Vico dei Bolognesi per Palazzo Personè

(Restaurant) My friend and I would stop in for coffee and breakfast, and sometimes an evening snack. We also visited their concept store just around the corner during the day. (B&B) Check-in and check-out were easy, communication was great, and the service was lovely. The bed, linens, pillows, and shower were comfortable, and all the little details felt carefully considered. It's run by family and friends, all eccentric and fabulously dressed. I loved every bit of their world.

We stayed in the Templari room, which was just the right size for two. The bathroom is a bit small, but it was fine. Parking is available for a fee about 400m away, which came in really handy. Francesco was such an accommodating host, always ready to help with restaurant bookings, ideas for places to see, or anything else. The downside is how central it is, right beside Basilica Santa Croce, so there's plenty of foot traffic and the church bells are VERY loud. Still, don't let that put you off. Everything else was wonderful.

The host was kind and quick to provide whatever information we needed, and it was a great value for the price. The rooms are modern, cozy, spotless, and nicely decorated inside a historic building. They open straight onto a quiet alley, which makes the place both unusual and convenient.

On a very hot afternoon in Lecce, we ducked into this stylish little cafe for a cold drink. It was air conditioned, which was lovely, and we had a really nice chat with the waiter, who spoke French. I'd come back for lunch or dinner too.