Via Dei Bacini 21, Porto Cesareo, Italy | (937) 315-4602
Beautiful location on a stretch of sandy, well-maintained beach
Lovely outdoor bar and garden sitting area adjacent to the beach
Peaceful hotel a 20-minute walk from Porto Cesareo
Bed and breakfast pricing option available
Small fitness center included in room charge
Free parking and free Wi-Fi in common areas
Large meeting rooms for business or other needs
Extra charge for beach chairs and umbrellas
Minimum of three days’ stay is required
Room and hotel décor is dated
Rooms may be small for some tastes
The Hotel Blu is a basic, seafront, family-run hotel located on a beautiful stretch of beach a 20-minute walk from Porto Cesareo. There is a well-maintained beach, a beach bar, and fitness center, but rooms are dated with patterned bedspreads and bland light wood furniture. Guests have complained about the decor and the charge for beach chairs and umbrellas, but the excellent location, free parking, and free Wi-Fi give this no-frills property decent value.
Scene
Family run, seafront hotel
The Hotel Blu, built in the 60s, occupies a quiet location on a rocky part of the coast. The aesthetics, both indoors and out, date back to the days it was built. The atmosphere of this family-run property is relaxed, with most guests visiting for a peaceful beach vacation. The hotel consists of a single two-level stucco structure, with a lobby that has some of the wood and tufted leather accents of the original construction. Hallways are a bit dark and narrow. The room key depot at the front desk -- which is not always guarded -- might be of concern to some guests.
Location
Directly on the beach a 20-minute walk from Porto Cesareo
Hotel Blu is located directly on the beach -- guests do not have to cross a road to access the sea, like at many other local hotels. The town of Porto Cesareo is an 18-minute walk from the hotel. Porto Cesareo is accessible via bus from Lecce, which has the nearest train station. If not driving, visitors can employ a taxi service from Porto Cesareo to access the hotel (about 5 minutes).
Rooms
Small rooms in need of an update
The rooms at Hotel Blu are small enough to require turning sideways around the beds in some spots and have dated decor such as patterned bedspreads and bedskirts. Blue floor tiles and pine accents throughout lend a slightly maritime theme that is reinforced by the occasional piece of artwork. Some rooms have balconies and lovely sea views; all rooms have air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, and a flat-screen TV.
Features
A well-maintained beach, a fitness center, and a restaurant
Hotel Blue is located on the beach -- a convenient feature for families with children that don't want to cross a street to access the sea. There is a modest fitness center with a handful of exercise machines and free weights, a shaded garden with stone fountain between the main building and the beach, and a restaurant that receives generally good reviews. It may be necessary to designate one’s evening meal preferences the morning of; there are a number of bars and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel as well.