Hotel D'Amato — Hotel in Peschici

We found the D'Amato on tripadvisor but discounted it due to the mention of poolaerobics- one of my pet hates!! Now its not that I'm a couch potato - nor am I a spoilsport, but I do like to chill out when I'm on my holls. If I want to do aerobics I will find somewhere to go - rather than have it thrust on me when I'm having my afternoon snooze!! ||||Saying that - the instructor was incredibly fit - and more than a bit like George Clooney!! Also the staff were very good and didn't hassle you.||||Anyhoo - the hotel was clean and presentable. We had a poolside double room which had a fridge, shower room, balcony, TV. Nice view of the bay. The beach was 10 euros a day, but I didn't go there as there is a massive expanse of beach at Rodi - further up the coast (going north) which is free and makes for a really good 'tan while you walk' experience. If you want to lounge, the best beach (can't remember the name, sorry) is the first turning after Peschici station on the right going towards Rodi. You'll see signs to a caravan site - park along the beach. There is a really good beach bar which has 30 or so loungers and brollies for hire - less than 10 euros a day. You can also eat there and they have showers. The sea was lovely and warm and the shore is gently shelving - perfect for kids.||||Breakfast was not brilliant at the hotel. If you came down late the pastries had gone as they did not seem to replenish the plates. There was only cereal, bread, jam, some pastries if you're lucky. Coffee which tasted like it had been burnt (ask for some from the machine, rather than the stewing pot).||||The desk staff were mixed - some were a bit miserable, but still polite, whilst others were very firendly. There is free internet access in the lobby, but don't hog it or they'll charge you. The bar area is sparse and quite cold feeling - evening entertainment is nil, which is fine as Peschici is a lovely place with a lively, slightly boho, arty feel to it. ||||There is a courtesy bus that takes you in and out of the town. Lots of restaurants and cafe's. Lovely wine bar on the left just as you turn to go through the arch way to the old part of the town and castle. They serve vino locale as well as from other regions by the glass or bottle - little expensive, but great for ambience and people watching. We spent our evenings weaving around the old town which is a labyrinth of streets with craft and tourist shops dotted around. ||||There is a really good restaurant near the castle - go as far as you can and just before the viewpoint you will see it on the left. It is like eating in someone's living room - very atmospheric and great views if you go to the balcony. Food and wine are great.||||For a really Italian eating experience follow the coast road along from Peschici towards Rodi till you see the fishing nets sticking out at the bottom of the cliff (approx 6km out of Peschici) . You'll notice a wooden sign on the right indicating a restaurant. Go down there (little hairy in a car - steep and narrow, but not too bad!). At the bottom of the cliff there is a wonderful restaurant that has no menu - explain how much you want to spend - or be open to the whole experience - it will probably cost around £50 if you go the whole hog with drinks etc. The tables are set amongst the arms that hold the fishing nets (no nets in the evening) and it makes for wonderful photos and an inforgettable romantic experience with a lovely sunset. They cook what they've hauled out of the sea - they'll tell you what's on the menu - bring an Italian/English dictionary with you as there is very little English spoken.||||We also took a drive into the National park - there are lovely picnic, BBQ spots there and it is cool and a contrast to the coast. Take a picnic and some...

We had the absolute pleasure of staying at Hotel D’Amato in Peschici, and we can't say enough good things about our experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome. Their warmth and hospitality were truly exceptional — you can tell this is a family-owned hotel because of the care and thoughtfulness that goes into every detail. We felt right at home the entire time.

The property itself is stunning, with beautifully maintained grounds and a gorgeous swimming pool surrounded by plenty of loungers where you can unwind and soak up the sun. The nearby beach is just a short stroll away, and it's absolutely beautiful and spotlessly clean.

One of our favorite parts of the day was enjoying the full breakfast each morning. It gave us the perfect boost of energy to start our adventures and was always fresh, plentiful, and delicious.

Hotel D’Amato is more than just a hotel — it’s a place where you feel like part of the family. We left feeling relaxed, recharged, and already dreaming of coming back. Highly recommended to anyone...

This is one of these "ratings don't cover enough ground" reviews, as--other than the pool--the facilities at Hotel D'Amato ranged from disappointing to average; yet, our experience was stellar. Hence the title: "troubled excellence."||||So, if you are expecting a western four star facility..., forget-about-it. The rooms was quaint, but renovations are long overdue. The common areas, too, smacked of decades of inattention. All serviceable, but aging, and showing signs of wear.||||Had we wanted a Hilton-like experience, though, we wouldn't have chosen Hotel D'Amato. Rather, we wanted an authentic middle class Italian vacation experience: a place friends and family have been returning to for generations. A place where staff hug clients, where the owner greets and earnestly inquires about you, where the dining room is overseen by an old pro who'll cook your eggs, if need be.||||Other things you should know: the beach is close, getting into upper Peschici is easy, there's a market across the streets, and the cappuccinos are pretty...