Hotels Near Porta Azzurra in Ostuni

We stayed here whilst on a cycling holiday. The hotel is quite large and is about 10 minutes walk uphill into town so is not very central but is in a very nice setting all the same. We had a beautiful room and bathroom both huge and light and airy and all very clean with a very comfortable mattress. The staff were very welcoming and friendly and we had a lovely choice at breakfast and a very pleasant evening meal, choosing to eat here rather than in the towns eateries which seemed very ‘touristy’. The food was typical of the region and was very nice to try! The bicycles are not stored overnight in a garage but were secured to railings at the front of the hotel but we had no issues at all, the hotel is gated and set down a drive and within its own walled gardens.

While the property and aesthetic are charming and beautiful, this is a place to visit for an afternoon, but do not waste your money on a stay. It is the definition of “instagram culture” - perfectly curated for gorgeous photos while in reality the service is subpar, the food is bland and the cooking experience is misleading. The latter was the most disappointing. For 55 euro really what you get is a preparation experience, a glass of the house wine and a piece of focaccia. You don’t even prepare the foccacia, instead you simply sprinkle on some garnishes. Understood it takes a long time to make and it’s not possible but say as much in the description of the experience. This is followed by shaping some different types of pasta - just rolling some dough. You don’t get to actually make anything or taste the pasta. Fair that the logistics of doing so would be difficult but price this accordingly - at best worth 25-30 euro. You do not get to taste any actual pasta. You literally just get a piece of bread. The service is also completely lacking. I asked for help with reservations for local restaurants and they were not able to secure any for me. I was told Osteria Piazzette in Ostuni was unavailable all week and when I emailed myself I was able to get a reservation. Their list of recommended restaurants is subpar and catered for tourists. When I shared this feedback at checkout the most they were able to offer was a mediocre cloth apron we wore in the cooking close. For 1800 euro for 4 nights there are far superior places you can stay. Upon arrival, we were already dragging our bag halfway to our room over the gravel when we were asked if we needed help with our bags. For the price paid, this should have been a given. No problem doing so myself if I’m going into a rustic experience with a price that matches. But if you’re claiming to be a luxury hotel, then step up the services to reflect this claim . If you’re a mid range influencer with basic taste - this is the place for you. If you’re a seasoned traveler look elsewhere. The room comfortable enough and the breakfast staff is lovely and a redeeming part of the service.