Palazzo Guglielmo

Very lovely hotel in quiet village, great base for exploring southern Puglia. Staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful and room ( suite ) very spacious and very clean. I would not hesitate to recommend it and will go back again next time we visit Puglia. Garden was beautiful and a lovely place to sit in the evening amongst orange and lemon trees drinking our cocktails.

We had such a relaxing time there. A haven of calm. The Palazzo is hidden behind high walls and door. It opens onto a courtyard, with very well tended garden and a small pool. The rooms are comfortable, decorated in a very simple style. There is parking at the back but it is possible to park in the village square. The staff were fantastic, incredibly helpful in advising of places to visit, including parking, and organising trips out, including tips about where to eat etc. The breakfasts were excellent, the only problem was resisting the delicious cakes alongside the wide range of other items. We had fun having a pasta making lesson and got to eat our produce in the restaurant. The restaurant was very good too, with Murat, fish and vegetarian options. varied and well used by locals.

This was our third visit to the Palazzo and we were so happy to return. The property is much more interesting than a hotel because it is a restored small palace built around 1800 with each room having a different shape, style and outlook. The history of the building is clear everywhere you look and it has been sympathetically restored to look much like it's original state in many places. Bedrooms are very comfortable , we had Camilleri ( each room has a writer's name ) and the room was originally used for making olive oil. The beautiful floor and vaulted ceiling are really special and the front window looks out over the small square and the church. The crystal clear swimming pool is perfect for the lower numbers out of peak season and is a real sun trap. A central breakfast room is open 24 hours with an honesty box bar for fruit juices, wine and coffee. I would say though despite the many beautiful features of this property, the standout thing is the staff. Everyone of them is so friendly and helpful. Their English as well as other languages is superb and they like to help with our struggling attempts at Italian !! The Guglielmo is situated close to the nearby town of Castro which is perfect for shopping , swimming in the sea in the small port / lido area as well as cafes and bars. I would recommend Palazzo Guglielmo for couples , groups of friends and for those looking to drive out to explore Salento and Puglia .. we can't wait to return next September!