Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci

( 4 stars , Bari , Italy )

Electricity system in the room (main light) was not working, after complaining 3 times they repaired it.

We stayed 3 nights Saturday 17-Tuesday 20 July 2004. As the previous reviewer noted, this hotel is about 20 minutes walk from the Central Railway Station along a road in a dry, rather rundown part of Bari. Just as you reach a crossing over the rail line, on the left is this hotel surrounded by lush gardens. Acquired we were told by the Accor Group 3 years ago, they have converted the old villa into conference rooms and built a brand new glass fronted hotel. Our room on the 6th floor overlooked the rail station but was well soundproofed. Rooms on this side of the hotel are much bigger than those facing the gardens. The furnishings were an odd mixture of colours but the room was comfortable enough. The bathroom with just a shower cabinet was on the small size. There was a triangle open air pool in the gardens. Free internet access in the hallway. On the negative side, the hotel's restaurants are closed Saturdays and Sundays and the hotel is a long walk from anywhere else to eat. The air conditioning broke down 4 times in 3 days and seems to be an ongoing problem. Most of the staff were friendly but this is not a tourist area and English is not widely spoken. Restaurants in town did not offer lunch before 13.00 or dinner before 20.30. The needs of foreign tourists have clearly not made any impact yet!

My wife and I stayed at the Villa Romanazzi Carducci while I attended a conference in Bari. This was a very good choice. My initial impression of the hotel was not good due to it's surrundings...a rather dingy neighborhood along a busy street. It is literally on the wrong side of the tracks from the center of Bari. However, once you enter the hotel gate, things change dramatically. The hotel is located in a former villa grounds and it is truly an large oasis in a dingy surounding. One of the nicest hotel grounds we have ever seen. I cannot say enough good about the staff....they were friendly and always helpful. The rooms vary considerably in size due to the odd floor plan. The rooms on the railroad side of the building are actually very large...we ended up with one of the largest rooms. The noise on this side of the building was not bad at all...apparently the building is very well soundproofed. We even left the window open, no problem. The restaurant/bar are very good, including a cook to order hot breakfast. As the previous reviews note, this hotel was quite a pleasant surprise.

We stayed here for 4 nights. The room had two queen size beds, a divan, minibar and was very tastefully decorated. The location is supposed to be within walking distance of Bari Centrale train station, and it is except that it would be very difficult to walk with baggage. The streets were pretty dirty; lots of litter but as soon as you turn in to the driveway of this hotel you are in another world. Lush, exceptionally manicured garden, fountains, statues, it's like a beautiful mini park. There is free internet access (2) in the lobby and the staff was very helpful. Breakfast (available seven days per week)was exceptionally good. The restaurant is closed on Saturday/Sunday and unless you have a car there is no place close by to dine. We paid 122 Euro per night (senior discount). Taxi's are generally available only by having the hotel call for you. The meter starts running from the taxi's origin. Small grocery store within walking distance but again closed Sunday and on weekdays again closed during the hours of 1pm to around 4:30 p.m. The staff was very helpful. All in all I would stay here again.

A modern hotel set in delightful grounds with the old villa nearby --- but in a scruffy part of Bari about 15 minutes walk from the train station and 25 minutes from the old town. Our "superior room" was large with a view over the railway lines and, surprisingly, a shower rather than a bath. Excellent triple-glazing meant there was scarely a sound from outside. Good breakfast, with an enthusiastic chef willing to whip up an omelette or eggs and bacon on the spot. As for Bari --- a very under-estimated city with a fascinating old town. Guide books advised us not to wander in the old town at night. But we did, and never felt under any threat from the lively locals. Bari Cathedral is in the old town and we recommend sitting at the nearby bar and soaking in the atmosphere of a vibrant night life which involves all ages. Out of the city there are train services to the Trulli capital of Alberobello and, one stop beyond, the marble-white town of Locorotondo. Between them this is a great day out. We also recommend the laid-back fishing port of Trani to the north and the rocky port of Polignano a Mare to the south. They are also accessible by train. Bari and district is fascinating and we will be returning.

As I walked the 800m from Bari Centrale station, along a busy street alongside the tracks, I wondered about my choice. Then I saw the setting in fabulous gardens - even in March - and knew I'd done the right thing! A large 5th floor room overlooked the railway but I hardly heard a thing in two nights, so good is the soundproofing. I tried the 'menu Pugliese' in the restaurant, rather than venure out on a cold evening, and was not disapppointed - tho service friendly but not fast. A really good base and the city is within easy walking.