From US$140-180 +21% VAT, inclusive of breakfast
– Neighbourhood with lots of great restaurants and shops
– Pool wasn’t open during our visit
A waterfall along one wall of the lobby at Ilum Experience Hotel lets you know you’re entering an oasis of calm.
Keep your eye on it as you glide up to your room in the glass elevator. There you’re greeted by more calming, cool whiteness, accompanied by a pop of bright colour on your king size bed. Rooms are nicely lit for both mood and tasks, an increasing rarity in hotels.
Outside our window we had a view of the hotel’s sunny deck and green pool, bordered by a four-story tall green living wall full of plants including bright yellow lilies. Across the way is the hotel’s new wing, which was just about to open.
My head felt right at home as it rested upon the “100% Canadian Duvet” pillow, which was filled, I assume, with the down of Canadian geese. Other pillow menu choices include viscoelastic memory foam and a latex pillow with “low support and high bouncing power”. The velcro on the blackout shades on the window — a thoughtful touch — ensure the ability to sleep in the next day.
Breakfast is served in another bright white room with views of the pool. Made-to-order eggs, grilled sandwiches, lots of fresh cut fruit, cereals, pastries, and yogurt prime you for a day of exploring Palermo’s hip shops and eateries.
During our stay, we had a minor problem with the wifi — the hotel had just changed providers and, anticipating the potential for hiccups, asked us to notify them if we had any problems. When we did, they offered two great solutions. On top of that, upon returning from dinner, we found a sweet note of apology for the inconvenience accompanied by a pitcher of fresh grapefruit juice and a plate of delicious macarons. Impressive!
