Nuovo Cortile Palermo, B&B with a courtyard near the Capo Market
Nuovo Cortile Palermo is a B&B in a renovated nineteenth-century building in Palermo's historic centre, between Mercato del Capo and Teatro Politeama. Guests praise the owner, the cleanliness and the location. Some criticise the building, the bathrooms and the service. A good fit for those who want to explore Palermo on foot without expecting luxury.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Nuovo Cortile Palermo.
Where Nuovo Cortile Palermo is
Nuovo Cortile Palermo is in Cortile Corrao, in the heart of Palermo's historic centre, in a renovated nineteenth-century building with an inner courtyard. It is on the first floor, in a small recess, a few steps from Mercato del Capo, Piazza Castelnuovo and Teatro Politeama.
For those who visit the city on foot, the location is its strong point. Guests mention Teatro Massimo, Via Maqueda, the cathedral and the bus stops as nearby. One guest talks of a quiet location, convenient for getting around the city. Even those who criticise it do not question where it is.
What the rooms are like
The listing describes spacious, colourful and air-conditioned rooms, with a private bathroom (shower, hairdryer and toiletries), a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Some units have a balcony or a patio overlooking the courtyard, and some have soundproofed windows to keep out the noise from the centre.
Facilities include a shared kitchen, a minimarket, a tour desk and the option to hire bicycles or book excursions. The reception has reduced hours, but it is staffed. Breakfast is Italian-style, served in the room or at a buffet, and can also be taken away. Be aware, though, as one guest wrote that they had to go to a café for breakfast.
What guests say
On Google the rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 88 reviews, an average that hides two sides. The positive reviews, especially on Tripadvisor, keep repeating the same themes.
- The owner. The most frequently mentioned. She is described as kind, always available and well prepared, attentive to hospitality. Some even say the owner welcomed them at the airport, while the listing mentions a paid shuttle, so ask about the terms.
- The location. Close to the market, the theatres and Via Maqueda, and easy to explore the city on foot.
- Cleanliness and comfort. Clean, tidy, well-furnished rooms with a comfortable bed. One guest describes them as very quiet too.
- Value for money. Some describe it as reasonable.
What to know before booking
There are not many negative reviews, but they are specific and worth reading carefully. They concern the building, the bathroom and how the stay is managed.
| The good | Worth knowing |
|---|---|
| Location near the market, theatres and centre | Old building, described as run-down by one guest |
| Owner available | Arrival times and communication need to be agreed carefully |
| Clean, well-furnished rooms | Small bathrooms, no bidet in some rooms |
- The building. One guest describes it as an old flat in an almost dilapidated block, with a cramped bathroom and a folding door. Another noticed a bad smell in the entrance.
- The bathrooms. Two guests point out there is no bidet and the bathroom is very small. One describes a water leak from under the toilet.
- Cleaning and room service. Some complain that sheets were not changed and the room was not cleaned during their stay, and that toilet paper was missing. One feels it would be more accurate to call it a letting room rather than a B&B.
- Timings. One review describes a delay by the owner. Another describes a misunderstanding over arrival time, which ended with the guest being turned away. These are few cases, but it is worth agreeing the time carefully.
My advice is to read these points calmly and, if you can, ask in advance for a room with a larger bathroom.
Who Nuovo Cortile Palermo is for
I would choose it for those who want to stay in the old town, explore Palermo on foot and value the owner's hospitality more than generous spaces or hotel standards. It suits couples and travellers who spend almost the whole day out.
I would not recommend it to anyone unwilling to give up a spacious bathroom or a daily cleaning service. Anyone looking for a luxury or quiet place like a modern hotel would do better to look elsewhere.
What to see in Palermo and Sicily
From the B&B you can walk to Mercato del Capo, which some guests describe as one of the most beautiful markets they have seen. Nearby are Teatro Massimo, the Politeama and the cathedral, as well as Via Maqueda.
If you plan to continue your trip around Sicily, you might take a look at Affittacamere da Noemi in Castellammare del Golfo, Palazzo Pagliaro in Santo Stefano di Camastra or B&B Mannala' in Agrigento.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
