Hilton Hotels Corporation has opened the Excelsior Hilton Palermo, Sicily, its third property on the island, and its 15th hotel in Italy. It is operated by Acqua Marcia Turismo Spa under a franchise agreement with Hilton.
Restored from a 19th Century Palazzo and formerly known as the Excelsior Palace Hotel, it has become one of the city’s oldest and most renowned properties. Located on Mordini Square in Palermo’s historic city centre, the hotel is flanked by some of the city’s most significant buildings and attractions, including Villa Garibaldi, Villa Trabia and Giovan Battista Filippo’s famous ‘English Gardens’.

It has recently undergone a significant renovation programme, and offers 119 guestrooms, including four spacious suites. Rooms have been designed to combine classic features and art nouveau charm with the very latest in-room technology and high speed internet access. As part of the refurbishment project, the hotel has retained its original Liberty-style façade and all public areas, halls and lounges have also been fully restored to create a refined and elegant retreat in the heart of the Sicilian capital.

Simon Vincent, President of Hilton Hotels Europe, said: “We are delighted to be opening such a historic hotel right in the heart of Palermo and believe that with strength of the Hilton brand, combined with the global reach of our powerful sales, marketing and distribution networks, Excelsior Hilton Palermo will continue to build its reputation as one of the city’s leading hotels.”
 
Jeff Diskin, senior vice president - brand management, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: “As more travellers seek out this stunning part of Italy, we are excited to expand our portfolio in the region. By offering first-class amenities and personalized service on a global scale, the Hilton brand promises guests a comfortable and transformative travel experience, no matter where their journey might take them.”

The hotel’s business centre offers 24-hour business support facilities as well as two fully equipped meeting rooms, each catering for up to 90 guests - making the Excelsior Hilton Palermo an ideal choice for those travelling on business.

In Italy HHC now operates a total of 15 Hilton Family of Hotels across four different brands, including Waldorf Astoria Collection, Hilton, Doubletree by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn. A further six properties are expected to open by 2010 in destinations including Siracusa, Bari, Lecce, Palermo and Treviso.
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