B&B I Tarocchi

The ladies looking after guests were very kind and helpful, and breakfast was served in a glass-enclosed room overlooking a well-kept garden. This is a new, elegant property outside Porto Cesareo, away from the town’s bustle, with clean, spacious rooms. Our room had a few small issues, though they didn’t affect our stay: soap was stuck to the wall, and the shower gel dispenser came loose. It was reattached promptly the next day. The main downside was the shower in the room for disabled guests. It had a curtain rather than a walk-in shower, which I’d consider more suitable here. Perhaps the curtain was meant to help wheelchair users get in, but the raised step at the entrance still seems like a concern.

The property is well kept and looks good, and the rooms are pleasant, if a little sterile and not very functional. The management experience, though, was extremely frustrating. Riccardo greeted us by handing over the keys and asking when we would pay, without welcoming us. At his suggestion, we agreed to settle up at checkout. We had over 500 km to drive to another property in Lazio, so we planned a reasonable departure time after confirming we could pay by card. We were ready to go when the breakfast attendant said we had to wait for Riccardo’s mother to arrive, supposedly in about 20 minutes, to take a card payment. After 40 minutes she still hadn’t appeared. When she finally did, she seemed annoyed and scolded us for not paying at check-in, despite her son having offered checkout payment. Then the POS “didn’t work,” and the women there said they weren’t sure a bank transfer was valid payment. We were forced to drive into central Porto Cesareo for cash. At 10 in the morning there was traffic, and we got stuck, adding to the delay. They took the cash but gave us no receipt, only a receipt printed at a nearby restaurant, which wasn’t valid. We left bitter and nervous, with a long drive ahead, a full hour and a half late. I strongly advise against dealing with these unreliable people. What a shame.

Two years ago we had a great stay: good rooms and breakfast, a location close to the sea, friendly staff and a fair price. We booked again in March this year, but serious family problems meant we had to cancel. The contract didn’t promise a deposit refund, yet the owner offered to return it once they understood the reason. We’ll definitely be back next year. Thanks again.

We were there for three nights and found the staff friendly and helpful. The rooms were super clean, and breakfast was plentiful; they even accommodated our lactose intolerance. The location was excellent too, with the main beaches of Porto Cesareo just a 10-15 minute drive away.