When I brought my cousin over to this little apartment for a visit, she remarked: "Non ti manca niente!" This just about sums it up. The location is within walking distance of just about anything you might wish to find, and yet it is removed enough to provide an authentic experience. The kitchen was well stocked with the tools necessary to create a veritable Italian feast. And Valeria truly is a lovely lady, passionate and knowledgeable about her city. We kept in touch throughout my stay, and she was very accommodating. Grazie per l'ospitalità!

Be sure to have the gelato at Gelateria Ilardo Giovanni and to visit Orto Botanico di Palermo, both of which are about five minutes away on foot. And should you wish to withdraw to a place that is effortlessly chill, Cioccolateria Lorenzo is incredibly close and has brilliant baked goods. I was also very happy to stumble upon Altroquando, a comic book shop! Indeed, should you choose to stay in this loft leave your travel guides behind and simply go for a walk—you'll find very many interesting places.

The only negatives I'd like to mention are that at times it was a bit noisy, and I found myself wishing that there was more natural light. However, both of these issues are products of the placement of the space in one of Palermo's residential areas which I thought to be, ultimately, a positive. I will stress again that this loft provides an authentic experience, and thus may not be suited to those looking for something similar to a stay in a hotel or some other such place.

In tutto, mi piaciuto!