Palais Gentile Matino

Rarely do I find somewhere I would instantly return to, (and then do so again) as Palais Gentile. A gorgeous townhouse wonderfully and sensitively restored house with generous rooms, super comfortable beds, complimentary drinks (including some Local gin!) and a fantastic roof terrace upon which to eat breakfast and gaze out over the city of Matino. We loved it here as much for the helpfulness and enthusiasm of the hosts, Carolina and Aurelien, as for the place itself, and let’s not forget the wonderful breakfasts, Though it turns out you can can have too much of a good thing if my daily intake of pasticciotto was anything to go by. Carolina made bookings for us and all her suggestions were spot on.

Traveling with two kids (4 and 6 years old), we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Of course, the room itself was outstanding - every detail was considered, from the beautiful decorations to the wine bottle opener. The hotel is ideally located to visit beautiful beaches and lovely towns. The best thing though is the service. Carolina and Aurelien put their hearts and souls into this place, and it shows. Here are some of the things they did for us: -- They helped coordinate a driver for us when we first arrived -- and when our ferry came in an hour early, they helped us contact the driver and made sure we arrived safely at the hotel. -- They arranged our room perfectly, knowing two small kids were coming (and left them some souvenirs, as well) -- They made sure to greet us every morning at breakfast, and answer our naive questions about the region and what we should do that day. We feel like we got a great sense of the entire region based on their recommendations. They were so reliable and warm, and made us feel at home. That's the best part about this special place.

Amazing boutique hotel. Beautiful suite with everything possible provided to make our stay comfortable. The hosts could not have done more. The decor is fabulous, the roof terrace a beautiful oasis and the breakfast was excellent. The concierge support was so helpful and meant we could travel around safe in the knowledge we were seeing the best places and visiting the best restaurants the area has to offer. Eating in the restaurant next door was the icing on the cake - we went twice!!

We were excited to stay at Palais Gentile based on the reviews and photos, but we had no idea what Matino would be like. Carolina and Aurelian were wonderful and adorable hosts. Our rooms were scattered over three buildings, all right near each other. Rooms were generous in size and charming classic Puglia style. A lot of stairs to some rooms and to the rooftop terrace, so be aware though was not an issue for us. The terrace was gorgeous and breakfast there was delightful, and we took advantage of it for pre dinner aperitivo as well. We were celebrating a couple of birthdays and could not have had a better day based on their recommendations. Beach day at Le Cinque Vele, a club about 45 minute drive in Santa Maria de Leuca. Just fantastic, on the Salento coast known as the Maldives of the Salento. Just a dream, a very luxurious club, the water was incredible. Super table service at our beach chairs, best birthday day ever!! We had lunch there, very good and fun, Carolina and Aurelian surprised us by having a cake sent to our table — talk about thoughtful!! Fresh fig and cream cake!!! Just a fabulous fabulous day. When we returned to Palais Gentile they had birthday balloons in our room. Aperitivo and Dinner was next door at Foscolo, hip and beautiful restaurant and cocktail bar. What a gem. They also referred us to a private captain for a sail boat outing again in Santa Maria de Leuca. Great way to pass a day!! Matino is small but you learn to appreciate its charms. By the time we were leaving, we had come to love Matino. Super people, Foscolo, a few other good restaurants, just a chill little town with some beautiful quality homes and delightful little streets. The Yeast Photography exhibit in town was the icing on the cake. We loved and appreciated our stay at Palais Gentile and in Matino!! Grazie mille Carolina and Aurelian!!