Excelsior Palermo has reopened after an extensive renovation. The project marks its repositioning from a four-star property to the five-star luxury segment. Originally established in 1891 as Hotel de la Paix, the hotel dates back to Sicily’s Universal Exposition. It remains one of Palermo’s historic hospitality assets.

The property previously belonged to Acqua Marcia Turismo Srl’s real estate portfolio. In 2018, Luxury Private Properties Srl acquired the hotel at auction for €8.8 million. The company belongs to the Florentine Giotti-Branca family. At the time, the property operated as a four-star hotel with 115 rooms. It also covered approximately 8,500 sqm.

Following the acquisition, the new owners launched an extensive refurbishment programme. The project received more than €14.5 million in financing from Invitalia. The renovation introduced several new facilities. These include a rooftop swimming pool overlooking Palermo’s renowned English Garden, a wellness area and a fitness centre. Furthermore, the room inventory decreased from 115 to 102 units. The new accommodation includes Classic rooms, Junior Suites, Suites and one Signature Suite. However, only around 20 rooms are currently operational. The hotel expects to reach full capacity by summer 2027.

Food and beverage facilities will also support the property’s repositioning. In particular, the hotel plans to open Oro, a restaurant on the second floor. Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck will supervise the project. This initiative builds on his existing collaboration with the Giotti-Branca family. Their partnership already includes the two-Michelin-starred St. George Restaurant at the Ashbee Hotel in Taormina. Young chef Nicola Arduino Tasso will lead the kitchen. He previously worked at Beck’s Gusto restaurant at Conrad Algarve in Portugal. Additionally, the property will feature two bars. The ground-floor bar will also welcome external guests.

The reopening of Excelsior Palermo strengthens Luxury Private Properties’ presence in Sicily. The company’s portfolio also includes the Ashbee Hotel in Taormina. It also owns the 76-room Des Etrangers Hotel & Spa in Syracuse. The company acquired the latter in 2017 for more than €10 million.