Palazzo Presta

Recent Reviews: 140

• User:Laurence N

  Trip type: Friends getaway

  Disastrous !

  22 May 2026

  Not at all serious people. Fully booked and paid up then 2 days before arriving I received a cancellation notice. They had obviously double booked my room. No apology. Nothing ! I would stay well clear of this place.

• User:AjMMelb

  Trip type: Couples

  A Gem of a Hotel

  28 Apr 2026

  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.

• User:kajadutka

  Trip type: Solo travel

  A hotel shaped by stories, in the heart of Gallipoli

  22 Apr 2026

  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.

  Read more

• User:V6681QCjohnd

  Trip type: Couples

  Moved to the sister property due to the fault in the original room

  24 Feb 2026

  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.

  Read more

• User:L6697AXtessas

  Trip type: Couples

  Extremely Disappointed, Poor Communication, No Accountability

  03 Sept 2025

  I’m very disappointed with my experience with Palazzo Presta. We booked directly through their website well in advance and even emailed two weeks before arrival to confirm the payment process. They replied saying payment would be taken 10 days before arrival, so I expected a link or further instructions — but received nothing.Instead, I got an unexpected cancellation email just one week before our stay, with no prior warning or explanation. I called the hotel three times, and each time was told the booking was cancelled due to a failed payment attempt — yet I was never contacted, and my card has been working perfectly elsewhere.What’s most disappointing is that no one at the hotel has tried to help us rebook, offer an alternative, or even apologise. I now believe the room may have been double-booked, and rather than owning up to a mistake — which we would have understood — they’ve chosen to avoid responsibility and offer no support. I feel misled and let down.This experience has caused unnecessary stress and disrupted our travel plans. I would strongly advise others to avoid booking directly through their website, and to be cautious when relying on this hotel. Professionalism, transparency, and basic courtesy were completely lacking.

  Read more