We spent four nights at the hotel Lucy in mid-September 2009, and for us it was just right - spacious high bedroom, comfortable bed, and a decent shower room, with a small balcony from which to watch the dawn break over the facade of the huge church opposite and the people going by.

No breakfast arrangements however the capucino and ordinary coffee - and the pastries, freshly-made on the premises - that we enjoyed in the sunshine outside the bar round the corner were just wonderful. We also appreciated the small library of paperbacks, and supply of tourist leaflets in the hallway that was replenished each day - sometimes it's the little things.....

Couldn't be easier to find from the railway station (even in the rain); just walk out - and keep going! For us the location, one block back from the attractive harbour, could hardly have been better and the many parking spaces in the square in front were clearly a big advantage for the many people doing car tours who stayed there for a night or two.


Things we enjoyed....

Wandering the town and its ancient sidestreets, exploring the old Jewish quarter, nosing around the many churches and other fine old buildings.

The star attractions have to be the duomo - standing right beside the sea - the enormous, stark waterfront castle and - particularly - the Templars' Ogni Santa church. For the summer many of the city's churches had been open almost all day, but being September we had to ring the custodian - who then came down and opened up for us almost immediately!

The food: we're from a very fishy island - and had gone to Puglia intent on some good lamb - but found the fish and shellfish in the many restaurants quite remarkable and wonderfully fresh - as could be seen each evening when they're sold straight off the fishing boats harbourside. And, although a good way from Naples, they make pretty mean pizza too!

The wine: as well as some good local reds and whites, we were really taken with Rasciatano Rosè, from nearby Barletta - not blended but made the traditional way, using only red grapes (Montepulciano) that are pressed very lightly to produce a delicate salmon pink.

If you like 'real' Italy, this place will appeal - as will its great value!

You'll find a few pictures here: http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/trani_gen

Albergo Lucy is a converted colonial style town house located bang in the centre of Trani and a stone's throw from the port.

If you're looking for a luxury break or something special then look elsewhere. However, if you're looking for a basic, no frills, good value place to lay your head then Lucy ticks those boxes.

The rooms are large with high ceilings (the triple rooms have balconies). We had a double room which was clean with a firm bed. However, as it lacked Air conditioning or a decent breeze, we suffered a little in the August heat of Puglia. The bathrooms are small but functional. Don't expect any soaps, gels etc (this really is no frills to the max). I'd recommend that you bring your own towels as the ones on offer are too small to wrap around the body.

That said, I LOVED the hotel for its location. It's slap bang next to a lovely park on the edge of the Port and, to be frank, I think its the best location for a hotel in the city. There's a great gelataria downstairs plus a good cafe if you fancy grabbing a coffee in the morning.

In February the area surrounding the hotel was very quiet. The hotel is close to the harbour and an easy walk to tourist attractions and restaurants. The view from our small balcony was to a lovely park. Our room was quite large with high ceilings and very clean. Great hot water. Room rate was great value.

I spent a very nice few days in Trani at Albergo Lucy. It was the off season so they were doing upkeep on the property and it was apparant that the owners are quite good at caring for their guests and are concerned for their comfort and to facilitate their enjoyment of the area. There is wireless internet throughout the albergo and the shower has great water pressure. The location could not be better. It is near the waterfront so it is quite convenient to see what's happening at different times of the day. I would definitely stay there again.