Hotel Riva Del Sole

There are areas in all parts of the hotel inside and outside to sit and relax or chat. The hotel had a large pool. The restaurant has a private beach view making for spectacular views. The breakfast was excellent having a large variety of items to choose from ( even a table full of desserts) with the food and fruits of good quality. The room we had was very large with medium sized bathroom. Our room included a huge patio balcony with table and chairs. The hotel was a short distance from Giovinazzo that is a delightful town to visit and have lunch or dinner. The main lobby staff and restaurant staff was very nice. A local bus does run and stop nearby the hotel. Just know where the bus stop is to return correctly.

"Riva del Sole" hotel is a great facility located in Giovinazzo, literally 10m from Bari International Airport (BRI). Beyond the main hotel structure, the site is also hosting private residences for local / international owners, within the same premises. We stayed at the facility as "base" to visit the region from Trani to Polignano a Mare, from Bari to other nice small towns in the area. While the buildings might have a certain "age", the management and the facility team works hard and put effort in maintaining clean, organized and in order. The rocky beach is a 5m walk from the main hotel reception, and - as per the local coastal area of Giovinazzo - rarely offers sand but nice rocks with transparent water: the hotel beach team has build a pedestrian pathwalk and ladder down to the water to facilitate walking and diving in the sea. Very efficient and diverse organization on the beach, with shaded beds, cabins, bar with music and serving also lunch, a nice small restaurant. Amazing buffet breakfast, with high quality local food - including fresh mozzarella, ricotta and focaccia - espresso, cappuccino, yogurt. Nice and professional personnel always available. Fast WLAN internet access, outdoor swimming pool and good organization for entertainment at the facilities. Free parking and 24/7 security is included and supporting.

We enjoyed our stay a lot. Great breakfast, place close by the sea, clean rooms. The beach area looks lovely, but was not really open whilst we were there, despite it being September.

Nice place and accomodating. Had little late afternoon treats handed out at the beach area that we are not typically used to. We got an unecpected Italian airforce flyover which was nice to see them out. This was last major day of the Italian vacation which I assume was the reason. 8 to 9 jets lasted a good 20 minutes.

The room was fine, the pool was great (bring your own swim cap), the restaurant was very good (make reservations in advance, especially on the weekend. Breakfast was good. Staff was very friendly and helpful.