Grand Wagner

If you want to stay in a traditional 5 star hotel with olde world surroundings and want to enjoy the service and travel experience from a previous age, this is the place. Bell boys (men in fact) in red uniforms, suited reception, maids with caps and pinnafores, evening turn down service with bedside mats and change of towels; I was reminded of a bygone age. Best of all was how helpful and friendly everyone is. This is a credit to Gisella the Hotel Director who has obviously ensured that the hotel’s culture is reflected in the staff. Previous reviews have commented on the street noise. Yes it can be noisy but correct use of the wooden external shutters dampens this down. They need to be closed and the shutter slats closed. We noticed quite a difference when we did this. The hotel is very centrally located for everything (restaurants, shops and sights) and is very walkable. If you want a taxi, ask reception to book one which means it will be metered. Usual issues with having to negotiate otherwise. We also used the bus service in Via Roma. Hotel side of Via Roma if heading towards Central Station. Buy tickets from the tabac and endorse in the bus on machine near the driver. Many buses have inspectors who you can pay instead. Recommend taking the bus 101 for frequency. We waited a long time for the 124 to Capo market. There is also a free transit bus. Get map from the hotel. Buffet breakfast was enormous and a treat. There is even prosecco if you feel like it. Cooked breakfast, fresh fruit, continental breakfast and especially all the cakes and sweet treats. There is something for everyone. We can only thank the staff (too many to mention by name and we didn’t get everyone’s name) for everything they did for us during our 8 day stay and before we arrived. Special thanks go to Wim and Roberto on Reception for dealing with our multiple queries and booking restaurants, calling taxis, etc. Wim also booked our day in the Lido in Cefalu for us. Alessia in the breakfast dining room for remembering our drinks order in the morning which was appreciated. Alessio the bell boy who helped me out by pointing out that the easypark app had my car in the wrong location and helped me use the parking machine. We hired a car from Sicily by Car in Stabilo Marine and had an excellent experience. Use the app for a cheaper rate but make sure you get roadside cover too. There is parking around the hotel but it is challenging to get a car space as it is free after 8pm until 8am. It is also very tight parking. Also best to use the parking machines as easypark app can get your car location wrong and it is mainly apcoa (different operator not on the anpp) around the hotel. The machines can start the parking time from 8am the next day so no need to get up early. The hotel can arrange parking if you can’t find a space. Be aware there is a ZTL Palermo in operation which requires daily payment and registration if you enter the zone. The hotel is outside the ZTL but Wim can help you with this if necessary. Highly recommended to stay. You won’t be disappointed. We used SicilyTransfer to go to Palermo airport and the hotel can book this for you as they are on its central reservation system. Nice knowledgeable driver (Giacomo) in a Mercedes van.

Our stay in at Grand Hotel Wagner was not bad at all. Courteous and helpful staff. The front desk answered our queries effectively, with good communication in English, and bellhops were always available. The overall decor of the hotel is dated but our room was spacious and in good condition. It is conveniently located, close to many sights and shopping, but not amidst the tourist bustle. It is however a very long walk (over 20-25 mins) to the main station. The breakfast spread was plentiful and included some lovely Sicilian specialties and lots of fresh fruit. There was also a separate table for gluten free options. The staff there were especially wonderful; very attentive and hospitable.

We scheduled a trip that started June 23, 2026. We purchased a ticket that was non-refundable but assumed that a hotel of this caliber would treat us this inhumanely. As I am writing this, my husband is in a hospital in Athens with life threatening pneumonia. This information was communicated to the hotel along with medical certificate, pictures and medical report. They categorically have refused to refund our money or offer a voucher. I have spent 2 days trying to ask for compassionate relief to a heartless team. Do not stay at this hotel.