Giovì Relais

This hotel was unwilling to accommodate our request to cancel the stay and charged us the full amount despite us never stepping foot on the property. Their staff provided zero support; it was a very disappointing experience. Use caution when booking

Immediately adjacent to the old centre of Polignano, the hotel feels new, but styled on older local buildings, and using local materials. How often can you lay in bed, looking up at clamshell fossils in the stones of your arched ceiling? Our room (and the whole building, which features a spa in the cellar) felt calm and comfortable. The breakfast terrace was on the roof, with lovely views over the town, out to sea. Breakfast was reasonable - not the greatest selection in the world, but enough to keep you going until lunchtime. The nearest car-park is 6 or 7 minutes walk away, although if you know what you're doing, you can always stop briefly at the back door of the hotel to load/unload luggage. Staff very friendly and helpful.

We booked 7 nights’ accommodation at Giovi Relais in a Junior Suite, in early July 2023, upon entering our room we could feel the heat, but attributed this to simply the room being vacant and the air conditioning not operational. We kept the air conditioning going continuously and even got the receptionist to come and check the settings, given there were no instructions supplied, however the rooms temperature did not reduce. We spent an unbearable first night in the hot room even sitting outside on the terrace to gain some relief, as it was cooler outside at 3am, than in our room. First thing in the morning we reported the air conditioning not working and asked to be moved to another room, however, were told that this would not be possible until the following night as they had no vacancies. As no further remedy was provided, we advised reception that we could not stay another sleepless night in the heat of the room they had supplied. We advised reluctantly we would have to leave and find alternate accommodation given the forecasted temperatures where in the high 30’s to low 40’s. Even though we had only stayed 1 night of the 7 nights we had booked Giovi Relais had the audacity to charge us for 4 nights' accommodation as they said this was the penalty under their terms and conditions for cancelling. Despite profusely arguing our point that we would have gladly stayed at this accommodation had we received the services that we had indeed booked (an airconditioned room), Giovi Relais still proceeded to charge us for 4 nights with no apology or hint of customer service. Given our experience we would NOT recommend this establishment to anyone. Happily, I can confirm that our insurance refunded us for being unnecessarily overcharged for services not received and furthermore we were fortunate to locate alternate accommodation that was both cheaper and superior to that offered by Giovi Relais.

From check in to check out, a wonderful experience. This BnB style hotel/spa is in the center of town with plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and boutiques just downstairs. Have no fear though, you cannot hear a peep of noise from these places at night. The building's soundproofing is great. The rooms are these little cave style suites that are so cozy and charming, stocked with a minibar (extra cost), and bathrobes. Even a little desk to do some work. The breakfast was a typical italian breakfast buffet and was very tasty. The service here though is the outstanding part. The manager was so helpful and friendly. From arranging pick up laundry service, helping me to find a pharmacy and a cafe with wifi that allows for working, recommending restaurants, and arranging anything you need. While the listing does say no cars, because it is in a pedestrian area, the car can drop you literally 1 block away, a 1 minute walk, so do not let this deter you from booking.

Beware, air conditioner doesn’t work good. It remained above 24 degrees. The hotel reception did not acknowledge this and pretty much shrugged their shoulders as if to say that is acceptable. Myself and sister were travelling with our elderly parents and their room did not go below 25 degrees. Way too hot for elderly over 80 years old. The hotel told us they were fully booked for one night and the other night they had a room available at their other property. Unfortunately this was not acceptable to seperate from my elderly parents, but the hotel provided ancient fans. The breakfast was nice and the location was good. But comfort after a day exploring was horrendous ti come back into a boiling hot room.

The Giovi Relais is right in the center of town you could not be more centrally located. The room was excellent although I would stay in a rear room next time not on via Roma. That being said it was terrific nice size, with all the amenities and it had a balcony. Breakfast was excellent too great selection and terrific view of the city. The hot tub was closed. I didn't use the spa services. They made travel arrangement to the Bari airport and dinner too.Special thanks to Domenico for his assitance.