good small hotel or B&B in Palermo and Catania, Sicily

The Hotel Ambasciatori is small-ish, charming, and an easy walk from the train station. Nice rooftop bar/restaurant where breakfast is served! In the newer section of town, B&B La Bella Vita is very nice. Walking distance to busses, restaurants, and a lovely balcony. The proprietors are very nice. It's more like a tiny hotel than a B&B. It's on the 5th (?) floor of an apartment building, and we never saw anyone except the proprietor. Enjoy Palermo!

Another vote for Ambasciatori! It's in walking distance from the train station, which is where the airport shuttle lets you off. The rooftop terrace is wonderful; not only is breakfast served there, but there's a bar, and a restaurant that's open for dinner. And you can just go up there and sit and admire the view. The staff is very helpful (Sometimes too helpful; I have a long story about that.) And the neighborhood is interesting. And the price is attractive, as well. Be sure to ask for the Rick Steves price. We have stayed there twice; the first time - two years ago - we paid €70 for an en suite double; the second time - just last year - was off-season, and we paid €55.

Thank you for the recommendations for Palermo. Any thoughts about Catania?

Most people who visit Sicily "coast to coast" stay in Palermo, but most don't stay in Catania. Ortigia (Syracuse) and Taormina are the top spots.

As Chani says, I stayed in Palermo, Siracusa, and Taormina, but not Catania. I had great stays in all three places, and would go back to all of them in a heartbeat.

Palermo: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy-reviews/palermo-bed-and-breakfast-la-bella-vita

Siracusa: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy-reviews/siracusa-airbnb-in-ortigia

Taormina: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy-reviews/taormina-accommodation-casa-cuseni

If the hotel reviews pique your interest, my VERY detailed trip report is here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/sicily-palermo-caltanisetta-siracusa-taormina

Did you try www.booking.com for Catania?

More thanks for all replies and suggestions. I am staying in Catania because I want to get from there to Enna on a day trip. I will probably try to do it by public bus. Has anyone done this?