Hotel Europa

Our first visit to overnight in Puglia so we'd booked a villa just south of Taranto for a 2 week stay. Decided we deserved first two nights in a hotel to orient ourselves and delighted to discover the charms of Hotel Europa. Taranto's one way system is designed to test the patience of newcomers and we found ourselves on a circuit round the old town and fortuitously parked opposite the castello and the tourism information office who kindly pointed out that Hotel Europa was across the bridge immediately in front of us and a 3 minute walk away. Situated on a handy corner with splendid views of the Mediterranean and so-called Little Sea. A bonus to discover reserved parking spaces for guests at no extra cost. We were greeted and checked in by a gentleman called Marcello Centola, clearly a long-serving member of hotel and blessed with old-school courtesy-a true gentleman. He looked after us throughout the two days, always ready to help, and recommended a fine restaurant, Guernica, a couple of blocks away for our first evening. The following day we discovered Pasta Passione, equally good and just around the corner. We also enjoyed coffee and lunch at Barone opposite the castello. Breakfast was excellent with a large range of selection, especially breads and bakery items. We could not have had a nicer beginning for our stay in Puglia. I should mention that some of the rooms appear to have used the high ceilings to create an upstairs and downstairs with stairs that might prove challenging to older or less mobile folk but we found our room (401) to be perfectly comfortable if eccentrically arranged. Hotel is two minutes walk from the bridge separating the newer part of the city form the centro storica. We arrived in Bari and drove the 90 or so kilometers to Taranto which proved to be a great base for our stay to explore the southern areas of Puglia.

Absolutely beautiful hotel. The accommodations are very clean and comfortable. The staff is warm and welcoming and extremely helpful. The breakfast is amazing with many different options. It is centrally located with outstanding views and walking distance to many restaurants and attractions.

Loved our corner room with beautiful views! Spotless. Comfortable beds. Nice linens and towels. Professional staff. Always helpful. Even surprised us with a birthday treat in our room. Excellent breakfast service. Excellent location for exploring on foot. Grazie mille.