Le Dimore Centro B&B

The worst part started at check-in. We were offered a small discount to cancel our Booking.com reservation and pay directly in cash. The place apparently never had a POS, which made the non-refundable booking and on-site payment make more sense. It felt like this was a routine way to cancel the reservation and take the money under the table. We deeply regretted agreeing. Without Booking.com as a guarantor, we couldn't even file a complaint, so I hope this review helps someone else avoid the same choice. There were basic problems with the apartment too. The sink was half blocked, so even brushing our teeth was a struggle, and we were told a toilet seat cost 20 euros. For what they charge, they should at least provide one that isn't broken and lets you sit comfortably. Then on our last night, a huge cockroach ran across the floor. I worked up the courage to kill it and hoped that was the end of it. Since we were in Italy, I thought finding one was already serious enough and surely there wouldn't be another. I was wrong. In the morning, just after opening my eyes, I saw another huge one crawling on the wall near the bed, right by where I'd slept. We sent photos to the person we thought was the owner, but it turned out he was the manager. When I called to ask for a refund for the last night, he said, "What do you want from me? I didn't put them there myself." He also said, "It's normal here, it's a seaside resort, it's humid." That doesn't seem normal to me. For almost 500 euros, all under the table, I don't expect to wake up with a cockroach beside my face. I only asked to get back the cost of the night we slept among them. If that's normal for them, it isn't for me, and I'm not paying for such a mess. I'm attaching a photo.

At first I wondered if we'd picked the wrong spot, but after 10 minutes it was clear we were right in the middle of everything. The sea is about 2 minutes away by car, and Gallipoli center takes 5 minutes. Marcello, the manager, was great and available any time of day. Breakfast was excellent, the staff were helpful, and the rooms were clean and soundproofed. When I asked about a late checkout, Marcello said, "Do whatever you want, no problem ;-) without paying anything, of course!"

I got lucky on my first trip to Salento. The place is easy to reach, just off the main road, and handy for the beaches at Baia Verde. Our room was clean and the staff were really helpful. Marcello Campeggio, the owner, was wonderful too. He pointed us toward good beaches, wineries, olive oil mills, and places to eat. Highly recommended!!!

Mr. Marcello and his staff were so kind, and the rooms were spacious and clean. The B&B is centrally located and the breakfast was excellent. We thought it was good value for money, and we'll be back next year.