Bari, a coastal gem on the Adriatic Sea, is often overlooked by travelers in favor of more famous Italian destinations like Rome or Venice. But for those seeking a unique and less touristy experience, this vibrant city in southern Italy has a lot to offer. During my recent trip to Bari, I discovered not only its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful coastline, but also a hidden gem of a hotel that perfectly blended comfort and affordability. If you’re planning a trip to Bari and want to find a place that gives you the best of both worlds, let me share my personal experience with the Hotel Boston.
1. Location: A Quiet Spot, Close to the Action
Hotel Boston is situated in a central location, just a few minutes’ walk from the historical old town (Bari Vecchia) and the stunning seafront promenade. When I first arrived, I was immediately struck by how convenient the hotel’s location was. Tucked on a peaceful side street, it offered a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while still being within walking distance of major attractions.
The Bari Centrale Train Station is only a 10-minute walk away, which made it incredibly easy for me to explore other parts of the region, including the charming town of Alberobello and the seaside town of Polignano a Mare. The hotel is also close to Piazza del Ferrarese, where you can find a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. As a frequent traveler, I always appreciate a hotel that strikes the right balance between convenience and tranquility, and Hotel Boston nailed that perfectly.
2. The Hotel Itself: Simple Yet Stylish
Upon arrival, I was greeted by a warm, friendly receptionist who checked me in quickly and efficiently. The lobby was small but tastefully decorated with contemporary art pieces and a couple of comfy armchairs where I could relax after a long journey. One thing that immediately stood out to me was the lack of pretension. Hotel Boston has a very welcoming, no-fuss atmosphere that made me feel right at home from the start.
The rooms were nothing short of cozy. I stayed in a standard double room for three nights, and it felt like the perfect balance between simplicity and comfort. The room wasn’t enormous, but it had everything I needed. The bed was large and comfortable, covered with soft linens, which made for a great night’s sleep after a long day of sightseeing. The walls were painted in soft, neutral tones, and the décor was minimalist with just a few carefully chosen details, like a modern desk lamp and framed artwork on the walls.
One thing I particularly liked about the room was the spacious balcony that overlooked a quiet street lined with trees. It was a perfect spot for enjoying my morning coffee or watching the sunset in the evening. There was also a decent-sized wardrobe for hanging clothes, a mini-fridge stocked with water and snacks, and a flat-screen TV that I rarely used since I was too busy exploring the city.
The bathroom was compact but well-maintained, with clean, modern fixtures. The shower had great water pressure, and the towels were soft and fresh. I found the small touches, like the complimentary toiletries and the hairdryer, to be particularly thoughtful.
3. Pricing and Booking: Affordable Without Compromise
When it comes to pricing, Hotel Boston is an absolute steal considering the location and the quality of service it offers. I booked my stay through Booking.com, where the prices for a standard double room started at around €80 per night during the off-season. I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable the room was, especially given the location, which is just a short stroll from Bari’s top attractions.
For those of you who are planning to visit Bari during the peak tourist season (summer), prices tend to rise to about €100-120 per night for a standard room, which is still very reasonable compared to other hotels in the area. I opted for a non-refundable rate, which helped me save a bit more money. There are also options for free cancellation, though this might be slightly more expensive.
I’ve stayed in other hotels in Italy that offer similar amenities, but what sets Hotel Boston apart is the overall value for money. When I compared prices on other platforms like Expedia and Hotels.com, I found that Booking.com offered the best rates, and the user reviews (which were overwhelmingly positive) made it an easy decision for me.
4. Amenities and Services: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t
Hotel Boston doesn’t have the extravagant amenities of larger, luxury hotels, but it offers exactly what you need for a comfortable stay. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, which worked well throughout my stay, and the breakfast was a simple yet satisfying affair. Each morning, I went down to the breakfast room, where I could enjoy fresh croissants, pastries, bread, fruit, yogurt, and a selection of juices and coffee. It was the perfect way to start my day before heading out for a morning of exploring.
One feature I truly appreciated was the 24-hour front desk service. The staff was always available to assist with anything, whether it was giving directions to a nearby restaurant or offering advice on the best places to visit in Bari. While I didn’t need much help during my stay, it was reassuring to know that the hotel had a reliable team on hand.
5. Local Recommendations: Where to Eat and What to Do Nearby
While Hotel Boston itself is charming, the real magic of Bari lies in its surroundings. After checking in, I spent most of my time wandering through Bari Vecchia, the old town, where you can get lost in the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets, each corner revealing a new discovery. The Basilica di San Nicola, one of Bari’s most famous landmarks, is just a short walk away. The church’s impressive Romanesque architecture is a must-see, especially for history buffs.
If you’re looking for food recommendations, there are plenty of places near the hotel to satisfy your cravings. One restaurant I highly recommend is La Uascezze, located just a few minutes from the hotel. The Puglian cuisine is fantastic, and the seafood pasta I had there was out of this world. For a more casual dining experience, Pizzeria da Umberto offers delicious, freshly baked pizza that I returned to several times.
I also made sure to take a stroll along the lungomare, the seafront promenade. The view of the Adriatic Sea, with its crystal-clear waters and the distant view of the harbor, was just stunning. Bari may not be as well-known for its beaches as some other parts of Italy, but there’s something incredibly relaxing about sitting by the water and watching the world go by.
6. Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hotel in Bari that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and affordability, Hotel Boston is definitely worth considering. It’s not flashy or pretentious, but it’s got everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in this beautiful city. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning to explore the region in-depth, this hotel provides a perfect base to rest and recharge before heading out to discover all that Bari has to offer.
Booking was easy, the location was ideal, the amenities were just right, and the price was more than reasonable. I left Bari feeling fully satisfied with my experience at Hotel Boston, and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again on my next visit to this charming city. If you’re after a hotel that won’t break the bank but still offers great quality, this one should be at the top of your list.
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