Patria Palace - Lecce Review
- Points and Places
- Oct 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 14, 2024
A Memorable Stay at Patria Palace
During a summer vacation to Italy to visit family in Pescara, we decided to make a brief detour to Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," to experience southern Italy for the first time.
When researching hotels in the Puglia region, I found that there weren't many points hotel chains available, so I decided to use my TD points to book a cash stay and cover the cost with points.
As we searched for accommodations, we wanted to explore a charming city while enjoying a few days at the beach. Patria Palace was the perfect choice, as Lecce serves as a central hub for exploring the stunning region of Puglia, and the hotel offers access to a private beach club.
Location and Accessibility
Patria Palace is located in the heart of Lecce's old city, which makes it particularly special. Its prime location allows for easy walking access to all of Lecce's historical sites. We had rented a car, and navigating to the hotel was straightforward with the help of Google Maps.
Contrary to what I had read, we found the approach to the hotel much simpler compared to other Italian accommodations. As is common with hotels in the old city center, Patria Palace is situated within a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). Simply provide your license plate number at the reception, and they will register your vehicle, allowing you to travel freely within the ZTL—much easier than in some other cities, like Lucca, which restrict entry points and dates for ZTL access.
Check-In Experience
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed at the hotel. The bell staff promptly unloaded our car and escorted us directly to the check-in desk, which was straight ahead upon entering the hotel. There is a lobby located to the left and the breakfast restaurant to the right.
After a few formalities, we were checked in and given a personalized tour of the two rooms we had booked. We received old-fashioned keys, which felt refreshingly nostalgic. Upon leaving the hotel for any length of time, you simply return the key to the front desk.
We stayed in a deluxe design room, while our children had a comfort room. A welcome bottle of Prosecco and some snacks awaited us, along with complimentary bottled water (both still and sparkling).
The room’s design was impressive, featuring a spacious living area, a bathroom on one side, and a separate shower room with double sinks and one of the best showers I have ever experienced in a hotel.
In the evenings, a turn-down service refreshed towels and provided slippers at our bedside.
Dining and Amenities
Our stay included complimentary breakfast, which, while not extensive, featured high-quality items. The buffet offered pastries and fruit, and you could order eggs from the menu—all included in the stay. During breakfast, live music created a lovely ambiance, with a violinist and harpist performing throughout our visit—a classy touch.
The hotel also boasts a rooftop bar and restaurant with stunning views of the nearby church. We enjoyed a pre-dinner drink there one evening, soaking in the atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.
Beach Club Experience
While Patria Palace provided an exceptional hotel experience, our visit to the associated Mora Mora Beach Club was somewhat disappointing. Although the hotel offers a free shuttle service and access to the club, we chose to drive on our first day—a decision we soon regretted. The beach club was crowded, with many guests and was adjacent to a larger public beach. Parking was nearly impossible to find, and we ended up parking about a kilometer away, which could have been avoided had we received better advice from the hotel staff.
On our next beach day, we wisely opted for the hotel’s shuttle service, which operates throughout the day and accommodates up to seven guests. The one-way travel time is approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
As for the beach itself, while it was nice, I have certainly visited more picturesque ones in Italy. It was quite crowded, and the adjacent beach was particularly overwhelming, with a staggering number of people.
Conclusion
In summary, Patria Palace is an outstanding hotel that I highly recommend, despite the beach club experience. The location is fantastic, the service is top-notch, and it is an ideal base for a Puglia vacation.
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