Unique, smart and quirky boutique hotel, in heart of ancient town - great value. Alison loves lovely Conversano for exploring without a car. Laura loves Corte Altavilla's roof terrace & spa and that the hotel exceeds all clients' expectations.
Conversano's mediaeval 'centro storico' is a maze of little streets, converging on the grand castle, which stands imposingly at its centre. With examples of baroque architecture, an impressive cathedral and the main square, lined with small bars and restaurants, and less than 10km from the sea, it is a lovely place to visit, with or without a car.
Once the court of the famous Counts of Altavilla (one of whom had a daughter married to the oldest son of William the Conqueror), the hotel is nestled into a hidden corner of the old town, just a two-minute walk from the main square. Right opposite the cathedral, through an unassuming stone archway, you reach the old 13th century "court ". Four buildings, arranged around narrow alleyways and little courtyards, it is not on a grand scale, but is smaller and more intimate, and is really unique. Renovated to a high standard, maintaining the integrity of the building, and with much of its original character, there are vaulted ceilings, old steep stone staircases and masses of terracotta and stone features. Many bedrooms have been given a similar style, with wood and wrought iron furnishings; some are more contemporary in style - although, all are beautiful and of good quality. Some have limited kitchen facilities, so guests who would like this flexibility, should request one of these rooms at the time of booking.
There is a small lounge. The fabulous spa, in the 'basement' of the hotel, features a large heated hydro massage pool and treatments are very reasonably priced. It really is amazing. The delightful roof terrace, overlooking the rooftops of the old town, and where breakfast is served on sunnier days, is the perfect setting for a drink or a spot of sunbathing - a few sunbeds will be provided up here. In the evening this and the restaurant become a romantic, candle-lit venue for dinner, where you can sample typical, tasty Pugliese dishes and fantastic wines.
In one of Italy's 'Città D'Arte' (art towns), this is a very special place indeed.
Nearest Town:
Conversano
Places of Interest:
Bari, Ostuni, Itria Valley
Distance to Coast:
Approx. 12 minutes
Internet Access:
Yes
Swimming Pool:
No
Restaurant:
Yes
Other Features:
- 31 rooms, all en-suite
- Air-conditioning
- Some rooms have limited kitchen facilities (final clean of kitchen, if used, payable locally)
- Restaurant & bar
- Lift to some areas of hotel
- In places, there are very steep stone staircases to negotiate
- Parking €7 per night, payable locally. (Sometimes this maybe located approx 1.5 kms from the hotel – free transfers to and from the car park, on request)
- Bikes to hire approx €15 per day, payable locally
- Non main line railway station, within walking distance, for easy access to Bari, Martina Franca, Alberobello etc.
- Spa / Wellness centre, payable locally
- Cookery courses are usually available, on request at least one week before, payable locally
CORTE ALTAVILLA ROOMS
Many rooms have been given a similar style, with wood and wrought iron furnishings; some are more contemporary in style - although, all are beautiful and of good quality. Some have limited kitchen facilities, so guests who would like this flexibility, should request one of these rooms at the time of booking. Some rooms are in the mansarda roof, so have skylights instead of windows.
STANDARD ROOMS - sleep two, usually with kitchen inside a cupboard.
TOP STANDARD ROOMS - usually have kitchen cupboard and room for an extra bed.
JUNIOR SUITES - generally larger, usually with a cathedral view.
TOP JUNIOR SUITES - more luxurious and some with an impressive jacuzzi bath sunken into the floor!
MANSARDA FLAT - perfect for families, these rooms are made up of two bedrooms and a living room with kitchen cupboard.
"The room was exceptional for the price. We were just getting used to this wonderful town when we had to leave - pity. It would have been nice to stay longer. " Jonathan, Newbury
"I loved Conversano and Corte Altavilla was fantastic. I loved the atmosphere of the town. You expected to meet Romeo and Juliet (or rather their southern equivalents) around every corner. " Tony, Shaftesbury
"Corte Altavilla was an amazing hotel. " Helen, Reading
CORTE ALTAVILLA PUGLIA HOTEL
PRICES IN £'S PER PERSON, PER NIGHT, SHARING A DOUBLE ROOM, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
PRICES IN £'S PER PERSON, PER NIGHT, SHARING A DOUBLE ROOM, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
WE ARE CONFIDENT IN OUR PRICES. SHOULD YOU FIND THIS ACCOMMODATION CHEAPER ELSEWHERE, PLEASE COME BACK TO US. WE WILL ALWAYS DO OUR BEST TO BETTER ANY COMPARABLE QUOTE.
Pricing Information (Footer):
• 0-2 yrs free, cot €15 payable at end of stay • Extra bed in Top Standard + £15 • Half-board £22 per person, per day • Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve meal and Christmas day lunch €50; New Year's Eve €80, (on top of B&B prices) - all per person and per meal, payable locally Taxi transfer: €65 each way (per taxi) from Bari airport, payable locally.
