We spent 3 weeks in this incredible apartment and loved every minute of it. To start with, Francesca is incredibly attentive, friendly, and helpful - going way beyond what we expected. She waited for us for two hours at the train station, when our train arrived late (and unfortunately due to MY phone problems, she did not get the messages I sent). Even after all that, and the late hour, she kindly spent a lot more time that night with us explaining the flat and the neighbourhood and outlining all the great places to visit, eat, shop in the Historic Centre and on day trips away. She then texted us regularly to check in that everything was ok, and see if we needed any help. She also went out of her way to help me figure out how to get a parcel that I had asked to be sent to the flat, enlisting one of the locals to speak to the mail carrier. She then arranged a driver, at a reasonable price, to take us to the bus station with all our luggage when we left.
And of course, then there is the apartment! It is truly beautiful - spacious rooms with soaring ceilings and very cool furnishings and decor. The kitchen is well equipped and we cooked quite a lot - mostly because it was so perfect to eat out on the delightful terrace. There is nothing like sitting under the clear Sicilian blue sky for breakfast, and at night by candlelight (though there is electricity!) The location is also perfect - away from the main tourist area, but only a few minutes walk away. You are just 2 blocks from the waterfront promenade for lovely strolls, like Palermo families do. And the same distance from the amazing Botanical Garden. We walked everywhere - the best way to see this city. We never felt unsafe - and yes, we did wander through back lanes. - day and night! The locals are friendly - and many were incredibly kind to us.
And as for noise - the apartment is incredibly quiet, because the doors and windows have great double glazing. We enjoyed the daily chatter of the locals in the streets when the balcony door was open - we felt like we were getting a taste of real Palermo life.
We would definitely stay again if we return to Palermo and will be telling all our family & friends to grab it if it is available. Thank you Francesca - staying at your place made our time in Palermo perfect!
