The pros; the reception staff were friendly and welcoming, eager to be helpful. The room was small but clean, quiet and comfortable. The restaurant was very good. The grounds are beautiful. Parking easy and free.
The cons; the hotel is tired and although claims to be 5*, but having stayed in many - I can see the differences. Twice we waited too long for drinks (€15 a spritz is certainly 5* pricing), needing to repeat our order to eventually get them - despite the hotel not being busy. Breakfast wasn't great - fresh fruit was very small slices (eg 1-2 strawberries sliced) all on a small plate which quickly ran out. We also waited far too long for coffees and the hot omelette - which arrived as we were leaving (only 3 other tables occupied on that day). Just not 5* service. The final negative was the €50 per person per use of the onsite "spa", a lukewarm jacuzzi, 2 saunas and a steam room. Having been told this was included when we asked, we were very surprised to be charged and had to negotiate the removal of the charge, which to their credit was done under the circumstances. However it made an uncomfortable end to an already under-par stay. The cost should be made clear, there was plenty of opportunity to explain the cost to us both at the main reception and at the spa reception. There was also nothing about it in the room information, which I always read thoroughly.
We spent 10 days in Puglia, there are better places to stay for less cost.
