Italy for me From Italy with love
In this review, I’ll tell you where to stay in Ostuni (Ostuni) ‒ the architectural gem of the Puglia (Puglia) region and all of southern Italy. The enchanting White City (Citta Bianca), perched on a hill a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, consistently draws numerous tourists with its dazzling white architecture, medieval charm, and inseparable bond between humanity and nature.
Traditional hotels here are relatively few, so accommodation options are dominated by apartments, guesthouses, B&Bs, and the region’s iconic rural masserie (masseria) estates, complete with large farmhouses and picturesque trulli cottages. Public transportation runs infrequently and covers limited routes, so I strongly recommend renting a car.
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Relais Trulli Le Icone
Relais Trulli Le Icone ‒ a charming B&B nestled in the countryside between Cisternino and Ostuni.
Nestled among lush vegetation, the hotel invites you to enjoy stunning countryside views and offers the unique opportunity to stay in a traditional Apulian multi-cone trullo.
In addition to an exotic quad occupancy option, there are three rooms in a single-level villa, sizing from 194 to 323 sq ft (18 to 30 m²). The light-filled interiors blend modern and rustic styles. Guests enjoy a minibar, coffee machine, a private patio with dining area and barbecue facilities, and a continental buffet breakfast each morning. The property features free Wi-Fi, a bar, an infinity pool, a hot tub, private parking, and bicycle rentals.
Macellaio restaurant, renowned for its incredible variety of farm-to-table meat dishes at very reasonable prices.
La Sommità Relais & Chateaux 5*
The exclusive 5-star luxury hotel La Sommità Relais & Chateaux 5* is located in the upper section of the historic center (Centro Storico).
Surrounded by a manicured garden of olive and orange trees, this 5-star hotel occupies a beautiful 16th-century Mediterranean-style mansion. The harmonious blend of white and beige tones, natural stone, historic architectural elements, designer furnishings, and minimalist décor creates an oasis of tranquility and homely comfort. Accommodations include 14 individually styled rooms, featuring 9 deluxe rooms (258 to 398 sq ft [24 to 37 m²]), 4 suites (527 to 753 sq ft [49 to 70 m²]), and an atmospheric master suite with a terrace and jacuzzi (969 sq ft [90 m²]).
The day begins with an excellent Italian breakfast. Under the stone vaults of the Michelin-starred Cielo restaurant or in the Spanish Garden, signature Apulian dishes are served. Guests enjoy a lounge bar, historic lobby, reading room, small outdoor pool, spa with hammam and treatment rooms, and a panoramic rooftop terrace with sweeping views of olive groves stretching to the Adriatic Sea.
Rates start at €350 per night.
Masseria Cervarolo 4*
Masseria Cervarolo 4* lies 3.7 miles (6 km) from Ostuni in a restored 16th-century masseria — a former noble estate with extensive agricultural facilities.
The main mansion, peasant trulli cottages, and farm workshops have been transformed into 17 unique rooms, with layouts and sizes ranging from 161 to 366 sq ft (15 to 34 m²). The interiors celebrate original stone vaults and soft limestone walls, accented with handcrafted furniture, traditional fabrics, and authentic accessories.
Breakfast features fresh farm products and homemade pastries. The on-site Cervarolo restaurant presents typical regional menus and offers engaging cooking classes. The grounds include a flowering garden, pool with lounge area, and the cozy Boukolikos bar with a fireplace room and outdoor terrace.
Rates start at €200 per night.
Hotel La Terra 4*
The historic Hotel La Terra 4* occupies a 13th-century white limestone mansion in the La Terra quarter of the White City.
The hotel is a medieval mansion built in the 13th century from white limestone, exemplifying the region’s architectural style. Across three floors, 17 comfortable rooms range from 172 to 452 sq ft (16 to 42 m²), including standard, vista, and deluxe categories. Elegant interiors feature classic décor, original architectural elements, antique furnishings, and marble or ceramic floors. From early morning, the lovely San Pietro restaurant welcomes guests for a buffet breakfast with traditional antipasti, assorted pastries, yogurts, jams, fruits, natural juices, and delicious coffee. Lunch and dinner offer selected local dishes, delicacies, and an extensive wine list. The top floor hosts a cozy communal terrace overlooking the city.
Just a two-minute walk away stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Ostuni), rebuilt in the 15th century in Gothic style.
Rates start at €140 per night.
Masseria Salinola 4*
The upscale Masseria Salinola 4* is another oasis of tranquility just a 10-minute drive from the city.
Dating back to the 18th century, the estate once included a main farmhouse, production buildings, peasant dwellings, a stable, a family chapel, flower gardens, orchards, and olive groves. Preserving the romantic atmosphere and original decor of the historical estate, the hotel offers eight unique rooms and suites ranging from 183 to 485 sq ft (17 to 45 m²) in the main building. A separate structure houses a standard double and family apartments (430 sq ft [40 m²]) with full kitchens, patios, and private entrances. The interiors feature country-style details, antique furniture, handcrafted textiles, and vintage household items.
Mornings begin with a generous buffet breakfast of appetizing antipasti, cheeses, cured meats, egg dishes, pastries, fruits, and fresh juices. Guests enjoy a homely restaurant, swimming pool, jacuzzi, rooftop terrace, bicycle rental, cooking classes, and local wine tastings.
Rates start at €340 per night.
Casaterramare
The exclusive Casaterramare apartments are tucked away on a charming street, just a five-minute walk from the Old Town.
A comfortable 700 sq ft (65 m²) apartment comprises a bedroom, furnished living room, functional kitchenette with dining nook, bathroom with hydromassage shower cabin, and balcony with city views. The stylish interiors blend eclectic décor with traditional design accents. Upon arrival, guests receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit. The basement features a rock-hewn pool, sauna, jacuzzi, “emotional” shower, and massage room. The welcoming host provides full local information along with restaurant and excursion recommendations.
Nearby, two of the city’s top spots await: the Monna Lisa café and the Ricanatti osteria. On the border of the historic center and newer quarters lies
Piazza della Liberta, featuring the magnificent town hall (Palazzo del Municipio) and the ornate Church of San Francesco d’Assisi.
Rates are €240 per night.
La Monacedda
The apartment hotel La Monacedda is a 13-minute drive from Ostuni’s center and 20 minutes from the beach at Torre Santa Sabina.
Part of Villa Laura, which also includes the I Love Trullo and Le Biadelle apartments under the same ownership, the property shares a landscaped pool and Mediterranean garden with century-old olive trees, palms, cacti, and flower beds. La Monacedda offers studio rooms and apartments of 269 sq ft (25 m²) each, as well as two-bedroom apartments of 1,076 sq ft (100 m²) accommodating up to six guests. Each features a patio with dining area and barbecue facilities, and the larger units include a kitchenette.
The rustic-style interiors are adorned with artwork, handcrafted textiles, vintage furniture, and other country elements.
Rates start at €420 per night, including a full buffet breakfast, wireless internet, and private parking.
La prejela
The bed & breakfast La prejela is conveniently located just steps from Piazza della Liberta.
Set in a restored 19th-century mansion, it offers four options: a standard double, a spacious studio room with a private mini-pool, two-bedroom apartments, and upgraded apartments with a jacuzzi. The latter two include a functional kitchen and dining area. Warm interiors embrace regional styling with exposed stone walls and ceilings, adding romantic charm. A complimentary bottle of Prosecco greets guests on arrival.
Fresh continental breakfast is delivered daily to each room. Amenities include a furnished rooftop solarium terrace, free Wi-Fi, bicycle and car rentals.
A five-minute walk away stands the deconsecrated Church of San Vito Martire (Chiesa di San Vito Martire), built in the mid-18th century in Rococo style, housing the Museum of Prehistoric Civilizations of southern Murgia (Museo delle civiltà preclassiche della Murgia Meridionale), whose most famous exhibit is the remains of Delia, a young woman who died around 25,000 years ago with her child in utero.
Rates start at €120 per night.
I’ve plotted all of the hotels from this review on the map — making it easier for you to choose:
If you need advice, I’ll be happy to answer your questions in the comments.