Elda Hotel

We were welcomed so warmly, and the staff helped us throughout the holiday. Do stop by the local coffee bar for a cat-shaped macchiato. The hotel is easy to reach on one of the main roads between the coast and inland Gargano, and it's a peaceful base for walks to the deer reserve, the small lake and the trails through the UNESCO forest. Inside, the rooms mix modern comforts with wooden windowpanes and slatted ceilings. They feel cozy, with high ceilings that did make them a little chilly during a power cut, though that was sorted quickly. The bathrooms are well equipped, and nights are quiet.

We chose half board, and the restaurant was outstanding. The hotel itself is elegant and clean, with spacious, comfortable rooms and very polite staff. It sits right in the forest, about a 10-minute walk from the lake. I’d happily recommend it, and we plan to return.

The food here is a real reason to come, especially if you enjoy trying inventive, high-quality cooking. It’s a great choice for hikers too, with short and long routes, easy walks and tougher trails all through the beautiful La Foresta Umbra in Parco Nazionale del Gargano. We had lovely conversations about life, Italy and food with Zlata, Libero, Cosimo, Luca, Marco and the rest of the staff. The hotel isn’t a luxury stay, but it’s perfectly decent and very clean.

Lovely spot, but that was the worst coffee I’ve had in Italy, and it cost too much.