aBaoaQu eco art ethno house
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Sleeps | 4 |
| Apartment / Condominium | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Smoking |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 21 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Apartment / Condominium |
| Minimum Stay | 1 night |
| Living space | 100 square feet |
| Bedrooms | 1 Total |
| Bathrooms | 1 Total |
| Sleeps | 4 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyAsk Smoking allowedNo Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyAsk Wheelchair accessibleNo |
| Theme | Historic, Romantic, Wilderness, Away from it all, City, Downtown |
Description from the owner
aBaoaQu house is more than just an accommodation or a sleeping place, is a destination of peace and harmony where the guest feels at home, at ease; where one can relax after a busy day in the city or after a day at the beach or a hike in the nearby natural parks. To that end, a local Sicilian artist was appointed to define the lay-out of the apartment, the interior and its decoration. Every single object has its own story, whether it's a piece of wood, a cupboard or a table. To dye the walls only natural colours were used, found and excavated by hand on one of the Mediterranean islands. Most items used for the decoration are either second han...Read more
Amenities
Location
aBaoaQu eco art ethno house
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
aBaoaQu is at the third floor of a historical building. The house was built in 1516 and although it got renovated several times, it kept its structure. It is located in the heart of the historical centre of the city and several main sightseeing attractions are in walking distance, such as Piazza Pretoria, Chiesa di Santa Caterina, Chiesa di San Cataldo, Chiesa della Martorana, Cathedral and Palazzo dei Normanni, Teatro Massimo, Piazza Marina, and Teatro Politeama.
The train station is about 10' by foot. The famous, lively street markets of Palermo such as Vucciria, Ballarò and Capo are very close. The house and its surroundings, being off the main traffic roads, are calm and quiet. aBaoaQu is located at about 100m from the famous 'Quattro Canti'.
Location Type Away from it all, City, Downtown
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (Rental listed originally in EUR) (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $42 - $51 | $42 | $283 - $328 | $0 | 1 night |
| Mar. 1 2013 - Jun. 30 2013 | $49 | - | $328 | - | 3 nights |
| Jul. 1 2013 - Aug. 31 2013 | $51 | - | - | - | 3 nights |
| Sep. 1 2013 - Oct. 31 2013 | $49 | - | - | - | 3 nights |
| Nov. 1 2013 - Dec. 14 2013 | $42 | - | - | - | 1 night |
| Dec. 15 2013 - Dec. 31 2013 | $51 | - | - | - | 3 nights |
| All Other Dates | $42 | $42 | $283 | - | 3 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Rental fees
- Additional guests - $39 / person - Per-Person Adjustment - Fee applies to parties of more than guest(s)
- Cleaning fee - $51 / stay - Cleaning Fee
- Damage deposit - $193 - Security Deposit
- Damage deposit - $193 / stay - Security Deposit
Additional notes from owner
3rd and 4th guests pay only 15€ each per day. Price decreases according to the length of stay.
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: May 07, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
ExcellentVery Good
Average
Below Average
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jean
walesPeaceful
Left on 05/02/2013 for a stay in April 2013
This is a beautiful and homely apartment in the heart of old Palermo. It has everything you will need and the owner is such a helpful person. She is an artist and her beautiful paintings are all around you. Palermo is a crazy city but this place gives some wonderful peace away from the traffic.
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Jean @ Brian
WalesA beautiful oasis of calm in the city
Left on 05/02/2013 for a stay in April 2013
I cannot praise this place enough. It is a beautiful restful, calming retreat in the centre of bustling Palermo. It is on a quiet piazzetta, within walking distance to the best markets, the Cathedral and lots of beautiful restaurants.
The host, Cristiana, is a wonderful person, who will help you with all your needs (she even waited up half the night when our plane was diverted and we arrived in Palermo five hours late).
The apartment is suited for anyone who is looking for a refreshing alternative to city accommodation - the decor is fantastic and Cristiana's lovely artwork adds to the wonderful atmosphere.
If you are thinking of visiting Palermo you should definitely book your stay here - Fantastic. -
La Bionda
Bath, EnglandComfortable: )
Left on 04/09/2013 for a stay in March 2013
Cristiana and her brother were both very welcoming and were happy to help or provide information for anything we needed. The apartment is very big and has lots of character. It is perfectly situated within Palermo and is within walking distance to the station, tourist sites, and the supermarket.
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Littleaimee
ReadingHomely, rustic, spiritual, warm & very Italian
Left on 01/21/2013 for a stay in January 2013
Stayed at abaoaqu recently and the photos lived up to everything I imagined. A lovely space, comfy bed and a warm, rustic charm that made it extremely pleasurable to come back to at the end of the day. The location was also perfect for exploring the streets of Palermo and also very accessible to public transport if we wanted to venture a little bit further out. Free wireless was a great bonus as it allowed us to research local restaurants and things to do in the area. I strongly recommend staying here if visiting Palermo... even in the winter when you can use the real fire wood burner... cosy :0)) My only negative was that it was quite difficult to find and the online instructions could be improved upon...
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jhno
San FranciscoA work of art
Left on 01/02/2013 for a stay in December 2012
The house is very old, very Sicilian, very beautiful. We appreciated all of the love and care that has been put into the restoration of this old-Palermo dwelling. We felt like guests in someone else's space, but very welcome and grateful guests. The house seems like an example of the best that can be done to preserve the spirit of the old buildings of Palermo, while making a comfortable and nourishing place to live in.
A welcome change to the usual sterile hotel room, or modern soul-less apartments. Thanks for this opportunity to see how to live - surrounded by art and true character.
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Fabian & Bjork
Oslo NorwayA magic stay!!!
Left on 12/10/2012 for a stay in October 2012
Much care and passion in this charming apt in the center of old Palermo. Excellent location, useful amenities, very available owner, wonderful home décor. A place to relax and breath arts and good vibes. Thanks for this magic stay!
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Franzika
SalzburgWhat a wonderful house!
Left on 12/04/2012 for a stay in November 2012
This stay has been one of the most valuable choices we made to organize our stay in Palermo. In no way we could expect such a spacious apt (100m2!), completely furnished and so cozy as only our own home can be. Its atmosphere made us almost wanting to stay more home rather than going out in chaotic yet charming Palermo. The hostess Cristiana has been always reachable and available, and provided us with many info beforehand, because likely she could not welcome us personally (her kind brother did that instead). We really appreciated their infinite kindness to let us enjoy the house and the town. I personally loved to wake up in the morning and see the warm light of the sunbeams coming through the many balconies, shining on the coloured walls and the plants. Cristiana offered many things which often a tourist may not want to buy for a short stay such as olive oil, coffee, etc. We only had to bother with our own food. The location is amazing, in the heart of the old town. Steps are a bit tough, especially if you carry much luggage, but it is then like entering another world where arts and nature prevail. We are already looking forward for our next stay in Spring!
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misstrouble
ZurichA dream !!!
Left on 12/02/2012 for a stay in November 2012
My stay in Palermo at aBoaoQu was a dream...i wish it wouldn't be over now and me sitting in snowy Zurich .
So beautiful, soulful with a unique atmosphere, a quiet and peaceful hideaway in downtown Palermo. I truly loved it !
The appartment is decorated with loads of artistic nice things, everyone so personal and telling you it's own story. It's very spacious and the view from the balconies over the roofs of old Palermo is breathtaking ...Italianita at it's best.
Everything worked fine, the kitchen is fully equipped,bed was comfy and everything provided that I needed (towels etc.)
Cristiana is a tremendous host,welcoming and warmhearted,offering help and advice when you need it. Whether it's about living in a more than 500 year old soulful house or discovering Palermo off the beaten tracks.
She really knows how to make you feel like being at home...
This is truly the nicest place I ever stayed during a city trip. And I'll be back, I promise...
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manfred
zurichbest place ever - 6 stars
Left on 11/30/2012 for a stay in November 2012
we choose abaoaqu because of the many good reviews and because we wanted to stay in more than 500 years old, typical house of Palermo, and wow, we must say, this is a wonderful place to stay. The rooms are very very beautiful, big rooms, in particular the living room but also the well equipped kitchen. The warm colours, the furniture, the floor, the plants, etc turned this place into a harbour of peace which is highly appreciated, especially after a packed sightseeing day.
The house was spotless clean, the beds very comfortable and the rooms bright. The owner is extremely helpful and kind and gave us many good, handy information. Its location is just perfect and although in the heart of the old town it is a very, very quiet place. All in all, it's great value, deserves 6 stars!
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douglas_angus
Galashiels, United KingdomDid not live up to the reviews
Left on 11/04/2012 for a stay in October 2012
Th appartment is very central, right in the centre of the old town. It is also very peaceful for such a central location. The appartment looks quite like the photos, very funky. However, we had a few issues with the let.
The toilet is like the ones in Greece, no paper down the toilet. However the provision for the paper is a carrier bag in an open basket, which you replace when you get a new carrier bag from the market. Not so hygienic.
The bed was not so comfortable, and the sheets too small for the size of bed.
We had two hand towels, and two smaller towels than those. Not nearly enough for two people.
The balconies were where you could get the sun, important for us North Europeans, but they were so full of plants you could not actually sit out on them.
When we rent an appartment, there is usually something like a welcome pack, to make you feel at home. What we found (we arrived in the evening), was there was nothing in the fridge apart from some small cartons of fruit juice (the kind you buy as multipacks in a supermarket for €1.95 for four), which you had to pay €2 for each. There were some chunks of bread in the freezer at €3 each, and individual portions of jam (the kind you get free in hotels) for €2 each. There was also no advice as to where we could find a shop or supermarket. It felt like an unwelcome pack.
We never actually met the owner, although she emailed until the router stopped working on the second day, and texted after that. (which unfortunately of course cost me money to text back).
We have been in better places!Response from abaoaqu - 11/30/2012
Owner
Thank you for choosing to stay at aBaoaQu and thank you for sharing this review. I am very sorry that your experience was not as you or I expected it to be. I am also very sorry to be informed after 1 month from your stay.
aBaoaQu is a very enjoyed self-catering home, not a hotel, and it is unfortunate that some issues negatively affected your opinion.
My booking form clearly specifies the house description and rules. ?
Toilet: the house dates 1516, therefore it has to be treated with more care. The septic system is very effective; however, it may clog up if improper material is flushed. This may occur not only in Southern countries, but also in the Northern ones, because it just depends on the septic system. Plastic bags are always provided therefore there is no really need to wait for getting one in the market.
Towels: Extra towels are provided in the bathroom, at the guest’s disposal.
Balconies: the house has 3 balconies, which are not suitable for chairs and towels because not particularly spacious. In no way I could imagine that plants would bother.
Welcome pack: this is an expectation which goes beyond the duties of an owner.
However, I do provide free coffee, tea, sugar, salt, olive oil, vinegar and pasta.
(Chunks of bread were in no way meant to be for the guests, this is a real misunderstanding).
Advices: guests can find the instructions, tips and hints, and much useful information in the Guest Information Folder I provide at home. I or the person in charge (when I am not there), are also available by phone and by email to clarify any questions during the stay. Food markets are just around the corner.
Router and texts: the router unfortunately stopped to work because of problems with the server, I could not do anything against it, beside keeping calling the technical assistance, which in fact I did. I apologised with the guest, and did my best to solve the problem as soonest as possible. As alternative, the guest has been immediately provided with a ready to use usb key.
About the extra costs of the few texts the guest replied me with, I wrote that I was sorry for the inconvenience and that I was willing to pay for them.
I understand that not all appreciate what most consider special and charming in this apartment, i.e. the peaceful and not sophisticated environment of aBaoaQu. Some in fact may like better a more modern style.
I welcome those critics which proactively help me to improve aBaoaQu and make all the guests feel at easy and happy.
However, I cannot guess guest’s opinions, if they are not expressed. It means that if not communicated I cannot make any adjustment when and if needed.
To me the only issue during Mr Angus stay, was the one related to the router, as it was promptly communicated to me.
This is a wonderful home. Funky or not it has been made and filled with love and care. Its style may not match the guest personal taste or expectations, but for other guests it represents a very positive added value.
Hope to welcome you again. -
Rico on the Hill
San Francisco, CAUnique and Wonderful apt. in old Palermo
Left on 10/22/2012 for a stay in October 2012
My gf and I spent a week at aBaoaQu in old part of Palermo walking distance from the Piazza Marina, and the port/boat harbor. It's also walking distance from the Teatro Massimo (sp?), and Stazione Central (train station). The bldg dates to 1516. The unit is top floor and 4 story walk-up.
Cristiana the proprietor is an artist and has gone to great lengths to make the place comfortable and unique, lots of detail. We stayed in 4 places on our trip and this was the nicest overall in terms of feeling. A few things go along with "old". You can run out of water, but easily reset it, and we ran out of propane for hot- water and stove one day, but it was taken care of quickly. The shower curtain setup is a bit funky and some rules around the septic system. But it was all minor for the trade-off of such a nice place.
It's a very hard location to find if you don't know Palermo already, better to arrive in day-time with a way to communicate with the owner, we actually arranged to be picked up by her brother since we arrived in the dark on a Sunday (which is lively in that area, and a Festa going on). He was nice and tipped us to a lot of stuff nearby and showed us the zone a bit. (he doesn't speak much English, my gf is fluent in Italian)
The floors are beautiful, exposed beams, cute kitchen was functional, and the apt is spacious. The only slight issue was that the bed was more like two small beds pushed together to make a big bed, so there was a slight seam in the middle, but we managed just fine.
Cristiana the owner was very nice with us and e-mailed with me quite a bit beforehand, but had to be away during our week. She's a very interesting person.
It was also very reasonably priced compared to other places we looked in to.
On this same trip we stayed a week in amsterdam and it was a case of photos looking better than reality, in this case, reality looked better than photos!
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Ignazio
Iron citySplendorous
Left on 09/08/2012 for a stay in May 2012
Delightful place to visit Palermo, a wonder city. Very well located and confortable. " A room with a view" and a long stair close to himmel.
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Palermo
Parisa very pleasant flat in center of Palermo
Left on 08/31/2012 for a stay in August 2012
Service : Sheets bath towels included
Home : beutiful decoration
Cleanliness : perfect
I liked the location and the contact with our owner Cristiana who was always reachable and very kind with us -
David
milanoat home
Left on 08/22/2012 for a stay in August 2012
very nice flat. You feel at home!very comfortable to visit Palermo and the riserva capo gallo . There are many beautiful pictures and the furniture is excellent. The stairs are a little hard when you're tired and it;s hot, but when you go into the flat you don't remember them
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Patricia
SwitzerlandRelaxing
Left on 08/04/2012 for a stay in December 2011
Vicino al centro cittĂ , eppure silenzioso e tranquillo, appartamento arredato con gusto e originalitĂ , accogliente e facile da gestire. OspitalitĂ calorosa della padrona di casa e molte spiegazioni su cosa fare e dove andare. Da consigliare senz'altro!
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Mutti
Tampere, FinlandMy home far away
Left on 07/31/2012 for a stay in July 2009
I stayed at aBaoaQu for 2 times and I always want to go back to a place that makes my senses florish.
I loved the place, the central location, the small sophisticated decoration details, rustic touch on surfaces and plants that made me feel good every morning. I like the useful kitchen with all (if one feels like cooking at home) or the nearby restaurants and the wonderful spacious bathroom. If you are looking for a "sleek minimal design" this place might not be for you. The place is well taken care of and clean, definitely no bed bugs!
The climb up to 6th floor can be exhausting for some visitors, and some might not like the normal buzz one can hear from the street. But, the apartment is in Palermo, the old historical quarters, yet in a quiet corner, so you cannot avoid all the sounds.
This place gave me the feeling that I was really living in Palermo, not only visiting. The advice I got about places to visit were accurate and up to date, also including some hidden gems one cannot find in tourist books. I will visit again. -
eric
munichAuthentic Ethno-Retreat Maisonette in the heart of Palermo
Left on 07/31/2012 for a stay in October 2011
If you want to be in Palermo, with time (1-2 weeks and more), calm, roof terrace space, not only to sleep, not only as run-around-tourist.. ascend the curious strairs of this old house and discover an artistic and warmhearted living space!
I loved it, and will not forget it, if I again should need a hideaway in this city for some time.
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Martine
PARISExcellente adresse, appartement chaleureux, spacieux et très cal
Left on 07/15/2012 for a stay in April 2012
Pour visiter Palerme, cet appartement est parfait...
Il est très bien situé, au coeur du quartier historique. Cristiana, la propriétaire de ce lieu est très accueillante, chaleureuse et généreuse. Elle n'hésite pas à partager ses bonnes adresses et parle très bien le français.C'est un lieu plein de charme pour un séjour inoubliable.
To visit Palermo, this apartment is completed...
It is very well situated, at the heart of the historic district. Cristiana, the owner of this place is very welcoming, warm and generous. She doesn't hesitate to share its good addresses and very well speaks French. It is a place full of charm for an unforgettable stay. -
Veganplease
Fondi, ItalyWonderful Sanctuary in the Center
Left on 07/03/2012 for a stay in June 2012
Abaoaqu is a wonderful oasis in the center of Palermo. It is conveniently located to everything but secluded from all the noise and chaos of the city. The beautiful home is well-equipped for those who like to cook and has an incredibly comforting energy. Cristiana is an extremely gracious and conscious host. I would highly recommend abaoaqu to anyone visiting Palermo.
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Lythia
Utrecht, The NetherlandsExcellent
Left on 06/21/2012 for a stay in August 2011
Very clean comfortable and cosy accomodation, superb host. Thank you!
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Smilly66
Melbourne, AustraliaAwesome apartment and even awesomer hostess!
Left on 06/13/2012 for a stay in March 2012
My daughter and I stayed here for three weeks at the end of March 2012 and we loved it. The position was very central, very close to the famous Quattro Canti, close to buses, theatres, train station and shops. The apartment was extremely comfortable, wonderfully clean and hugely spacious with a terrific view over the rooftops and church tops. At 6pm every evening you could hear the song of the church bells from all over town. Cristiana was a terrific hostess who not only recommended some terrific restaurants and activities but our relationship was such that we also went out to eat together and to visit the wonderful Zagara annual plant market at the Botanical gardens. I would highly recommend this appartment/house to anyone. It is in the third floor however so be prepared to carry your bags up but it is well worth it!
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