This immaculate hotel far exceeded our expectations. To say the staff were friendly, charming and very helpful would be an understatement, they went out of their way to help us and it was very obvious that they love the hotel and had immense pride in it and how important it was to each and every member of staff that we enjoyed our stay. The seven days we stayed there were fantastic. The roof terrace was gorgeous and the views incredible. English isnt widely spoken in Giovinazzo and some staff members didnt speak it well, however, they did everything they could to ensure that we had our queries answered. Breakfast was fabulous and the coffee was amazing (very important to me). Bedroom was very large and beautifully furnished (the owner is an architect and it shows). Giovanazzo itself is so quaintly Italian and the main square in the evening is just wonderful. If we had one criticism its that the restaurants didnt open until 8.30pm although there was a great selection. Le Sirenuse, right down at the harbour was divine and the owner Francesco, who lived in Glasgow, spoke perfect English and offered us his services if we ever got stuck with the language. All in all this was almost thee perfect holiday we have ever had.

Stayed here last night and was amazed by the charm and ambience of this hotel. The old monastry has been sensitively renovated. We had a lovely room with sea view and a wonderfully comfortable four poster bed.

Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Bathrooms were average and needed a bit of modernisation but everything was clean and functional, oh and the lift was the slowest lift in the world...

Would happily stay there for a night or two when passing through..

This converted monastery is located within the historic center of Giovinazzo and within walking distance of many interesting sites. The breakfast buffet was extremely well done and consistent during our four day stay. The only gap in an otherwise outstanding stay was the air conditioning which was on the blink and unable to keep up with the 35+ C heat and humidity.
We received excellent recommendations for lunch and dinner from the reception staff who were extremely patient with our many questions. If you are looking for character and charm, this is the place.

A former monastery, and pittoresque too!

Did you ever hear of Giovinazzo, south of Barletta and north of Bari, on the shores of the Adriatic? The neighbours, Barletta and Bari, have their qualities (especially if you are interested in the castles of Frederick II and the life and miracles of St. Nicolas from Myra), but the real gem is Giovinazzo, with its precious old town, wonderful Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and spectacular harbour and seaside views. The old city center is small, but every corner, every building, is a feast for the eye. It's pittoresque - let's say that, and hardly anybody knows about it. If you go there, the former monastery of St. Martin (eleventh century) is the place to be. Right on the seaside, it's a stylish hotel with an interior of passages, corridors, balconies and a courtyard where the nuns used to contemplate on life, death, and maybe what's for dinner tonight. The rooms and suites are brilliant, tastefully decorated, well done and well kept; the staff is very helpful; they have an astonishing roof terrace; and they prepare an excellent breakfast. In summer you are grateful to architects and monastery builders who gave a thought to coolness and intimacy in a characterful atmosphere. No restaurant (but there are plenty around, and good ones too), no swimming pool (but you just plunge in the sea), and yet a great experience, worth all five stars. Never heard of Giovinazzo? That's where St. Martin is! - Anton Brand & George Mulder