Nota bene: Palermo is noisy, chaotic, sometimes messy and utterly charming in its crumbliness. And I love it. The trouble is finding a place that is quiet and safe but still in the old city, which has its sketchy neighborhoods (but again, utterly charming). You can stay in a place outside the old walls and travel in every day, but why?

Marco's place is perfect for the right traveler. If you expect a view of the city and a four-star hotel, then spend $300 a night and get it. If you want super-clean, super-convenient and quiet as can be, stay here.

We were (due to traffic) 2 hours late to our rendezvous time, and our phone died. We show up and Marco was there with a smile, "non c'é problemma." He was kind and accommodating. He speaks some English but we communicated in Italian anyway.

I would suggest meeting Marco off-site and letting him guide you to the Piazza San Giovanni Decollato (Saint John the Beheaded). Driving in the old city is not for the faint of heart. Better yet, leave the car, since you can walk anywhere in 10 minutes...all the markets, the Quattro Canti, the cathedral, etc. There is not a more convenient place to stay in the old city.

When we stay here again, and we will, we'll likely take public transportation to the city and walk, then rent a car when we leave Palermo.

I can't recommend this place highly enough.