Traveling solo - which neighborhoods are best for lodging in Palermo?

Theresa,

I traveled solo to Sicily in the spring of 2018.
I'd suggest you stay in the historic center of Palermo, anywhere between Quattro Canti and Teatro Massimo. I stayed at B&B delle Vittorie, as recommended by my late friend, Zoe, who had traveled to Sicily several times.

The location of this b&b is excellent, with many shops and restaurants nearby. Giuseppe, the b&b owner, was very helpful and I recall him telling me (pointing to a huge map hanging on his office wall) to avoid the Kalsa area, especially at night.
Here's my trip report if you're interested: My trip to Sicily- In Zoe's memory...

Enjoy your trip!

On www.booking.com search Quattro Canti Palermo for hotels.

Theresa,
Along with Priscilla's recommendations another excellent resource is the RS Sicily Guidebook and recent RS Forum threads. We were recently at a RS class about Sicily. The presentor was Sarah Murdoch who was one of the writers of the comprehensive guidebook. Sarah touched on the safety of Palermo. Here is a helpful hint from the book on safety in Palermo: "While Palermo is generally safe, your wallet may not be--particularly near the train station, at Ballarò Market, and near the cruise port. As in any other big Italian city, use common sense, wear a money belt, and be careful with your day bag. Secure your mobile phone..."

It will be our second visit to Sicily but first visit to Palermo. We are following Priscilla's itinerary next fall and staying in the same area and B&B. ;)

Thanks so much for your replies! I live in Italy and see Rick's 2019 guide book on Sicily. It runs around $25. Is this one you recommend for a short stay?

I'm looking on Hotels.com. Has anyone had experience with an apartment owner / B&B, etc. to ask for a cash deposit? Some are requesting €100 - it makes me a little nervous to put out that much cash - I may be a little paranoid - but wondering if it's normal?

Theresa,
Yes, I was referring to the RS Sicily Guidebook. An alternative: go to the RS search function and type in Sicily. Pick the areas you will be visiting! A wealth of information.

In addressing your B&B question. I once wired a minimal cash down payment for an apartment rental in Central Europe. Ordinarily I would not do this but many friends had stayed there and it was through a reputable management company. That said, if I was unfamiliar with a B&B I would not be comfortable sending cash.

Thanks Janis. If it's listed correctly, the apartment owner is not asking for cash in advance, but upon arrival. Still - I'd feel more comfortable using a credit card - as mine backs me up. You never know with cash.

Anything around Quattro Canti, Teatro Massimo or along Via Marqueda is ideal location. Via Marqueda is pedestrian only between these two locations, and while it may seem far it’s supremely walkable. The areas around Vuccaria/Ballaro markets can feel seedier (though still safe.) I found Palermo to be very active, cosmopolitan, and safe with people around at all hours.

Theresa,
Good point about cash request. I can understand your concern. I prefer paying accommodations by credit card as well. That said, are going to be a repeat guest at a B&B in Ortigia that accepts cash only. Because we've stayed there in the past we are comfortable paying cash. It is something to consider. You want to feel comfortable.

Thanks Janis. I have the names of the B&B's you provided in my other thread. The one in Palermo is above my spending plan, but will check the ones for Ortigia.

Thanks again to all are replying! So nice to have your support!

Dear All,

I've found a few odging options, which I believe are located in the neighborhoods you recommended. Would like to have your feedback on these:

1) Donna Sofia - Piazza Santa Sofia 5
https://www.hotels.com/ho1169462496/?q-check-out=2020-04-17&FPQ=1&q-check-in=2020-04-12&WOE=5&WOD=7&q-room-0-children=0&pa=1&tab=description&JHR=3&q-room-0-adults=1&YGF=14&MGT=5&ZSX=0&SYE=3

2) Appartamenti Vittorio Emanuele (it says Kalsa, but it shows differently on another website, so not quite sure of location)
via Vittorio Emanuele 94, Palermo, Italy, Palermo,

https://www.hotels.com/ho961799648/?q-check-out=2020-04-17&FPQ=2&q-check-in=2020-04-12&WOE=5&WOD=7&q-room-0-children=0&pa=1&tab=description&JHR=3&q-room-0-adults=1&YGF=14&MGT=5&ZSX=0&SYE=3

3) B&B Teatro Del Sole - Vicolo Paternò 6, Palermo, 90133

https://www.hotels.com/search.do?resolved-location=CITY%3A704921%3AUNKNOWN%3AUNKNOWN&destination-id=704921&q-destination=Palermo,%20Palermo%20(province),%20Italy&q-check-in=2020-04-12&q-check-out=2020-04-17&q-rooms=1&q-room-0-adults=1&q-room-0-children=0&f-hotel-id=1418704256

Thanks so much! I so appreciate your feedback!

Theresa

Theresa,

I have no personal experience with any of the lodgings you list, however, checking their locations (on Google map), the first two appear to be in the Kalsa Area and I would not recommend staying there (as preciously mentioned) as a solo female.

Lodging#3 ( B&B Teatro Del Sole) appears to be closer to the historic center, so it may be a better choice.

Do check reviews for this B&B before deciding if this is where you'd like to stay.

Hi Priscilla,

Thank you. All three get good reviews, although I believe only one of the first two list as being in Kalsa, so thanks for checking. (-: