Avoid this hotel. We chose it to be close to the airport, and it is convenient but in desperate need of an overhaul. The carpets alone are shameful and we attach a photograph. The price we paid was also very high. We would recommend using a B&B in the town instead

We stayed one night at the grandly named Mercure Grande Albergo Internazionale, which we chose as it appeared to be the nearest hotel to Brindisi Airport, before an early morning flight out of Brindisi Airport. We like the Mercure group and have stayed in many of their establishments, but this one was outstandingly the least impressive.

Some of Europe's big old Grand Hotels have been lovingly preserved; their ancient halls and huge marble staircases are polished and painted and dusted, rooms refurbished and the old magic rekindled. This one, sadly, has been neglected.

Only half of the 67 rooms were occupied, we were told, and you pay more for a room with a harbour view. But It seemed to us that their policy is to give guests who take a standard room the worst room available, we were in 307, at the back overlooking a blank wall and a courtyard bar. It didn't matter much, as we didn't come for the view, and were up early, but watch out. Breakfast was good and the staff smiling and helpful.

Come on Mercure! Tourism in Puglia is up 50% in 5 years and with its lovely position in Brindisi Old Town, on harbour front, this old lady could be a wonderful restoration project.

This hotel is way past its prime. Rooms are shabby, and don't plan on opening any windows... rooms on the interior all look onto the HVAC system, rooms on the street are subject to scooter noise until the wee hours, and airport noise in the morning. Fortunately, the weather was just cool enough that we didn't need AC or heat, so the system had been shut off. A ned hotel a few blocks away has recently opened, and friends who stayed there were happy with it.

Myself and a work colleague stayed here for one terrible night, the hotel has a lovely setting by the sea and was probably lovely in its day, but now its old and run down. Carpets were dirty and stained, room was horrible, dirty marks all over the walls and floor. Staff didn't want to know other than to move me to another dirty room. Hardly even a bar in the hotel, or a restaurant. Very disappointing. Moved to the hotel oriental which was much nicer. Internet didn't work. They had the cheek to charge €90 for a tiny, hot single room! See my pictures of this "4 star" hotel