If you’ve ever thought about visiting the south of Italy, Foggia might not immediately come to mind. It’s often overshadowed by more popular cities like Rome, Florence, or Naples. However, after my recent trip to this charming town in the Apulia region, I can confidently say that Foggia is a destination that offers not just a rich cultural experience but also incredible value when it comes to accommodations.
1. Arriving in Foggia: First Impressions
After a short flight from London, I arrived in Foggia feeling both excited and curious. The city itself is quiet and laid-back, with an undeniable old-world charm that you can feel as soon as you step out into the streets. Foggia isn’t as packed with tourists, which made it even more appealing to me — it felt like I was about to uncover a local secret. The town has beautiful architecture, narrow streets lined with old buildings, and little cafes that invite you to take a seat and relax.
But the best part? Finding the perfect place to stay. Hotels in Foggia are affordable compared to the larger Italian cities, and this is where I stumbled upon a real gem: Hotel Cicolella.
2. Hotel Cicolella: Where Comfort Meets Affordability
Location:
Hotel Cicolella is ideally located in the heart of Foggia, just a short walk from the train station and within easy reach of the city’s main attractions. Its central location means you’re not too far from the bustling parts of town, but it still provides a peaceful retreat after a long day of sightseeing.
The hotel’s address is:
Hotel Cicolella
Viale XXIV Maggio, 61, 71121 Foggia FG, Italy.
I found it by browsing through Booking.com, a platform I often use to find affordable yet high-quality stays. The booking process was smooth, and after reading several positive reviews, I decided to book a 3-night stay. The price was a pleasant surprise, especially considering the comfort and service I received. For those wondering, my three-night stay cost me about €180 (around £160), which is incredibly reasonable for a hotel of this quality in Italy.
3. The Room: Simple, Clean, and Comfortable
The room I stayed in was exactly what I needed after a day of exploring. While not overly luxurious, it was spacious, immaculately clean, and had everything I required. The bed was large and comfortable, with crisp white linens that felt like a cloud after a busy day. There was a small desk, a wardrobe with plenty of space, and a bathroom that was spotless and well-equipped with basic toiletries.
What stood out the most was the natural light. My room had large windows that let in a lot of sunlight, which gave it a bright, airy feel. Even though I was right in the center of town, the room was quiet and peaceful, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
The Wi-Fi worked well throughout the hotel, which is always a plus when traveling, and the air-conditioning kept the room cool during the warmer parts of the day.
4. The Hotel’s Amenities: Basic Yet Satisfying
Hotel Cicolella doesn’t offer an extensive list of amenities like some of the larger hotels in Italy, but what it does offer, it does really well. There is a small, welcoming lobby area where you can relax if you need a break from the heat. The hotel staff was extremely friendly and always ready to offer helpful recommendations for restaurants or things to see around town.
Each morning, they offered a continental breakfast, which included a variety of pastries, fresh fruit, coffee, and juices. It wasn’t a huge spread, but it was more than enough to start my day. There’s also a small bar in the hotel where you can grab a drink in the evening if you’re in the mood for something refreshing.
One of the highlights of staying at Hotel Cicolella is its proximity to the historical sites in Foggia. I could easily walk to places like the Cathedral of Foggia, Piazza Cavour, and the Museo Civico within minutes. The hotel’s location made it very convenient for me to explore the city without needing a car or relying on public transport all the time.
5. Exploring Foggia: What to Do and See
Foggia, although small, has a rich history and plenty of places to visit. The town’s heart is found in its piazzas, with Piazza Cavour being one of the most famous. It’s lined with beautiful old buildings, and you’ll often find locals enjoying coffee or chatting with friends at the cafes surrounding the square. The Cathedral of Foggia is an absolute must-see. It’s a beautiful church that dates back to the 12th century, showcasing some stunning Romanesque and Baroque architecture.
Another must-visit spot is the Museo Civico, which offers a deeper look into the city’s history. It’s small, but you’ll find some impressive artifacts and exhibits about Foggia’s past, from its medieval history to more recent developments. If you have time, I also recommend checking out the nearby Parco Karol Wojtyla, a park dedicated to the late Pope John Paul II. It’s a peaceful place for a walk and a nice way to escape the urban bustle for a while.
One of the coolest things about Foggia is the food. Local specialties include orecchiette (pasta shaped like little ears) and focaccia with various toppings. The town is not a tourist trap, so the prices are fair, and you can easily find delicious meals at local trattorias without breaking the bank.
6. How I Booked: The Booking Process
I booked my stay at Hotel Cicolella through Booking.com, which is my go-to platform for hotel reservations. I’ve always found it to be user-friendly and reliable. The site allowed me to read guest reviews, check photos of the rooms, and compare prices across different dates to ensure I was getting the best deal. The booking process itself was seamless, and I received a confirmation email right away.
In addition to Booking.com, I’ve used other platforms like Expedia and Airbnb, but for this trip, I found that Booking.com provided the most competitive rates and the best selection for hotels in Foggia. You can also choose to book directly through the hotel’s website, but I preferred the convenience of Booking.com.
7. The Cost: Exceptional Value for Money
When traveling to Italy, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of glamorous hotels in famous cities. However, Foggia’s Hotel Cicolella was a reminder that sometimes the best experiences come at a fraction of the price. For just €60 per night, I had a spacious, clean, and comfortable room, excellent service, and a central location that allowed me to explore the city on foot. The hotel provided everything I needed, and the cost was significantly lower than what you might pay in larger cities like Milan or Rome. This makes Foggia not just an affordable destination but one that offers true value for money.
8. A Peaceful Stay in the Heart of Foggia
Foggia may not be as well-known as some of Italy’s bigger cities, but it’s precisely this charm and lack of mass tourism that make it a standout destination. Hotel Cicolella was a key part of my experience, offering comfort, great service, and an unbeatable price for a centrally located hotel. If you’re planning a trip to southern Italy, I highly recommend staying here. It gave me the perfect base from which to explore Foggia’s rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine, all while being able to relax and recharge in a comfortable and affordable space.
Foggia is a place that quietly invites you to take your time, enjoy the slower pace of life, and appreciate the simple pleasures — a great meal, a walk through the piazza, and a cozy hotel that doesn’t break the bank.
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