San Michele Suite, Polignano e Mare - 7 rooms
This charming hotel is in the center of the old city and cannot be reached by car. We were told where to park - not that we found it - and the hotel sent a bicycle rickshaw to us. The hotel was terrific about using WhatsApp. We sent a picture of where we were; they figured it out and within a few minutes the bicycle rickshaw was there. We then followed it to the secured parking area that the hotel uses. We transferred our luggage to the rickshaw, jumped in, and off we went.

We had a suite on the same floor as reception; roughly 12 steps up from street level. It was a two room suite but with part of the wall open between the bedroom and living room. Windows were smaller than we anticipated, likely a cost of modifying an old building and being restricted in what could be done. We looked over the sea and a very popular pebbly beach in a small cove. We had breakfast on the rooftop terrace, two flights up a tight winding staircase. The breakfast was excellent with a range of fresh fruits and pastries typical of the area. The rooftop terrace was open at all times and we were invited for an apertif at sundown.

We used the bicycle rickshaw to go to Michelin 1 star L’Osteria di Chichibio (10 minute walk back) and to Grotta Palazesse, a quick 4 minute walk back. My one regret is totally on me. The hotel offered to book a boat ride, 300 euros for 2 hours and 50 euros to and from the harbor. I wanted an afternoon ride but it wasn't available. All that we could get was morning which I didn't think would suit my jetlagged body the first day out. I thought it would be easy to do this later on in the trip but it wasn't.

Service was superb; staff was warm and welcoming.