Hotels in Palermo & catania

We recently stayed at the Ibis in Palermo. it is right near the harbor in the city center. The room was good size, clean, and the TV had the only english-speaking channels of any place we stayed in Sicily. The variety at breakfast was very good. Eggs, bacon, cold cuts to make a sandwich, boiled eggs, all kinds of deserts, coffee makers for all kinds of coffee, even a Nespresso. The dining room was very large with a long balcony overlooking the harbor. I paid only 382 euros for 4 nights. I would definitely stay there again if I ever go back to Palermo.

Bruce

We enjoyed our stay at Palazzo Pantaleo in Palermo. Good location, reasonably priced, good breakfast, large room, friendly host. Very close to an airport bus stop.

Tough to beat central location of Gattopardo House, just off Via Etnea between Piazza Duomo and Giardino Bellini. Spacious, tidy, well-equipped rooms in a Baroque palace can be had for under $100/night. Peek into the salon off the lobby to glimpse period decor intact, including frescoed vaulted ceilings. Breakfast not served; but this gives you your excuse to indulge at nearby Caffe Prestipino, where gruff waiters serve up classic Sicilian breakfasts lunches and snacks with severe theatricality.

I got a great rate at Palacio Centrale in Palermo. Beautiful, old world charm, magnificent breakfast, but older. It really did used to be a Palace. Very close to the major sites. My husband and I loved it, but my friend thought it was "old." She usually does cruises and should continue to do so.

Thanks all, for the good ideas. I'm probably going to follow up on Donna's suggestion. Sounds like our kind of place. Has anyone stayed at the Novocento B&B on Via Roma?

Avoid the Grand Hotel et des Palmes in Palermo. The breakfasts were good but the hotel is worn out.

For Catania, have a look at Hotel Etna 316. We stayed there a few years ago and while it is unprepossessing from the outside, it was pleasant inside and included a nice breakfast.