Miro B&B

We’re here for three nights and, by luck, got to stay in two rooms that are both well beyond what we could normally afford. Miro has been a great source of local tips, and he even treated us to a lovely meal. He’s a charming guy with a wonderfully relaxed manner. We were told the properties belong to Al Babi, the international Italian artist, who’s also a great crooner like Dean Martin. It’s been a wonderful experience.

We had no Wi-Fi for the entire stay, and there was no mobile signal either, so I couldn't look up trip information from the room. Someone described as a technician came by every day, but seemed to be part of the B&B or the owner's family pretending to be one. We were made to stay with them for a lot of time, and in the end nothing worked. I found similar complaints on Booking.com and Agoda. They said this had never happened before, but the modem seemed fine, so I wondered if the internet bill simply hadn't been paid. Hot water was also intermittent and very limited. Our room was in the same building as the owners' family home, and it seemed the supply might be connected to their tank. When they used more hot water, there seemed to be less for the guest room. The owner was kind, but that was all. They don't deserve to charge this much. If I could go back, I wouldn't stay there, despite their kindness. I don't want to spend precious time stuck in a room without Wi-Fi or mobile service and with so little hot water.

I spent two weeks at B&B Matteo da Lecce on a work trip, and I have nothing but praise for the place and its hosts. The B&B had some of the strongest local reviews I saw on Google and Bookings, which is why I decided to try it. The setting made it easy to unwind after work. My room was bright and roomy, with a high ceiling and a big window. The decor felt warm and homey, and both the room and bathroom were consistently clean. Fresh towels came every day. The bed was comfortable, and I slept well from the first night. There was air conditioning, though I didn't need it. Michela and Ivan were considerate, punctual, and kind. They brought out fresh breakfast, fruit, and other condiments throughout my stay. A hot cup of tea was a lovely welcome on the cold, rainy evening I arrived, and Ivan kindly offered to drive me to the bus terminal when I left. Chatting with them in the mornings always gave the day a nice start. The location is on the eastern side of the historic center, just a couple of minutes on foot from Piazza Sant'Oronzo and about 10 minutes from Porta Napoli or Porta Rudiae. Giardini Pubblici is right next door, and I went there to jog and exercise one weekend. There’s an ATM outside on Piazza Sigismondo, and Tabaccheria at the start of via Rubicini sells bus tickets. For food, I liked Bar Moro for good, reasonably priced meals, and Caffe Alvino for what I think is the best pasticciotto. La Rusticana is handy for a quick beer and snack, especially their tasty pizzo, local bread with olives, onions, tomatoes, and a little spicy kick. I also think Vicé #piùpizzapertutti does the best pizza in town, in the Napoletan style.

Ivan was a very helpful and accommodating host, and there are lots of good restaurants close by. The prices are great, too. The location is right near Piazza di Santa Oronzo and the center of Lecce.