“The Florence of the South” and “A Baroque Masterpiece” are common strap-lines for Lecce, describing its architectural curlicues in pale, local limestone in just a grab of words. But elaborate architecture does impact everything here, including the accommodation on offer, because even the most contemporary hotels, and there are a few, are built with an eye for architectural unity — they may not have all the fancy details, but you can still expect vaulted ceilings, graceful arches and pale stone. Of course, if you want to you can stay in one of the grand palazzos themselves — these are some of the best places to stay in Lecce if you feel like a treat. Lecce also has a good collection of B&Bs, converted mansions and villas, and traditional hotels too.

If you’re looking for the epicentre of fancy architecture in Lecce head for the top of the hill, and the Duomo. The majority of Lecce’s architectural highlights can be found in the spider’s web of narrow streets leading outwards from the Duomo, and this is undoubtedly the best place to base yourself for the city’s history. The Roman triumphal arch style Porto Napoli is worth adding to any bucket list of Lecce, as well as an excavated Roman amphitheatre, and the 12th century castle, which was ‘jazzed up’ in the 16th century because it wasn’t ornate enough.

Lecce is also a fantastic destination for foodies. Surrounding it are olive farms and vineyards, and many of Lecce’s restaurants, cafes and bars take full advantage of the fantastic local produce. The sea, and a great sandy beach, are only ten kilometres away along a quintessentially straight Roman road. The charming place really does it have it all!

However if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Lecce during the peak summer months, get organised and book well ahead. This is one popular place!

The Best Places to Stay in Lecce

For the Photo Album

• The Palazzo Bozi Corso is a grand, 18th century palazzo with wonderfully decorative original features, now converted into their most chic. The ceilings are very high, with delicate coving and panelling, the pale-coloured parquet is beautiful throughout, the French windows have elegant wrought iron balconies, and the doors and windows are huge. Add to that a contemporary art collection, a contemporary colour scheme and contemporary furniture, and you have a very stylish, centrally located palace — worthy of the fussiest guests. Even children. The courtyard garden is idyllic, and while there’s no restaurant, they do offer breakfast and snacks.

For a Special Occasion

• La Fiermontina offers a surprisingly peaceful haven in the centre of Lecce, in the form a small hotel with a large garden complete with a swimming pool and olive trees. The hotel shows the hallmarks of local architectural design, featuring high, vaulted ceilings, elegant arches, tiled floors and plenty of pale stone. There are just 16 rooms and suites, all unique, and decorated with contemporary design-style furnishings. The food is gourmet, and the art is impressive, making it ideal for a special treat.

For Traditional Charms

• The Patria Palace is perfect if you like traditional comforts, space and quite a lot of flair. For many years this wonderful hotel, with its frescoes, fancy stucco work and cherry wood furniture, was the only decent place to stay in Lecce. There are now other options, but this is still the place to stay if you're looking traditional five star hospitality and comfort. The spa is small, but good; the restaurant is small, but lovely; the views from the roof terrace are unbeatable, and the location, right opposite the wonderful basilica, can't be topped either.
• The Santa Chiara is a small, and very elegant, hotel in the centre of Lecce, with a spectacular roof terrace overlooking some of the city’s best known historic sights. It has just 21 rooms and suites, but they’re huge — many have double height, vaulted ceilings, and living space; all have big marble bathrooms and creamy decor. The communal spaces are gracious and spacious, plus there’s a piano bar, and breakfast terrace with a view.

For Romance

• Mantatelure is a gorgeous 16th century mansion turned six room hotel, tucked away in a quiet corner of Lecce. Hidden behind the pale sandstone walls of the mansion is an expansive garden terrace, complete with citrus trees and a hot tub, plus the six elegant rooms and suites. The decor is contemporary and neutral in colour. There’s no restaurant, but there is a bar, and they offer a freshly made Italian breakfast. Mantatelure is well located for cafes, restaurants and local shops and markets too.
• The Palazzo de Noha is a stylishly converted villa in the historic heart of town. Each room is bright and spacious, with simple white-on-white style, and lots of detail to admire. The roof terrace offers views, a stylish place to sit, and a plunge pool. Adults only.

For City Style

• Lecce is known for its Baroque architectural treasures, but if your preference is for tech. wizardry and clever contemporary design then the Risorgimento Resort is a good option. It’s a beautifully simple building, by Lecce’s standards, converted into a stylish, contemporary, 47 room hotel. Original features, like tall widows and vaulted ceilings, have been retained but have been given a modernist makeover, with clever alcove lighting, crisp angles and a warm colour scheme. The spa is good, there’s a small gym, the roof terrace has wonderful views and there's both a restaurant and a bistro.

For Families

• L'Orangerie d'Epoque is a beautifully converted family palazzo, with a beautiful, citrus-filled courtyard garden, and large, welcoming rooms, that make it an excellent choice for families or groups. There are only three rooms and a suite, which sleeps four. Two rooms have their own kitchenettes, and direct garden access, and one room has a huge working fireplace. The building itself is airy and graceful, with impressive vaulted ceilings and is filled with objets that have been collected by the family who have owned the palazzo for hundreds of years.

For Great Value

• The Palazzo Rollo is a small, and idyllically positioned B&B, inside a triangle made by three of Lecce’s more beautiful churches, and beside the bell tower of the Duomo. Its collection of rooms and self-catering apartments are simple, and traditionally decorated, with wonderful floor tiles, traditionally patterned fabrics and antiques. Plus there's a fabulous roof terrace, and a charming breakfast room. Ideal for small groups.

Best B&Bs

• The Palazzo Gorgoni is an elegant palazzo turned four bedroom B&B, just off Sant'Oronzo Square in central Lecce. The rooms have traditional vaulted ceilings, exposed stone and huge windows, and are sparely furnished with elegant antiques. This is a family-friendly pick too.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Lecce’s closest international airport is Brindisi Airport, about half an hour away by road, or 40 minutes by public transport. It’s also possible to arrive by train, usually via Milan or Rome.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Lecce’s Mediterranean climate means there’s not really a bad time to visit as far as the weather is concerned. It’s hot in summer, but only really 30°C+ hot in July and August, and it does rain in the winter, but not so much as to swear you off visiting. Summer, and August especially, is the most popular time to visit, but that’s because Puglia is a summer beach holiday destination for many, rather than this being the optimum time. If you’re planning to walk or cycle during your Lecce visit spring is our recommendation, for the orchids and cyclamen, and other colourful flowers.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Puglia
• Or you could expand your search to consider some of Puglia’s other charming centres, like Gallipoli or Otranto, on either side of the ‘boot’, Alberobello, famed for its trulli dwellings or nearby Nardo
• Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for: see just the best boutique hotels in Puglia, the most romantic hotels in Puglia or the best for Families
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.