Palermo and Ortigia

My husband, adult son and I stayed in this apartment in Palermo at the end of December to the beginning of January this year. It has three bedrooms, two full baths and a washing machine. It was in the downtown. I think it was a bit over $200 per night and quite nice.
https://www.vrbo.com/6594322ha?chkin=2026-02-08&chkout=2026-02-11&d1=2026-02-08&d2=2026-02-11&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-11&x_pwa=1&rfrr=HSR&pwa_ts=1761940834150&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudnJiby5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&useRewards=false&adults=2&regionId=2831&destination=Palermo%2C+Sicily%2C+Italy&destType=MARKET&neighborhoodId=3000661769&selected=33581602&latLong=38.115688%2C13.361267&searchId=cbeb0255-91dd-4f9e-ac99-ec66153ec9ab&sort=RECOMMENDED&userIntent=&expediaPropertyId=33581602

I think the Rick Steves' Tours of Best of Sicily stay (or at least stayed in the past) at the Ambasciatori Hotel in Palermo.

Check if they have availability and agreeable rates for the dates you need.

The corridor along Via Roma and Via Maqueda (two parallel elegant streets) north of the Central Station all the way to the Teatro Politeama-Garibaldi (a main theater) is what my Italian acquaintances recommended to me. It's an upscale and very safe area. I didn't stay at the Ambasciatori but I don't remember the names where I stayed, it's been some years since I stayed in Palermo.

We stayed at BnB Delle Vittorie and loved it. Located on pedestrian-only Via Maqueda (Makeda) right in the heart, but surprisingly quiet. The rooms were fresh and excellent air conditioning. The staff was lovely.