Casa Isabella Exclusive Hotel

“Loved Casa Isabella”

We stayed at Casa Isabella for one night on our Puglia travels and enjoyed our stay. It seemed like we were going back in time - we could picture the horses riding through the arches into the courtyard! The grounds and gardens were beautiful to walk around and enjoy. The rooms was decent size b... more

We stayed at Casa Isabella for one night on our Puglia travels and enjoyed our stay. It seemed like we were going back in time - we could picture the horses riding through the arches into the courtyard! The grounds and gardens were beautiful to walk around and enjoy. The rooms was decent size but not large, and the bathroom and shower were okay. the breakfast was good. The staff was helpful and the location seemed was in the country side. We would stay here again if back in the Mottola area of Puglia.

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“Amazing !”

My extreme positiveness about this hotel started already a week before arrival. One hour after I booked at booking.com the receptionist on duty called on my cellular telling that he had received my booking. He told that the evening we had booked for they had a wedding planned and thus suggested t... more

My extreme positiveness about this hotel started already a week before arrival. One hour after I booked at booking.com the receptionist on duty called on my cellular telling that he had received my booking. He told that the evening we had booked for they had a wedding planned and thus suggested to upgrade our rooms (4) to the other side of the hotel without extra charge, including a junior suite (!). Thus we would not be disturbed by an eventual noise. What a service !!! Upon arrival a young lady (Anna) encountered us already at the parking lot offering us help with the suitcases. After formalities we were showed our rooms which were beautiful, stylish decorated and furnished. But then at dinner it all started ! It was served in the charming outside patio of the castle. Anna suggested us the antipasti, 16 different starters of earth and sea, both warm and cold, including a full plate of fresh oysters with salami; great and unexpected combination. We asked for a certain wine (Sessant Anni; Feudi San Marzano) that however was not available but Anna immediately suggested another wine and she hit the point. Superb, (Salice Salentino Due Palme). To compensate the inconvenience we were offered for free an excellent Chardonnay. No doubt we can see Anna in 5 years from now in one of the leading hotels in the world. Then at a certain point the manager showed up, non verbally expressing his loyalty and proudness to work in the place into every inch. He suggested to continue with orecchiette but we could hardly breath anymore after all these tasteful, surprising and outstanding starters. He called for the chef (shy but very high level) to - handcut - lonzo di maiale at our table on the vintage Berkel machine. 'Make a walk in the park and after that prepare for the dessert' the manager advised. An excellent recommendation after which we finished with an outstanding dessert of hand made ice cake. After a nice sleep in the aircon rooms (no noise at all!) we arrived at the breakfast, and yes (of course) again only smiling and dedicated faces including the receptionist giving us before leaving some background info on this historical place. Whenever you have the opportunity, let yourself experience this warm bath of hospitality at this Casa Isabella. Applause to all of you; you deserve it !

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“An interesting step back in time to a Ducale Palazzo”

After spending the day in Taranto we were ready for the pastoral quiet afforded by Casa Isabella and when traveling generally seek a town nearby for overnights. Mottola, a short drive from the madness was perfect. We were all set up for Matera the next morning. The Palazzo was interestingly bea... more

After spending the day in Taranto we were ready for the pastoral quiet afforded by Casa Isabella and when traveling generally seek a town nearby for overnights. Mottola, a short drive from the madness was perfect. We were all set up for Matera the next morning. The Palazzo was interestingly beautiful and well preserved. Huge rooms with high arched ceilings, sparsely furnished with period pieces; very clean but to my wife's disdain lacked mattress pads; ok perhaps for the Duke and Isabella but hey, when in Mottola do as,,,,,,,,,,the beds were good. Investigating the public areas (this place is huge) was a treasure trove of artwork of varying tastes and added to the charm. We had arrived in time for a late pranza and rather than drive again (you're really in the country) we stayed put. We started with the Casa appetizer special and the selections just kept on coming and each was better than the last. We had already ordered a primo but in now not able to even begin on it and the waiter gratefully put a stop on order in time without fanfare. I think he knew that it wasn't going to happen. I should have put it aside for breakfast; (only joking) but breakfast is limited with the exception of wonderful cappuccino like I make at home and 3 of those with a dolce is all I usually have anyway.My wife would have liked a better selection; cereal, etc. I just feel that this chef is not about to do anything meager. Its really all or nothing as we found out that evening. After exploring Matera we tried in vain to find a good place but most were closed and the open ones were pleasing the tourists so off we went choosing wisely to return to Isabella and we were glad we did. Another stellar display of gastronomic greatness with good house wine and excellent value. My thanks to Antonio and his staff of serious players at the Palazzo. I would love to return again sometime.

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