Cristal Palace Hotel - Palermo, Italy     

We have just returned from a 4 night stay at the Cristal Palace booked with Hotels.Com. It is in a great position on Via Roma, just off Politeama Square which is more-or-less the centre of the city. Our first impressions were that the building looked a bit dowdy and non-Italian from outside (compared with others nearby) BUT we were very impressed with the hotel receptionist's friendliness, the layout and cleanliness of the room (double-glazed AND centrally air-conditioned when necessary - I know a previous report from 2005 mentioned no aircon, but our room had quite a powerful unit - maybe these are new). For TV Addicts, there is Italian Sky TV in the room with a handful of English channels and dozens of other foreign language channels. A resonably-priced minibar, and probably the largest & nicest bathroom I have ever had in a 3 star hotel in Italy. Breakfast was fine - continental style with cakes, bread, jams, hams & cheese . . choice of ready-made coffee or fresh espresso/cappucino etc to order (included in cost). There is a small bar area and a single internet station which cost 3? an hour to use. Nearby there were plenty of reasonably priced Trattoria & Osteria, a couple of Pizzeria and a Chinese restaurant as well. Well located for the ?5.50 bus from Palermo Airport (most people seemed to get off here - ask the driver to point out Via Roma - or find it yourself just behind the theatre on the right hand side) or the railway station (which is a long walk up Via Roma or a 15/20 min bus ride from Stazione Centrale in a stright line from the station). If you are looking for a decent 3 star hotel in a good position, don't be put off by the modern exterior - it's perfect inside!