A San Domenico N 79

Antonio kept in touch from before we arrived until after we left, and checked in regularly on WhatsApp. He also took us out to his table grape vineyard in the countryside. He knows the area well and was a great guide, and the farm tour was well worth doing. Our family of six rented three quiet cottages. Each had a bathroom, fridge and kitchenette, and the air conditioning and hot water worked well. The largest apartment had a kitchen table, a twin bed and bunk beds. We all slept comfortably and used the apartments as a base for exploring. There was a farmers market right outside each morning, which was handy for fresh fruit and vegetables, though it could be noisy. We also loved the bakery down the street. A pharmacy, bar and grocery store were nearby, and many sights in Mola di Bari were just a short walk away.

Antonio welcomed us so warmly and was ready to help with even the smallest issue. We had no problems, but his suggestions for getting around and finding good local food were invaluable. The apartment was spotless, fully furnished and equipped with everything we needed. Right in the center and close to everything, it felt like home. Thanks for everything, Antonio. I hope we can come back to the area and meet again. Mola di Bari itself has plenty to enjoy, from traditional pastries at the breakfast bars to well-priced restaurants, fried fish and takeaway made with the catch of the day. It’s also a convenient base for reaching the area’s distinctive towns by car in just a few minutes. Staying here made our trip around this part of Puglia much easier.

The apartment itself wasn't bad, but the way this was handled was shameful and unprofessional. There were eight of us, two families, booked for August 13th to 20th. We paid around €200 a night, a considerable sum, based on six nights, and never got our money back for the extra night we had agreed on. We’d been arranging the stay with Mr. Antonio since January 31st, not just a week before. We asked to add one night so we could stay a full week, which also matched the website’s stated seven-night minimum. Things seemed settled. Then I noticed he had enabled disappearing messages, so I checked with him that everything was still okay. He replied that he was expecting us. The day before we were due to leave, and again that evening, he messaged asking where we planned to visit the next day. He thought we were leaving a night earlier, despite our agreement. We stuck to the plan we’d made. At 8:15 in the morning he started calling and ringing the doorbell, telling us to leave soon because other guests were arriving. We had booked well ahead and been honest about our plans. He deleted the chats, forgot what we’d agreed, then disturbed us on the day and spoiled the end of our holiday. The place had other problems too: mattresses tied with string, pallets used as bed bases, and so many loose electrical wires that we had to switch off the power several times. The keys were soldered so they couldn’t come off. The air conditioning didn’t work properly, the washing machine was broken, there were mosquitoes, and the location wasn’t exactly central. Don’t be fooled by how well he talks. This was a complete lack of professionalism.

Tonino and his family were attentive, friendly and very professional throughout. We felt looked after, and I’d definitely recommend staying here if you want somewhere to relax and switch off. We were there during the seafood festival, so we got to try octopus and listen to live music. It was wonderful. The apartment was also a great base for exploring the village and the surrounding area, with a kitchen, air conditioning, a terrace and a comfortable bed. Its location puts the village’s points of interest close by.