Looking for a truly exceptional boutique stay in Southern Puglia, Italy? Look no further than Palazzo Sant'Anna, a luxurious bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of Lecce's historic district.

During our twelve-day stay, Palazzo Sant'Anna exceeded all our expectations, offering unparalleled comfort, convenience, and hospitality. The palazzo's seven elegantly appointed suites are an oasis of peace and quiet, each one tastefully decorated with a blend of classic Italian charm and modern amenities. From the plush bedding and immaculate bathrooms to the stunning views of Lecce's winding streets, every detail of our stay was flawless.

But what truly sets Palazzo Sant'Anna apart is the exceptional level of service provided by the staff. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and kindness, and throughout our stay, the staff consistently went above and beyond to make our visit unforgettable. Whether it was arranging for a private tour of Lecce's famous Baroque churches, recommending the best local restaurants, or simply offering a warm smile and a kind word, the staff made us feel truly at home.

Beyond the palazzo's walls, Lecce itself is a treasure trove of cultural and culinary delights. From the lively markets and cafes of the historic center to the sun-drenched beaches and ancient ruins just a short drive away, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this charming corner of Italy.

Getting to Palazzo Sant'Anna in Lecce

If you're planning a trip to Puglia, getting to Lecce from Bari International Airport can be a bit of a challenge. Public transportation options are limited, so most visitors choose to rent a car or hire a private driver for the 1 hour 45 min journey. Taxis and shuttle services are also available, but they may be more expensive or less convenient than the other options.

Renting a car can be a cost-effective way to explore Puglia at your own pace, but it does come with some downsides. Parking in Italy can be expensive and difficult to find, especially in busy tourist areas like Lecce. Additionally, navigating the narrow streets and unfamiliar road signs can be daunting, particularly for inexperienced drivers with standard manual shifting cars — the norm for this part of the world.

Hiring a private driver, on the other hand, can provide more flexibility and convenience, particularly if you're traveling with a group or have a tight schedule. Private drivers can also offer valuable insights into local culture and history and may be able to recommend hidden gems that you might not discover on your own. However, private transportation can be more expensive than renting a car, particularly for longer journeys. We opted for the private driver through the Palazzo Sant’Anna hotel, which gave us more flexibility with our plans. This costed us around €200 each way with gratuity.

RBV Intel: If you are planning to drive, always pack a car phone charger! We had such an action-packed day in Salento on the boat that both of our phones (our navigation system) died on the 45-minute ride home. Not only did we have to guess the road signs in Italian, but we also had an extremely difficult time finding our hotel in the dark in the maze of streets of Lecce after finding few available parking spots. Most roads are too narrow for cars, so we walked an hour around the city lugging oversized beach bags in the middle of the night — using landmarks we vaguely recognized from the day earlier. Go prepared!

The Palazzo Sant'Anna Hotel

Palazzo Sant'Anna is a luxurious and intimate retreat that offers a variety of amenities for guests to enjoy. With its central location in the heart of historical Lecce, this boutique bed and breakfast is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area. The property is comprised of several beautifully designed suites across two floors, a sunbathing terrace, a dining hall, and a comfortable living room near the reception desk.

The interior design of Palazzo Sant'Anna is nothing short of impressive. Every piece of furniture, finish, or artwork has been thoughtfully selected to create a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Vintage pieces are blended with contemporary accents to create a unique and stylish aesthetic. The rooms are decorated in soothing earthy tones against blonde-hued stone walls, creating a spa-like ambiance. Guests can enjoy modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, 42" televisions, hideaway safes, hair dryers, a minibar, and excellent air conditioning. The beds and pillows are so comfortable that you may find yourself not wanting to leave the room!

Upon arrival, guests are assigned a personal concierge who will help plan daily activities and is available via WhatsApp at any hour of the day. All activities, including private yacht tours along the coast and romantic cooking classes with local Italian chefs, can be arranged through Palazzo Sant'Anna. The hotel even offers an adorable open-air "taxi" service that can drop you off at local destinations, making it convenient to explore the surrounding area.

Food and Wine in Puglia, Italy

From the morning to the night, you'll be pampered by the staff. Guests are invited for complimentary Italian and southern Italian breakfasts with freshly cooked eggs, quiches, pastries, coffee and fruit juices.

In 2022, the team opened a beautiful restaurant called Bistrot Palazzo Sant’Anna, open from Thursdays to Sundays. We haven’t visited yet, as we came the previous summer, but it’s definitely on our list for when we return. Beyond that, hundreds of restaurants are available within walking distance of Palazzo Sant’Anna. Some of my favorites include: Il Volo (Lecce), Alex Ristorante (Lecce), W Club (Lecce) and Osteria del Tempo Perso (Lecce).

Upon arriving from a day of sightseeing, you’ll find a wonderful sweet bedside snack such as rich chocolate cake or fruit cake as a part of their detail-oriented turndown service.

Conclusion

So, if you're looking for a truly luxurious and restful boutique stay in Southern Puglia, Palazzo Sant'Anna is simply unbeatable. Book your stay today and discover the magic of Lecce for yourself. Looking for more intel on planning your Puglia, Italy vacation? Be sure to check out our Ultimate Summer Guide to Puglia, Italy. Be sure to ask for Beatrice (the owner), or Alfonso to make your time extra special.

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