i was traveling in southern italy with my girlfriend, my parents and another couple who are in their mid-late 60s. we spent several evenings in giovinazzo which is a lovely town located approximately 10 miles north of bari. when planning our trip we decided to book our last night in this region at the mercure villa romanazzi carducci in bari because of the hotel s close proximity to the bari central train station. we had high-speed rail reservations from bari to milan the following morning.
the hotel s property is very large, charming, well manicured and maintained. they actually were hosting several weddings during our visit. the lobby area was also clean and well maintained. i definitely would not say the same for the rooms. all of our rooms were dated and musty and the carpet appeared like it was not cleaned in 20 years.
the main issue with this hotel is the surrounding areas outside of the hotel s private property. the surrounding area is very commercial and is boarded by railroad tracks. my parents and the other couple were mugged during a leisurely stroll for gelato right outside of the hotel s gates. the muggers literally ripped the pants of my father to get to his wallet. although very traumatic.luckily no one was hurt but we had to deal with a lost wallet and all the associated issues. when my parents came into the hotel lobby screaming for help, the hotel s reception person merely shrugged off the incident as a day in bari. we wound up going to the bari police station to report the crime.the police were very nice and understanding.
the bottom line is, i would not stay at this hotel again or recommend it to anyone. as a matter of fact i would not visit bari ever again. there are much nicer towns in this region like saint spirito and giovinazzo which are quainter, friendlier and safer!!!!!!!!!!