The Grand Hotel et des Palmes, founded in 1874 by the family Ingham - Whitaker, was previously built in 1856 and connected by a secret passage to the Anglican Church which still faces the hotel.
The patrician house consisted of two floors, a winter garden (now Hall) and an exotic garden stretching to the sea. The marriage between the widow Ingham and Giacomo Medici, will change the fate of the house, which was sold to a local operator and became the Grand Hotel et des Palmes, from all known as "The Palms".
Ernesto Basile, one of the greatest masters of the Art Nouveau style in 1907, has transformed the structure of the hotel by making changes in the hall. In addition, English decorators made an inlaid wood ceiling in Sala Camino, in this very similar to the ceiling hall of Palazzo Montecitorio (House of the Italian Parliament).
At the Grand Hotel et des Palmes was written the history of Sicily: in 1881 Richard Wagner completed his "Parsifal"; in 1882 Francesco Crispi gave lessons on politics; Vittorio Emanuele Orlando used it often as its residence; the French writer Raymond Roussel stayed there until his death; General Carlo Poletti made it his headquarters during the Second World War, and finally, Baron Di Stefano "the prisoner of the Hotel", chose to stay at Des Palmes and remained there for 50 years until his death.
Its history, the transition of famous artists and politicians, the beauty salons, make the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes one of the most famous hotels in the world. Above all, is known to be as one of the favourite leisure destination, business travel and an ideal setting for memorable events and banquets.
GDS Codes
Amadeus: UI PMOGRA
Galileo: UI 17173
Sabre: UI 8453
Worldspan: UI 0247
Pegs Ads: UI 0024