At the end of our three-week family Italian vacation, we spent two nights in Francesca's property, and we were delighted with the accommodations. Where to start?
First, the neighborhood...while the neighborhood looks suspect, we did not experience any problems. In fact, the neighborhood provided just enough of a immersion in the local culture, which we really appreciated. There is a mini-market around the corner, a street-food cart across the street, and two restaurants within a two to three minute walk (the restaurants specialize in seafood, so those travelers who desire that type of cuisine, you don't have to venture too far away). Also, there is a free tourist bus stop about a three minute walk from the apartment, which will take you to every important landmark in the historical city center of Palermo.
Second, the apartment...it is located on the second floor, with no lift, so travelers with a lot of luggage, please keep that in mind. Yet, it is only one set of stairs. The apartment can easily accommodate up to four adults or a family of five (assuming one individual is okay with sleeping on the couch). The mattresses were great--even better than the mattresses in the hotels that we stayed in during our stays in Florence and Venice. There was plenty of space for the personal items we brought with us for our stay. The shower, like all showers during our three-week vacation, was small. I did mention to Francesca about the limited amount of hot water, but she explained that the older systems, found in the historical parts of Palermo, are not suited for gas-powered water heaters; as such, the water heater is electrical and limited in the amount of water it can heat. So, to ensure that the hot water last for the needs of those traveling, you need to ration or limit hot water usage. But, do not let that be a deal breaker, particularly, if you plan on a summer stay, where the hot water may not be needed, as it was during our winter stay.
Lastly, a few words about the owner, Francesca...she was awesome. She offered to pick up my family and I from the Palermo airport and drop us off for our return trip (50 euros round trip). Francesca also spent time talking to us about her city and sites of interest. Francesca was so welcoming that we have made plans to return to Sicilia to stay at her property.
So...if you are the type of traveler that enjoys local culture, great accommodations, and a wonderful host, this place is for you