Palermo hotel recommendations needed please for family

We have twice stayed at the Politeama Palace Hotel, which is in the heart of the city, across the street from the Politeama Theatre. The airport bus stops about 20 feet away from the front door of the hotel. From the hotel, you can walk to lots of shops, restaurants, and even down the waterfront. But, be careful crossing the street, as many of the streets have multiple lanes with no lane markings and drivers who disobey whatever traffic rules that exist.

Thank you. I checked and they only accommodate 4 with a 2 night minimum.

Have you thought of staying in an apartment type hotel? We stayed at casa teatro massimo in a 2 bedroom apartment. I believe it had a bed for 2 in one room, another double (maybe 2 singles?) in the other bedroom, and sofa beds. Good location - right across from the teatro massimo, lots of cafes nearby, easy walking or local bus to sights. I've had trouble finding HOTELS for 4 and 5 would clearly be harder, but apartments are much easier. Check booking.com for other options in the areas mentioned.

In general, "gritty" in Palermo (tourist areas) seems to mean not all that well-kept up exteriors. Occasional buildings that are basically ruined (bombed out from WWII in some cases). Graffiti. More street life and less "polish". It's not unsafe - I felt fine even at night - just different looking. If visitors don't assume that a little gritty = bad area they will likely love the personality of the city.
Personally I prefer that kind of feel to something more sanitized and (to me) boring.

My RS tour stayed at the Hotel Posta - it was perfect.
Here is the website....Hotel Posta

Palermo is the safest city among Italy's 12 largest cities in practically all types of crimes.
You can use google translate to see the article below.

http://palermo.gds.it/2015/09/03/omicidi-palermo-e-la-citta-con-il-tasso-di-criminalita-piu-basso_404522/

We stayed with the RS tour group at the Ambasciatori which is with easy walking distance of many tourist sites. I don't know if it's the best hotel in Palermo. It's certainly not the most expensive, but it was a fun place to stay with incredible service from the entire staff.

As far as safety, I felt completely safe walking in Palermo after dark. I can't say that about my own city here in the States.

I will mention that as a tourist, you should always exercise the same precautions which you would in any city. Pay attention to your surroundings. Don't leave your purse or bag unattended. And don't carry large amounts of cash as pickpockets probably are your greatest worry.

I will say that while we were in Sicily (all of Sicily, not just Palermo), we did have panhandlers move far closer to me than anywhere else that I've been in the US, Europe or Central America. I did not feel threatened. I was just very aware of their proximity, because they were not shy. I did not respond to any of them, and they moved onto other people after a few seconds.

I'm not sharing that story to upset you. I'm sharing it because I wish I had known about this before arriving in Sicily. I wouldn't have been as surprised the first time it happened.

As far as gritty goes, I'm not sure that's a fair description of the entire city. Palermo is not a sparkling new city in places. It dates back a long way, but it's still amazing. I would love to go back and see more next time.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!!!

Many thanks to all of you!
I kept my search for one room for the 5 of us and used your ideas as location guidance. I have booked (always with free cancellation at least until closer to the date) into https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7702236. This is an apartment called, "The Cathedral" and looks wonderful.
We will drop off our rental in Agrigento and take a train from there into Palermo.
Again - appreciating your advice!
Lori