After spending nearly a week at the charming Hotel Villa Ducale in Taormina we couldn't have been more disappointed in the Centrale Palace Hotel, or Palermo for that matter. (More surprising is that Villa Ducale recommended it! - a surprising misstep for a nearly flawless stay there) Yet, simply put, this place is a dump! It's only benefit is, well, a central located as touted in their name. Unfortunately, that's not enough to save it or get any kind of recommendation from this reviewer. Sure, if you look beneath and beyond the tarnished surfaces you can see "long, long ago" this was probably very nice. But unlike other relics of the past, time hasn't been kind to this old palace, and whatever "recent" restoration or upgrading they claim has long faded. The place needs a facelift and some restorative surgery along with the attitudes of the front desk staff that act like they're doing you a favor. Do yourself a favor... look elsewhere.

The Centrale Palace Hotel is stereotypical of it's city surroundings. Once a glamorous hotel, it is now run down and a bit rough around the edges (just like the staff). We arrived at check in time, but don't expect a helpful member of staff on reception to help with bags etc. Oh no...not in Palermo. It was a very quiet time of year in early June and there were only a few other people staying in the hotel, yet I'm sure we were given the worst room in the entire place. It was very noisy, with staff coming and going right outside our room, then roadworks in the street under the window so you were disturbed at all times of the day. But seeing as we were mostly there to sightsee for a few days, we weren't too bothered about spending much time in the hotel. However, the only reason I chose this place was because it had a roof terrace bar with views over the city. Not once was this 'roof terrace' ever open or accessible though. We even asked if it could be opened just so we could see it and have a drink up there, but as usual the response was 'this is not possible in Italy.' The same thing was said to us time and again, for example when we rung down to ask if they had an iron we could use. When asked if they could call us a taxi, the receptionist merely pointed outside. The breakfasts are awful as well. The coffee tastes like meat and there is little choice. I suggest going to a nearby cafe instead. Do not go here expecting Italian hospitality because Palermo is a particularly unfriendly and dirty city, that had few redeeming qualities really. I would suggest going to the south, which is supposed to be beautiful or just stick to Tuscany!

We wanted a centrally located hotel in Palermo close to the sights and the CP was perfect. The hotel has grand public spaces and there is a lively bar off the lobby where the wifi is located. There is also a rooftop restaurant and bar/terrace. Our room, a junior-suite, was slightly less appealing than the public areas and the balcony floor was so dirty we didn’t use it. A good bucket and mop would have made it so much better! Being at the rear of the hotel and having sound-proofed windows, noise was not a problem at all. A nice oasis in Palermo and easy walking distance to everything w/ an attentive helpful staff.

My daughter and I spent one night at this amazing hotel in the centre of Palermo - we were staying in Taormina but wanted to see Monreale and the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel. The staff were helpful, our beds were comfortable, breakfast was very good, and the public areas of the hotel were amazingly spacious and furnished with what looked like antiques!