I'm planning a trip to be in Rome for a few days, then Sicily for about 5 during the middle of February. What's the experience with weather during that month? AND-
I could use some tips on getting from Rome to Sicily- train (senior discount?)and airline- as well as advice on accommodations/transportation in Palermo. All related info welcome.

Hi Zola,
Can't provide any info on Sicily, but I've been in Rome in February. Temps during the day can, but not necessarily will get into the 60's during the day. Nights are cooler. I packed "layers" of clothes and brought a rain coat with a detachable hood and zip-in liner. I also brought a hat, scarf and gloves and wore them at night due to the cooler temperatures. (I'd say it was probably in the upper 30's and 40's.)

BC

Train from Rome to Palermo would be long and probably uncomfortable, and there is no senior discount for non-Italians. It is, in any case, probably cheaper to fly with a discount airline, Windjet or Air One:
http://w4.volawindjet.it/default.aspx?lang=en
http://www.flyairone.it/en/

Accommodations in Palermo are available in all price ranges. Personally, I liked the Hotel Ambasciatori:
http://www.ambasciatorihotelpalermo.net/eng/index.php
It is centrally located to most of the sights, and I rarely took a bus, although buses function well and frequently in Palermo.

You will need a bus if you want to go to the Duomo in Monreale (highly advised).

Prestia & Comande has a frequent (every 30 minutes) shuttle to and from the airport:
http://www.gesap.it/index2.php3?op=212&lang=en
The last stop, at Palermo Centrale train station, is within walking distance of the Hotel Ambasciatori.

Zerlina:

Thanks very much for all the information. Sorry I'm late in responding. I posted this before I bought the tickets and started planning, then forgot I had entered it. The pictures of the hotel you recommend look great. I am optimistic about getting low season rates.
How was the noise? I hear that section of the city and along the Via Roma can be deafening.

"Deafening" is an exaggeration and, in any case, not all the rooms give onto Via Roma.

What *was* deafening was a demonstration/rock concert that went on until 2:30 am one night in one of the piazzas. But I doubt that there would be one in February.

Zerlina: (by the way, love your name)
Sad to say, Hotel Ambasciatori is booked for the dates I am seeking (12th-16th). Any other recommendations? I have seen some good reviews for Hotel Joli.

I've seen nice things about the Hotel Joli as well, but I personally prefer something in the old town of Palermo. Hotel Joli may be quieter than Hotel Ambasciatori.

Unfortunately, I have no other recommendations.

Weather is chilly, bring layers. Shirts and sweaters with jackets and scarves at night. It's not freezing, but can be damp cold.

I wouldn't even consider taking the train from Rome to Sicily. If you only have 5 days in Sicily, why spend 14-16 hours on a train? You could probably find a cheap flight from Rome to Catania or Palermo on Alitalia, Airone, or Meridiana. Meridiana's website is meridiana.it

from Rome to catania ( sicily)there is a good airline calle blue express www.blu-express.com better then the train for sure.
Where are going to stay siracusa catania taormina palermo? or you haven't decide yet?

Zerlina:

I waited to book my hotel in Palermo until I got to Rome. The Italian desk clerk at the hotel where I stayed in Rome called Ambasciatori and got me in for 2 days. I thought I could improvise after that. Well, once in Palermo, with a little patience (and, yes, some pleading with the staff at the Ambasciatori) I was able to add a couple more days to my reservation.
I would like to thank you very much for the recommendation. The hotel was just great. The location was ideal (relatively close to the central train station- a plus for a newcomer) and the rates were very reasonable, especially considered the features: The beautiful terrace and views were a real treat and the breakfast as good as any I've ever had provided in Europe. Finally, the staff was absolutely superb! They were more like friends than employees.
The larger point, however, is that there's no way I would have known about this place without your suggestion. Tips like yours make these posting sites worthwhile. I had a wonderful trip and an enjoyable stay- in part because of your advice. My only regret is that it was not for a longer period.
Thanks again.
Ciao!