Hotel Il Gabbiano

A nice place, though it’s expensive.

The bathroom was huge, worked very well, and had everything I needed. The host was kind and helpful right from the start, and breakfast was excellent, with a small buffet included in the price. The rooms are simple, basically a bedroom and bathroom, so they suit a two- or three-day stay rather than a longer one. In hot weather, the ceiling fan barely helps, and air conditioning would make a big difference. The building seems very old, and I hope they’re renovating it gradually. Even so, we had a great time. The service is excellent. For €3 a day, you get a pass for the paid blue parking spaces on Otranto’s streets. It’s very handy and saves both money compared with paying by the hour and time spent sorting out parking.

Our stay was excellent, and I’d recommend it. The hotel is central, just a short distance from the center of Otranto. It’s a little dated, but very clean, and the host is kind and helpful. Breakfast is included, with a pastry to choose from. They also provide a parking pass for only €3, which is very convenient.

The location is the one real plus. I stayed here in early August, and there’s a lot that needs improvement for a two-star hotel. The furnishings are worn and old, there’s no air conditioning, and the only two hairdryers are kept in the hallway. You also have to pay a €3 daily charge for the refrigerator, which I found unacceptable. Breakfast arrangements were truly absurd: you must choose what you want at check-in, then tell them the day before if you want to change anything.