I Bastioni San Domenico - Boutique Hotel

This hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its breathtaking rooftop terrace that provides unparalleled sea views and stunning sunsets. Its prime central location in the heart of the old town makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic getaway, as well as history enthusiasts eager to explore a property with a unique past. Guests consistently highlight the attentive staff and the delicious breakfast as standout features, contributing significantly to a positive experience. To make the most of your visit, consider requesting a room with a sea view to fully appreciate the coastal beauty, and be sure to leverage the knowledgeable staff for excellent local dining recommendations.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts beautifully designed common areas that blend classic décor with modern touches, including inviting sitting areas where guests can relax. A standout feature is the magnificent rooftop terrace, which serves as a popular spot for enjoying sunset drinks and offers panoramic views of the sea and lighthouse. While primarily used for breakfast, guests often wish for a dedicated bar service on this stunning terrace. The property also incorporates unique historical artifacts and architectural elements, such as original cast iron prison cell doors and archaeological findings visible under glass panes, adding to its distinctive charm. Most rooms are equipped with air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi is generally available, though some guests reported intermittent connectivity in their rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests largely commend the hotel for its clean rooms and overall tidiness, often describing them as spotless and well-maintained. Many rooms are noted for being spacious and well-appointed, featuring comfortable beds with high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. The spacious bathrooms are frequently praised for their size and good water pressure in the showers. Many rooms offer desirable sea views or partial sea views, some even including a balcony. However, some guests experienced issues with musty smell or dampness in certain rooms, occasionally reporting mold in bathrooms. While some rooms were quiet, others noted significant street noise, traffic noise, or door noise from other guests, particularly in rooms facing the main thoroughfare or those with limited natural light or worn furnishings.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience is a consistent highlight for most guests, frequently served on the spectacular rooftop terrace with its captivating sea view. The spread is described as excellent, delicious, and plentiful, featuring a wide variety of options including fresh fruits, homemade cakes, Pugliese specialties, and savory items. The coffee is often praised for being freshly made. While the majority of guests rave about the breakfast quality and selection, some found the variety to be somewhat limited, noting a lack of fresh cheese or a preference for more traditional options. The hotel also has an affiliated restaurant located directly across the street, which receives high recommendations for its excellent seafood and elegant dining atmosphere right on the waterfront.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location within the old town is a major advantage, placing guests directly on the seafront and within easy walking distance of the beach, numerous restaurants, and shopping areas. Its position allows for convenient exploration of the historic alleys and local attractions. However, accessibility is significantly impacted by the old town being a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), meaning private vehicles cannot enter freely. While the hotel assists with a temporary permit for luggage drop-off, parking is a notable challenge. The hotel offers a paid service to a private garage located about 900 meters away, including a driver service for drop-off and pick-up at check-in/out. Some guests found this parking solution expensive and inconvenient due to the distance and narrow spaces, occasionally opting for street parking when available.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The reception team is particularly praised for providing excellent local recommendations, assisting with booking assistance for tours and restaurants, and offering crucial parking assistance upon arrival and departure. Staff members are noted for their cheerful demeanor and efficiency, from those managing the breakfast service to those helping with luggage assistance. Many guests appreciate thoughtful touches like the provision of beach towels and umbrella service, and the hotel's arrangement of a shuttle service to a nearby lido.

Additional Information
This unique property is housed within a historic building that once served as both a monastery and a prison, with some original architectural features and even archaeological artifacts visible through glass floor panels in common areas. The hotel maintains a close relationship with an affiliated restaurant directly opposite, offering guests convenient and highly-rated dining options. For those looking to explore beyond the immediate vicinity, the hotel provides a convenient shuttle service to a lido, facilitating access to beautiful nearby beaches. Some guests reported receiving VIP perks such as room upgrades or welcome amenities, enhancing their overall experience. The hotel also provides beach towels and umbrellas for guest use, a thoughtful amenity for seaside visits.