Palazzo Presta in Gallipoli

What an unexpected find. Palazzo Presta is a lovely small (10 rooms) hotel. Uniquely decorated, beautiful swimming pool and surrounding lounge area. Just loved everything about this hotel. The staff were really helpful. Highly recommend staying here.

Palazzo Presta is not just a hotel - it feels like a curated collection of memories from different parts of the world. Every object seems to have its own story, and the rooms are filled with details that make the stay feel like a quiet journey across time and destinations. The location is hard to beat. Right in the heart of Gallipoli’s old town, surrounded by beautiful architecture and narrow streets, and at the same time just a minute’s walk from Spiaggia della Purità - a public beach that’s clean, atmospheric, and offers classic “Italian summer” views. The hotel has a true boutique feel - intimate, full of character, and very thoughtfully designed. Each room is inspired by a different place and reflects its mood, while still fitting naturally into the relaxed Salento vibe. I found everything very well maintained, with daily cleaning that kept the rooms fresh. The beds and pillows deserve a special mention - after long days in the heat, they offer exactly the kind of rest you didn’t realize you needed. It’s also a place where you don’t feel the need to constantly be out - something I personally tend to fall into every time I stay here. A day spent moving slowly between the hotel and its surroundings works just as well. Start with a good breakfast, then take your time exploring the old town. Later, head to the nearby beach. Or, for a change, use the pool at the sister hotel Palazzo Flora, just a minute away. A small, beautifully designed, very Instagrammable spot - perfect for a quiet reset. In the evening, dinner at Lazzaro & Caterina (the hotel restaurant) is a great option, with a modern take on Salento cuisine. End your day on the rooftop at sunset, with a drink in hand - the cocktail menu thoughtfully mirrors the spirit of the place. Pro tip: If you’re arriving by car, it’s best to reach out to the hotel beforehand. The old town is a restricted area, but the team will guide you through the logistics and arrange a transfer by buggy - a small detail that makes a big difference once you see how the streets are not exactly suitcase-friendly. What really makes the difference here is the people. I could feel that the owners are involved, and it reflects in how the place runs - everything feels considered but still natural. If you come back, you start recognizing familiar faces, which makes the stay feel even more comfortable. Martina, Mirko and Adele will take great care of you and are always around when needed. Anna quietly oversees everything behind the scenes, with a level of attention that shapes the entire experience. It’s a place that works just as well for solo travelers, couples, or anyone looking for something a bit more personal - peaceful, but with a subtle sense of discovery. For me, it’s not just a place to stay. It’s a place you experience.

We have booked Palazzo Presta and a day before our arrival we got a call saying that the the room we booked is not available and we will be moved to a sister property Palazzo Flora. I have read that this is a failry common practice at this property so wasn't going to give in easlity. Upon check in we have been presented with the new room in Palazzo Flora which was nice and had a good decor, the bathroom was on a small side. The biggest plus of the Flora vs Presta is the small swimming pool which is located in the courtyard of the building - a bit like a riad with the pool in the middle and rooms overlooking the pool. The downside (but a small one) was the lack of the restaurant in that hotel and as we had a booking for six nights with breakfast we had to get the breakfast in the Palazzo Presta which is only abot 90sec walk. The service in the restaurant was great and the destination manager was helpful (without being too pushy) in reccommending things to do in Puglia. As a compensation for the move we were offered drinks in the bar on the first night. Staff were great and helpful and multilingual. Although six nights in Gallipoli is waaay too many the hotel was really good.

Excellent hotel and location

HOTEL COM EXCELENTE SERVICO. CHARMOSO, TUDO MUITO BEM CUIDADO. STAFF ATENCIOSÍSSIMO E MUITO ATENTOS AOS DETALHES. RECOMENDO!

Great staff and amazing rooms. The breakfast was good and cooked to order. Our half board option was worth every penny. The only negative was some stone dust on the roof of our 4 poster bed. Finding the hotel can be tricky, just a small brass plaque outside.

The Palazzo is a beautiful building, it is well decorated with art and uniqueness all around. The staff is super friendly and willing to help. The breakfast is amazing, great choices and services. We travelled with our kids (3 & 1) and they were super friendly and patience with them. We used the pool in Palazzo Flora, also amazing, very unique and a great shelter in windy days. We also had dinner at their rooftop, very nice food and ambient. They gave us a very nice Puglia Rose as a VIP gift.

We recently stayed at the hotel for 4 nights in June. From the check-in to the time we left, the hotel and its staff were a delight. The furnishings around the hotel are wonderful , the rooms are unique, comfortable and welcoming. The bathrooms are large and have everything you might need. There’s a rooftop bar which serves great cocktails ( we didn’t have the food )in a really nice setting . The sister hotel Palazzo Flora has one of the most unique pools you are likely to come across . We only had breakfast one morning but it was well prepared and very good value , the only problem being you will eat too much. What sets the hotel apart for me was the staff . From the professional check-in , to the maintenance crew, the staff who served the breakfast, Vincenzo the chef and finally the bar men, cocktail mixologists , every single one of them were friendly, personable, helpful, polite and good company . Special mention goes to Francesca , who is a joy . Nothing was too much trouble and , despite me changing our dates on a couple of occasions , more than happy to accommodate. I’d highly recommend this hotel .