30 Best Hotels in Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria, Italy

Its design is more "international style" than "rustic Pugliese," but this hotel offers superb value, combining contemporary creature comforts with fancy tech. Guest rooms have comfy mattresses, sleek bathrooms, and fancy mood lighting; public spaces include a chic lounge bar and the “Enjoy Area,” replete with game consoles.

Overlooking one of the Gargano Peninsula's loveliest bays, this secluded cluster of whitewashed buildings houses simply furnished modern rooms, some of which have balconies. A pair of elevators built into the cliff takes you down to a long, pebbly private beach. The hotel's restaurant is decent, but the menu is limited. Be careful when approaching on the road, as the gated entrance is easy to miss.

Housed in a handsome masseria farmhouse building, this countryside resort provides a tranquil base for relaxing by the pool, eating alfresco in courtyards and terrace, and spa pampering. Guest rooms carry on the elegant Pugliese-cool whitewashed and stone-tone theme: deluxe options have small terraces while suites up the airiness with a living area, terraces with elevated views, and spacious bathrooms.  

Handily moored near the marina and the castello, this hotel has a nautical theme with wrought-iron gates in the shape of waves, a statue of the sea god Neptune at the entrance, the owner's maritime antiques throughout, and guest rooms accented by shades of blue.

Contemporary minimalism, a soothing color palate, and cool design, including travertine-lined spa-like bathrooms and mood lighting, make this central boutique B&B a reliably serene and clean choice. As well as a basic but comfy double with balcony, there are two more spacious king rooms with spa bathrooms, a suite with a swanky terrace, and a studio with kitchenette. 

Set in a Belle Époque–style villa surrounded by gardens, atop a cliff near the village of Cetraro, the San Michele offers Mediterranean charm and old-style elegance. An elevator takes you down to the base of the cliff, where you'll find three private beaches and a summer bar and restaurant. The property also has a 9-hole golf course. As with most hotels on Calabria's coast, substantial bargains are available on room rates outside July and August.

It would be difficult to find a more romantic location than that occupied by this hotel, dramatically perched on the rocks above the narrow cove of Polignano. Guest rooms are modern, with whitewashed walls and Puglian majolica tiled floors. The hotel's seafood restaurant, Il Bastione, overlooks the sea. There's also a wellness spa with treatments, while the adjacent piazza contains a poignant monument to Polignano's most famous son, songwriter Domenico Modugno of “Volare” fame.

On the coastal road between Crotone and Capo Colonna, a little out of town and just 8 km (5 miles) from the Sanctuary of Hera Lacinia, the '70s-style Helios has crystal clear shores nearby and a fab pool, terrace, restaurant, and snack bar—all on-site.

Set in a handsome 17th-century palazzo on slightly scruffy but charming Piazza Fontana, this self-styled "boutique hotel" has limestone walls, coved ceilings and warm off-white hues throughout, with many guest rooms having sea or church views and terraces. With only 11 rooms the family-run charm and care extends to the excellent buffet breakfast and fabulous, helpful staff.  

The sleek, contemporary guest rooms at this hotel in an imaginatively renovated 1915 palazzo are warmed up a bit by fabrics with bold prints; fabulous public areas include a spacious, chic roof terrace and cocktail bar that serve aperitivi.

Nestled in a valley just below Ostuni and surrounded by venerable olive trees, this stylish adaptation of a 16th-century posthouse—with characteristic stone archways and roughcasted walls—has whitewashed, simply furnished guest rooms whose beds have wrought-iron headboards. From the rooftop terrace you can sip a drink and enjoy the view over the rooftops of the old White City. Hosteria Antica Posata, the in-house gourmet restaurant, has made a name for itself.

Although this hotel caters mainly to business travelers, its location near the main sights in Trani's historic center makes it a decent value option for tourists. Guest rooms are simply furnished (even a little old-fashioned), and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Restaurant meals are well priced if somewhat basic.

This cluster of trulli has been transformed into luxury suites with original architectural features, modern comforts, and tasteful flourishes that make everything seem straight out of a lifestyle-magazine spread.

Situated at the bottom of the Sassi ravine on Via Fiorentini (limited car access), the Locanda is a more upscale cave-dwelling hotel, with all modern comforts, including an elevator to whisk you up the cliff to your room. The owners have even created underground thermae romanae (Roman-style baths) with a series of pools heated to different temperatures, a dry-heat room, a steam room, and hydromassage. Guest rooms are on four levels and are simply furnished to conform to the original cavern atmosphere—the view from your terrace is like something out of a movie.

Beautifully restored, with high-style interiors, this 19th-century former masseria is an oasis of comfort just a short drive from lovely Otranto. In its long history, the building has also served as a monastery, herbal pharmacy, discotheque, and restaurant. Now it offers whitewashed Mediterranean minimalist chic, with wrought-iron beds, arched ceilings, gorgeous stone-and-marble bathrooms, and flowing white drapes—and the lobby looks like something out of a magazine. Much of the delicious food is plucked from the hotel's own garden, which includes 110 fruit trees, and lunch can be taken poolside.

Run by the friendly famiglia De Mauro, this modern B&B ticks all the boxes for those seeking great value in a tranquil, scenic setting near the beach. The decor throughout is functional and minimalist, and there are good triple-room options. The highlight for many guests, though, is the rooftop deck. It's a pleasant stroll into town.

Superbly positioned in front of the Duomo on a quiet seaside piazza, this small, handsome, beautifully maintained hotel has guest rooms with contemporary wooden furniture, white and azure fabrics, and marbled bathrooms. Attractive stonework and vaulted ceilings are featured in the Regia restaurant, where the regional seafood bounty are given imaginative twists. Reservations are essential for Sunday lunch and for dinner on summer weekends.

On the main square in the town of Francis Ford Coppola's ancestors, a large palazzo has been transformed (by French designer Jacques Grange) into Basilicata's top lodging, complete with hidden gardens, spacious porticoes, frescoed ceilings, and Moroccan-tile floors. The honeymoon suite (No. 8) has its own private dining room. For mere mortals who want to savor the atmosphere without footing the tab for a suite, head to the Cinecittà bar to dine amid black-and-white photos from movies of yesteryear.

Lecce's grandest hotel—impeccable from top to bottom, with vaulted ceilings, frescoes, and antique furnishings—also happens to have a stellar location in front of the monumental Santa Croce Basilica, the crown jewel of Lecce Baroque. In summer, you can dine on the patio overlooking the basilica or in the beautiful roof garden.

Set in an aristocratic 18th-century house in the center of the borgo antico and near Purità Beach, the Relais Corte Palmieri has been tastefully renovated to meet modern standards while preserving its frescoes, mosaics, antique doors, and other historical features. Soft pastel shades prevail, though no two rooms are alike. The roof garden affords spectacular views, and the spa offers massage and reflexology treatments.

Although this hotel has been a centro storico landmark since 1880, it feels unmistakably 21st century, with modern decor and vibrant color schemes. The spacious entrance hall is striking, with its crimson paneling and huge red Murano-glass chandelier. Guest rooms are stylish and comfortable, with spacious en suite bathrooms lined with marble. Hotel facilities include the excellent Quattro Spezierie Gourmet restaurant, a panoramic roof-garden restaurant (closed in winter), and bar and wellness spa.

Like most hotels in Cosenza, the Royal caters mainly to a business clientele, yet it's nevertheless a good choice for a stopover: what it lacks in local flavor, it makes up for with functional whitewashed decor, spacious bathrooms, and reasonable room rates.

Authentic rough-hewn walls and arches contrast with chic furnishings and modern amenities at this Sassi hotel, created by interior designer Stefano Tardito and situated across a piazza from the Church of San Pietro Caveoso. After a meal in the sophisticated restaurant, the best place to relax is up on the roof terrace bar, with a wonderful view over the town.

Opened in 1996, I Sassi claims to be Matera's first "grotto hotel," with rooms inside a succession of caves that overlook the huddle of rooftops and stone stairs down to the valley floor of Sasso Barisano. Most guest rooms have terraces and windows with views across the canyon to the Romanesque cathedral on the skyline—they're equally spectacular at night, when all the houses are lit up.

On the edge of Camigliatello, less than 1 km (½ mile) from the ski slopes, this hotel is in a peaceful, picturesque location. Don't be put off by its '70s-era look—the lodge is well equipped with plenty of space for evening entertainment, including live music, and relaxation after a day of hiking or skiing. There is a sun terrace shaded by a walnut tree, and all rooms have balconies. Keep an eye out for good full-board deals in summer.

This Stile Liberty villa in the seaside village of Acquafredda has original features and period pieces, a tranquil garden, a pool where you can idle the days away, and a flowery terrace for sunset dining. In the summer, a shuttle bus operates between the villa and the town's beach. Note: there's a minimum four-night stay in high season.  The spectacular coastline traced by the SS18 road from Sapri to Acquafredda near the hotel stars in the 2021 Bond film, No Time to Die.

Converted from an elegant 16th-century Franciscan convent and immersed in gorgeous, flowery grounds and cloisters on the outskirts of Tropea, this pastel-hued retreat-style hotel has stylish, minimalist interiors and wonderful tranquil terraces replete with infinity pool and breathtaking views. Breakfast is bountiful and fresh, and served à la carte, while the De' Minimi restaurant delivers excellent seafood dishes.