Monopoli, Trulli Hotel Rooms at the Independent

Built into the old town / port wall the hotel was stunning. Total relaxation but with enough local life to provide a sense of being somewhere a bit different. The restaurant provided fantastic food and service and the local wines were amazing. There was plenty to do in Monopoli for the week we were there. We negociated a private tour of the local area on our last full day. A small hotel - only ten (or so) rooms - but it didn't really feel that you were in a 'normal' hotel. I heartily recommend it.

Its a nice hotel in a not so nice neighberhood!

Selected this hotel pretty much by chance, so a little apprehensive prior to travel despite good reviews, but needn't have worried as hotel and staff exceeded our expectations. Hotel a little tucked away, but easy to find as well sign-posted. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful with good English. Hotel, grounds and pool complex very well maintained and very well laid out. Room and en-suite bathroom furnished to a high standard with ample cupboard space. Very clean. Superb hotel restaurant in a lovely setting. Excellent food and a good wine list, all very reasonably priced. The one negative is the lack of other restaurants and entertainment in the near vicinity, but this is more than made up for by the peace and tranquility of the hotel grounds and surrounding area. Would definitely recommend this hotel.

We stayed at La Casetta for two weeks and had a great time. The owner, Gianfranco, is very welcoming and hospitable. He did everything he could to make us feel at home. If you don't speak Italian he has an English friend who he can call in to translate. The continental breakfast is very good and Gianfranco can adapt it to your taste. It includes fresh fruit, local ham and cheese, and freshly baked bread and pastries. Gianfranco is a mine of information about what to see, where to eat, local festivals and information about the Puglian way of life. Guest accommodation is separate from the house so guests are independent and there is plenty of secure parking. La Casetta has a beautiful garden with views over the olive trees towards the sea, great to relax in. The property is set in a quiet rural location but is well placed to if you want to get out and visit places of interest. The local olive trees are amazing - some are several hundred years old.

Morelos is a B&B rather than a hotel, but is a great place to stay. The owner, Rosa, is very friendly and goes out of her way to make the stay memorable. She wil provide almost anything you like for breakfast; an Israeli family arrived in the middle of our stay and explained they usually eat salad vegetables for breakfast - Rosa provided them the very next day. The swimming pool makes Mirella an excellent place for families and couples alike. The surrounding towns including Alborobello, monopoli, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Cisternino with their historic centres and abundant Trulli and great restaurants, give you plenty to do.