charleston one night and that was amazing. Monreale cathedral is really great as well. My father was actually born in Sicily so we spent some time in the village he was born in and it was great. The village was actually destroyed in an earthquake in 1968 but they have left it there as ruins and built the new town down the road 3kms. So this is where we stayed. I love Sicily and will be going back to spend more time with family.
