Dimora Celeste

The staff were wonderful throughout, warm and genuinely kind, and we loved the resident cats. We hope they’re looked after through the winter while the hotel is closed. Even with their kindness, we came away with mixed feelings. The rooms were noisy at night, with doors opening and closing, and we needed earplugs to sleep. The place felt dated and tired. You can’t really eat in your room without attracting ants, and leaving the windows open overnight brings in flies. The pool seemed neglected and is closed in the morning for cleaning and in the evening. Sitting outside at that time meant being eaten alive by ants and flies. The hotel says the lack of drinkable tap water and insects are part of the countryside, but it isn’t open countryside. It sits between two major roads, with traffic noise all day. Ostuni is linked to the hotel only by a very busy, unlit road, so walking feels unsafe and you depend on a car or taxis. A taxi costs around €20-25 for what is basically a five-minute ride, which really limits your freedom and makes the setting impractical. We also wouldn’t particularly recommend Ostuni as a destination. Its historic center is charming but small, about a square kilometer. Beyond that, there are busy junctions and blocks of flats that don’t fit the postcard image of “The White City.” The countryside is beautiful once you get out into it, but staying here makes little sense if you want to explore Ostuni on foot. You end up feeling stranded.

We only spent two nights here and wished we could have stayed longer. The host and team were so friendly, which made the visit even better. The rooms were spacious and very clean, and the pool and garden area were lovely. Breakfast was great, with homemade cakes, pastries, cheeses, bread, cold cuts, and really good coffee. Thanks for everything. We’ll definitely come back!

What really worked for us was the friendly, helpful staff, from the woman checking us in to the people serving breakfast and espresso. They were always ready with assistance and good tips for places to see and restaurants. The cozy feel gave the place a welcoming, homely atmosphere, and the clean, uncrowded pool and inviting poolside were great for unwinding in the sun. The outdoor areas were kept tidy and peaceful. Our bathroom was spacious, with plenty of room to move around. A few things kept this from being a five-star stay. There was no Wi-Fi in our room, and with no cellphone signal either, we were effectively cut off, which made it harder to stay connected and plan the day. Some might enjoy that complete escape, but it was inconvenient for us. The stone furniture looked cool and unusual, though the hard bed and nightstand surfaces could easily hurt you. Breakfast could have had a bit more variety, although the espresso was exceptional. Parking was tricky too: the spaces are small and uphill, so getting a vehicle in and out can be difficult. The limited space may mean this can’t be improved, but less confident drivers should know about it.

Breakfast was a favorite part of our mornings. We’d catch up with good friends over the generous spread and talk about the night before. The host and his team worked hard to make everything easy and delicious. Dimora Celeste is remote and rustic, with a lovely pool and terrace layout. Each room has its own distinctive design and is fully equipped. I’m excited to come back. :)