Favourite City Stays: Lecce’s Palazzo Guido
The sitting room at Palazzo Guido
When planning a trip to Puglia, it might be tempting to skip Lecce in favour of locating yourself closer to the sea, but don’t! Lecce is not only very well located to explore the coast of the southern tip of Italy’s heel in all directions, but it’s also a charming city in its own right. Lecce is often referred to as the “Florence of the South” for its elegant baroque architecture, but you’ll find the city is unmistakably Puglian, as both the hearty food and next-level evening passagiata will attest.
As for where to stay in Lecce, when I think of the word “gracious” I can’t think of a better way to use the word than to describe Palazzo Guido and its Proprietress, Geltrude Guido.
Typically, when an Italian hotel is referred to as a “palazzo” it means that the structure was originally built as a grand city residence for a prominent family. Many palazzi have been converted into small hotels of typically four to twelve rooms. These palazzi honour the design elements of the original, often with vaulted ceilings, archways, and particular design choices such as antique furnishings, fabrics, and fittings. There is nothing cookie-cutter or corporate about these very special hotels. If you are booking into a palazzo, you can be assured that the host has considered every detail of the property.
Like many of the best hotels in Italy, Palazzo Guido has a long family history, with the structure having been passed down through generations. It is now in the dedicated hands of Geltrude Guido, who has transformed it into an oasis of six elegant suites in the centre of Lecce.
Charm in every corner at Palazzo Guido
Geltrude is one of those wonderful souls who is detail-oriented and precise, while also being exceptionally warm and welcoming. She understands how to be an incredible host (you truly feel that you are in her family home), while also having an eye for beauty. Her good taste and discernment is evident in every corner of this stunning palazzo, from the charming and carefully considered suites, to the family antiques throughout the shared spaces, and the one-of-a-kind China teacups on the breakfast table every morning.
Palazzo Guido’s breakfast room
I had the good fortune of spending three nights at Palazzo Guido a few years ago. It’s one of those places that I’ve been dreaming of ever since, and I can’t wait to return soon.
From the rooftop patio of Palazzo Guido