Il Melograno — Hotel in Monopoli

BEWARE: Penalties for Il Melograno Booking Modification FULLY Enforced!!

My wife made a reservation in February - as did another couple we were traveling with. When plans changed - our co-travelers successfully modified their reservation without penalty. Unfortunately - my wife's father passed away January 26, 2025 and so the next 3 months my wife spent caring for her 85 year old mother while planning 2 Celebration of Life events in 2 different states. My wife never gave a second thought to the fact that our travel plans changed - because in the United States you're allowed to change your departure date right up to the time you decide to leave - without penalty.

11 days before our arrival - my wife realized she hadn't yet communicated our revised departure dates (though the other couple we were traveling with had), and so she called and let them know wherein they told us there would be a $500 penalty for this change and that there was nothing they would do to credit it.

After presenting my wifes personal circumstance to the hotel management in person - and after spending nearly $5,000 dollars (10 hotel nights) between our 2 couples - we were again told there would be NO consideration given to my wife's situation and her dads passing.

And so, we have been charged this full $500 penalty.

I then told Il Melograno's management that in the interest of fairness, and because we first discovered this hotel using Tauck's website (we travel with Tauck 4 or 5 times a year), I would have no choice but to also inform Taucks user base of Il Melograno's harsh modification penalties. Also Google's user base; where I have posted hundreds of reviews - MOST GLOWING - but a few like this where I'm compelled to pass along facts and warn others NOT to make this same mistake.

Overall the hotel was below average when compared to most other Tauck hotels: good people, great history, nice location. We had a car so were very happy to have abundant parking and not be in the middle of the city. Getting to Great nearby places like Polignano a mare, Monopoli, or Matera was quick and easy.

Great things: Screens on the windows (hallelujah), lots of counter space in the bathrooms, quick service to the room if you request anything like the complementary water bottles or extra towels, comfortable king bed.

Not so great: need a way to properly "seal" the showers so you don't flood the bathroom floor, stupid hangers with "non-theft" tops that are a pain to use (do people really steal hangers from 5 star hotels?), deadly tile steps/floor ledges transitioning from the bedroom to the bathroom - deadly for 60+ year-olds who might forget during the night, terrible "hold the button down the whole time" hair dryers.

PAY ATTENTION if you book this hotel. There will be no...

From the moment we checked into Il Melograno for the first part of our honeymoon we felt totally relaxed, pampered, and at home. It all starts with the ladies at the reception desk - Alessandra, Cosmara, and Maria - who are so helpful with recommending day trips, restaurants in the area, and arranging anything you could need from spa treatments to wine tastings. They are so kind, welcoming and happy to see you each time you pass by.

Each morning and afternoon we had such good meals with the best service from Oscar, who was always happy to see us and help us to learn Italian. His service was spectacular and he was so attentive to us, even if we weren’t sitting down to eat he came by to say hello and ask if we needed anything.

The sommelier at Il Melograno, Nicola, is so knowledgeable of wine and happy to speak in depth to help you find what you like. Nicola was fun and friendly to talk with and was even kind enough to offer us a special tasting of a phenomenal Cabernet.

At the spa, Miriam and her partner created a very relaxing atmosphere which is exactly what we needed after traveling for 20+ hours. Our massages and time in the steam room and sauna left us feeling rejuvenated and got us in the perfect mindset to begin our honeymoon.

Lastly, we really enjoyed our time at the bar with the bartender, Massimo. Since the weather was slightly cold with some rain the first two days, we spent time inside and Massimo was so friendly and fun to be around. He is a bartender I would love to have back in the USA! As with everyone else, he was so helpful to recommend things in the area as well as patient with us as we practiced our Italian language phrases.

We would highly recommend everyone to stay at Il Melograno and we are so happy we found this place to begin our trip around Puglia. We truly did not want to leave when it was time to check out. You will not regret your stay here, and we cannot wait...

I can not say enough that this place is an absolute treasure hidden deep inside Italy for those willing to make the trek. Stayed here after searching for a place to stay near the famous Grotta Pallazzese restaurant.(15 minute drive tops) From the website the hotel looked nice and suitable for the 1 night stay on our journey through Italy but they left us wanting more and to come back! We went in April which I understand is the early season for them and not the best time but it was still great for us. A little bit about this place it was a 16th century (500 years ago) fortified farmhouse that has been transformed into what feels like one of the best places to stay in Italy. When you stay here not only feel the history , and can imagine what it once was but you also get soak in all the modern upgrades they have done to it without changing the character and vibe. Again I wish we could have stayed longer and we have to go back someday to ecpierenceceverything they offer. They have mountain bike, full gym, tennis courts, an unbelievable spa, a huge pool, and orchards you can roam through. They also offer multiple cooking classes both on-site and ones that take you to the local market in monopoli. We only had breakfast here and it was phenomenal. I could see this spot as a top notch wedding venue, family reunion, group gathering, or just a romantic getaway or relaxing escape from the work grind. Also in case I didn’t mention, the staff are all incredible and will go above and beyond to make you...