Patria Palace Hotel, Lecce

Puglia is just about the most seductive destination in Italy at the moment, and that’s saying quite a lot. And, Lecce is possibly the region’s most beautiful baroque city – often referred to as the ‘Florence of the South’. The historic building that is now the luxurious Patria Palace is set amid romantic and expansive Italian squares, narrow and atmospheric alleyways, grand palaces and grandiose churches. The hotel lives up to its surroundings, too, with charming and elegant accommodation.

There are just 67 rooms here, each different from the next in terms of décor, but standard in terms of spoiling comfort. The other big bonus is that The Patria Palace is right at the heart of all that is historic in Lecce. All streets leading out of its front door are lined with masterpieces of Italian architecture, past and present, making the hotel is a brilliant base for exploring Puglia’s varied attractions. It’s embedded in the old town and with a roof top terrace designed to make the most of the views, for spells in the sunshine and superior cocktails served up with a flourish by friendly staff. 

Accommodation involves intricate herringbone floors, frescoes, linen draped beds and a sense of a glorious past. En suite bathrooms are marble-lined in the best Italian tradition. Breakfast based on great local produce and a hearty start, the glamorous bar and fine evening dining gild the Lecce lily.