Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel

Palermo’s lovely Palazzo Natoli bears the name of the 18th-century marquis for whom it was built, as well as that of the famous novelist who came later in the family line. History, it goes without saying, seeps from every corner of this magnificent house, and indeed from the whole of the neighborhood, close to the cathedral, along the Via Vittorio Emanuele. In its present incarnation, however, it’s a surprisingly contemporary and satisfyingly luxurious boutique hotel, its interiors designed in that inimitably Italian contemporary-meets-classic manner.

Nine of the twelve rooms are set in the palace proper, with three more in the neighboring building, including the Family room and the Garden apartment. In all cases they’re handsomely decorated and equipped with all the modern necessities. Beyond breakfast the hotel’s café serves snacks, aperitivi, and wine; the hotel’s concierge, meanwhile, will happily handle restaurant bookings. Cooking classes, golf, and even sailing tours can be arranged as well.