Abalì Gran Sultanato

Wanderer, soldier, stranger, knight, court lady, odalisque, prince or squire, jester or street performer, tango dancer or chamberlain..Whoever you are or imagine yourself to be, the Sultan's Genie welcomes you to Abalì, a guest house straight out of a tale from the Arabian Nights.

This unique place is vibrant, whimsical, comfortable, and unforgettable—a fantastic way to explore Palermo, its light, cuisine, and history. It’s a world apart where guests rediscover the joy of play, smiles, and sleeping in a king-sized canopy bed or a round one, surrounded by colorful drapes and “vintage furniture. ”
The Sultanate of Abalì is a magical spot, a journey within a journey, where luxurious and elegant items blend with treasures sourced from markets around the globe or crafted locally. Guests can enjoy the comfort of a Jacuzzi in their room, the informality of a stay among friends, the coziness of quality mattresses, and a variety of services tailored to their needs.

Everything here has found a new life, color, and purpose, continuously evolving with the creativity of the moment. The walls of the rooms change hues, the American-style furniture that transforms into desks—crafted from serious walnut veneer salvaged from the historic Hotel delle Palme, one of Palermo’s oldest and most prestigious hotels—now showcase the many colors of the Sultanate, becoming an integral part of the experience. The music boxes in the rooms come from a Parisian market, while hot air balloons, having traveled from distant lands, seem to have paused for a brief rest as they adorn the ceilings.

About Us
The Sultanate is a realm of its own, having been featured in the Michelin Guide for many years alongside a few more renowned establishments. It is listed in the Touring Club and Petit Futé guides, as well as "Unusual Hotels of the World. " It has been the setting for photo shoots and has been featured in various television shows, from "Ospitalità Insolita" on Sky to broadcasts on the second German and French channels, which highlighted the Sultanate as an experience not just a place to sleep.

Our Guests
The Sultanate warmly welcomes travelers—those who embrace our philosophy, who appreciate playfulness, who value the reuse of items, creativity, color, and ironic luxury. It appeals to those who understand that imperfection is part of the charm, who love the beauty of 1950s fixtures, even if they are not flawless, and the history carried by wooden shutters. Vibrant curtains and vintage elevators add to the atmosphere. However, we respectfully invite tourists seeking a standard style—those wanting white, gray, or brown rooms with Ikea furniture and self-closing elevator doors—to seek their habitat elsewhere, among the many B&Bs that have emerged in the city in recent years.

Partner Services
In addition to special suites with canopy beds and Jacuzzis, guests can express wishes that the Sultan's Genie will strive to fulfill: choosing the thickness and quality of pillows, booking shiatsu massages, enjoying the Sultanate's library and participating in a book exchange program, renting bicycles and arranging excursions, requesting babysitters, fresh flowers and fruit in the room, Sicilian cooking classes, tango lessons, driving tours of Palermo, or access to a gym and hammam, among other offerings—all within a stimulating play of colors and lights, surrounded by precious silks and Thai bamboo.

Wi-Fi is available for free in the rooms. Parking is free in the nearby square or paid in two lots within walking distance of our entrance. The building's doorman, Giacomino, is always happy to chat, especially if you're an INTER fan. It’s advisable to avoid conversations with Juventus supporters. TVs are NOT available in the rooms, except for a few from the 1970s that serve as decor. Small pets are welcome, subject to prior agreement and a small fee for special cleaning upon check-out.

Information on Palermo. Upon your arrival, you will receive a guide to the best places to sample Palermo’s sweet and savory specialties, tailored to your tastes. We will point out the best trattorias or Michelin-starred restaurants, and provide the addresses for the best brioche with granita and cream, as well as artisanal gelato. We’ll also give you a guide on what to see based on the time you have or your preferences. Considering Palermo has over 200 churches and dozens of museums, we know it’s best to give you targeted suggestions.

Common Areas
At the Sultanate, wonderful encounters often happen, but guests can also enjoy the silence of their rooms. The colorful images help filter our guests, and in the end, the best ones arrive. Most of our visitors are friendly, open-minded, and extraordinary individuals. Over the years, we have witnessed countless beautiful connections among guests, some continuing their vacations together or staying in touch.

For those who wish to socialize, we have a vibrant common room with a large table that seems to have descended from the ceiling, where breakfast used to be served. It is decorated with locally designed furniture that has become the Sultanate's signature. There is also a small garden terrace for those wanting a private chat or a place to smoke a cigarette, for the unapologetic indulgent.

Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, French, Italian
Practical Information
Check-in: from 2: 30 PM to 7: 30 PM, with prior notification of your arrival time at least one day in advance. Outside of these hours, arrangements must be made in advance.

Check-out: by 11: 00 AM, unless other arrangements have been made.

Arrival from the airport: bus to the historic center, stop at Via Roma, 200 meters on foot to Via Sant’Agostino, 5. Price: €6. 50. Shared taxi: price €10, stop at Via Roma, then 200 meters on foot to Via Sant’Agostino, 5.

Taxi: €40 to €50 depending on the time, to the intersection of Via Sant’Agostino and Via Principe di San Giuseppe, just 20 meters from our entrance located in a pedestrian zone.

For those arriving by car: to enter the historic center (ZTL Limited Traffic Zone), you must pay a ticket of €5 by midnight on the day of arrival. However, it is best to check with us based on your check-in day, as timings may change on weekends and certain holidays.