ems4e
Google
Don Ferrante does not feel like a 5-star hotel - it feels more like a B&B that is trying to upgrade itself, especially given its layout and amenities. They do not have room service, but their brochure in the room says they do (it was printed in 2021, and they haven't updated it). They also charge you for flip flops (random point, but other 5-stars we stayed in in Italy did not). Rooms are a little older looking, but are clean; my bathrobe had some rips near the tag.||Parking is a nightmare; Google Maps directs you through the ZTL, aka controlled traffic zone/historic pedestrian area, so do NOT attempt to drive here, especially after 5pm. If you do, WhatsApp the hotel and tell them to meet you in near Piazza Manzoni, and someone in a golf cart will come pick you up and help you park your car. The parking team is very gracious and kind.||I'd also add that the room I booked did not explain that they were in the "Townhouse" - the hotel has 3 different properties that are not connected. Staying in the Townhouse was fine, but it was loud/street adjacent, and we had no view. I was hoping to receive a room with a view for our special occasion, but even our second room had an interior view. Again, this was not stated when I booked the rooms.||The buffet breakfast was average as other reviews have stated. The breakfast room is underground with a small patio overlooking the sea, but it's often occupied.||One highlight is the restaurant: highly recommend for the view, experience and good food. Although I think they sat all English speakers to one side of the restaurant.||Overall takeaway: good location to explore Monopoli, but not a special hotel experience.