Palazzo Circolone

The staff were so friendly and helpful, and breakfast in the courtyard was lovely, with excellent fresh local produce. We also enjoyed the bar, where you can have a spritz overlooking the town square. The Palazzo is stylish inside, with original frescoes, and the nearby beaches and historic towns are lovely. It feels like a calm, relaxing haven.

The rooms feel authentic rather than fancy, but they have everything you need. Our double room was really spacious, and I didn't miss having a TV. The shower and beds were great, and the air conditioning worked well. There’s also a small fridge with inexpensive drinks and a safe. The hotel is right in the center of a small town with that classic Italian feel. Staff were friendly and professional, showed us to the room, and gave us a look around. There’s an elevator too. You can stop in front for 30 minutes while unloading, then park for free one street away. There were plenty of spaces, so we didn’t have to drive around looking for one. A car passing outside can make some noise, but it was a very minor annoyance. We highly recommend this place!

Poggiardo is quiet, in my opinion, but the hotel is a handy base for day trips to either coast and to Lecce. We stayed for nine days in September and really enjoyed it. The rooms are spacious, cozy, and clean, and the staff are friendly and attentive. Breakfast is the usual Italian sweet spread. There’s only street parking, though it never caused us any trouble.

Puglia felt wonderfully authentic from our base in Poggiardo, and we loved our stay. It’s worth having a car to get to the hotel and explore the surrounding area. The hotel has a relaxing pool, a nice breakfast, and a great location. The decor is lovely and has plenty of character. Such a hidden gem!