The host, Guiscardo, met us at the apartment and thoroughly explained how everything worked, including the washing machine and stove (both key for longer term traveling) and a working elevator exclusively for luggage. This lift was extremely helpful to us since we were staying on an upper floor and we had larger bags because of the length of our stay in Italy and poor packing on our part. Anyway the staircase is very narrow (even by Italian standards) so the lift was critical at the beginning and end of our stay.
We liked the accommodations and the location so much we decided to extend our stay on two separate occasions. Even though the apartment was already booked both times, Guiscardo worked with us and switched the arriving guests into different but equally high quality apartments at the same address to allow us to stay where we already were for an extra three nights without having to switch rooms. This is just one example of what a helpful host Guiscardo truly is.
The location cannot be beat. It is just a few steps away from the boisterous La Vucciria Market, one of the three best street markets in the city, as well as a few steps in the other direction to Via Vittorio Emanuele which is your ticket to the sea and also leads through La Kalsa neighborhood which is full of fantastic restaurants and squares and parks and palaces and churches - all wonderful to explore and people watch and interact with locals and your fellow travelers.
This is a spectacularly lively neighborhood. From your upstairs balcony you can watch the fascinating Sicilian street life from above - endlessly entertaining. Do not miss out on wandering down to La Vucciria market and picking out some fresh tuna or seafood straight from the fishing docks nearby via scooter delivery. Have a friendly, animated vendor throw your selection on the grill, enjoy a refreshing birra while you wait five to ten minutes for the best tasting grilled tuna you’ve had in your life!!
At night this market essentially turns into an outdoor club with traveling revelers and locals alike partying into the wee hours. If you are looking for a quiet place in the country, I suggest you scroll on, but if you are seeking out the quintessential Palermo city life experience I suggest you book Guiscardo’s place immediately! You will have the time of your life.