"This smart boutique hotel - with 34 minimalist-chic rooms - boasts a great location. It's just a few blocks from the city’s hottest fashion boutiques in Palermo Soho, minutes from Plaza Italia, a noisy but useful transport hub, and near the green expanses of the Palermo parks, including the lovely Botanical Garden and the Rose Garden. With highly personalised service, sleek design features and a cool monotone palette, Vain looks and feels every inch the small, composed Palermo hotel. In the noughties, this district became the focus of the city’s flowering design scene, with artists and designers opening studios and bijou boutiques on its cobbled lanes. Then a bevy of hip bars, restaurants and hotels followed, one of which was Vain - a beautifully refashioned 1920 townhouse with modern interiors and a gorgeous old façade. Following a second refurb in late 2023, the interiors have become even sleeker and the outdoor space upgraded with a rooftop terrace and pool, boasting unbelievable views across the city: we can't wait to pay another visit and see for ourselves. Highs Very chic design, from the polished concrete floors to cool circular sinks Staff are friendly, professional and super-quick, without being fussy A gorgeous rooftop terrace with loungers, a plunge pool and epic panoramic views In a city of underwhelming breakfasts, Vain excels We repeat: location, location, location - close to good shopping, Plaza Italia and the Palermo parks Lows We haven't visited since Vain underwent an extensive refurb, but it still looks like the city's coolest hangout Some people may find the grey interiors a bit soulless Bathrooms in general are slightly cramped, and not all have baths Not all rooms have a window with a view: some face the hallway (which can limit privacy) or an internal patio (noise can be an issue)" - Ismay Atkins