Will be 1st time in Puglia with spouse.. Late October for 5 nights.
Flying into Bari and thinking 3 nights in 1 location, then 2 nights in another before we drive up to Tuscany for the rest of our trip.
Looking for location and specific lodging recommendations to base from, maybe near the water for the 3 night stay?
Initial inkling was 3 nights in Taranto, then move north for the last 2.
Hoping to explore as much of the region as we can in a short stay.
Hotel/Air BnB OK.

Anyone have a place they loved?

My favorites were Lecce and Trani.

Taranto is "interesting" ( blend of modern concrete and ancient inhabited ruin) but Lecce or Martina Franca are pleasant

Matera should be one...2-3 nights.
Many, many excellent places to stay; one of the best I've ever stayed at, anywhere in Europe, for unique atmosphere, service, and breakfasts is the SEXTANTIO GROTTE DELLA CIVITA.

I also like LOCANDA SAN MARTINO, which is less pricey than above.

You could consider, for a second base, the area around Trani, Montegrosso, Andria, Castel del Monte, since you will be heading north from Puglia, plus maybe 1-2 nights in Bari, especially if jet lag is in the equation.

Good advice from ekscrunchy. On a first trip I would not choose Taranto, it's not the best Puglia has to offer. If Matera is one base, I would stay in Northern puglia for the other too - Trani, Bari itself or the usual favourites of Monopoli or Polignano will not be crowded that time of year.

I agree that Matera is fascinating (and loved the Locanda San Martino), but of course, Matera is not in Puglia.

Good plan — I’d skip Taranto and instead base your first 3 nights near the coast in Polignano a Mare or Monopoli: lovely water views, easy access to beaches and nice towns nearby. For the last 2 nights, stay around Lecce — a beautiful city with great culture and a good jumping-off point before heading to Tuscany.

We found a great spot in Monopoli & it seems like a good base for day trips. Maybe a night or 2 in a Matera cave hotel before heading north?
After more research/input here, agree that Taranto isn't high priority.

I’d suggest 3 nights in Lecce and 2 in Matera.

Agree. Lecce more interesting than Monopoli, and has better hotels, I think. You can go to the coast from Lecce for half a day or a day.