Patria Palace Hotel
Italy
Patria Palace Hotel – Ho Hotels Collection
Piazzetta Gabriele Riccardi 13, 73100 Lecce
www.patriapalace.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Ho Collection
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
1997
Hotel General Manager
Roberto Frugis – General Manager
General Manager of Patria Palace in Lecce, with 20+ years in luxury hospitality with a strong track record in hotel management, F&B development, and rebranding projects. Focused on delivering memorable guest experiences and sustainable business growth.
Hotel Positioning
5 – star LUXURY member of The Leading Hotels of The World
Development Strategy
The Ho Collection Group is focused on Upscale and Luxury hotels in Southern and Central Italy. The group has already started a new luxury project in Itria Valley and is committed to develop other luxury boutique hotels in key cities and countryside/seaside destinations in Italy as well as upscale lifestyle hotels in the top 20 commercial cities of the country.
Patria Palace Hotel – Ho Hotels Collection
History & Story
The eighteenth-century palace that houses the hotel was originally the aristocratic residence of the Petrarolo D’Anna family. The family was a Neapolitan aristocrat, and was listed in the Italian Official Nobiliary List in 1921. After the death of the owners, the Palazzo went to the municipality and, after various vicissitudes, was donated to a religious order that turned it into an orphanage. In 1850 a businessman from Bari, engineer Giacomo Gridi, bought the Palazzo and made it into a guesthouse, said to be the first in the city. In 1861, the palace underwent a major expansion, which brought it to its present size. At the behest of the Gridi’s family, the second floor of the Palazzo was in fact built, which led to the expansion of the number of rooms. To mark that exciting period in the history of the unification of Italy (1861), Mr Gridi transformed the ‘Guesthouse’ into the city’s first hotel under the name Hotel Patria. In 1994, the Palace was acquired by a businessman from Bari, Daniele De Gennaro. To the Barese architect Gaetano Mossa was given the task of redesigning the new Patria Palace Hotel. After three years of energetic but respectful restoration work by artists and master craftsmen, the Patria Palace reopened its doors in 1997 becoming the first 5-star hotel in Apulia. In 2020 a major renovation has given the Hotel a new design and introduced new services keeping the original elegance and historical touch.
Date Renewal
2020-2025 All common areas, rooms and a new spa has been built.
Date added extensions
N/A
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• The only hotel directly facing the Basilica di Santa Croce, offering one of the most iconic views in Lecce.
• Sira Rooftop Bar and Restaurant delivers cocktails with a view—perfect for sunset aperitifs overlooking Lecce’s rooftops and Basilica di Santa Croce
• Exclusive access to partner beach clubs on the Adriatic coast with seasonal free shuttle service.
Location
The Patria Palace Hotel is located in the heart of Lecce’s historic center.
• The hotel sits directly in front of the Basilica di Santa Croce, Lecce’s most iconic and ornate Baroque masterpiece. Many rooms offer a close-up view of its famous façade.
• It is situated in a quiet yet central pedestrian-friendly area, surrounded by narrow stone streets, historical palazzi, artisan boutiques, and lively cafés.
• Historical atmosphere: The neighbourhood is part of Lecce’s centro storico, known for its golden limestone buildings and rich architectural heritage.
• Walking distance to major landmarks:
-Piazza Sant’Oronzo
-Roman Amphitheater
-Cathedral
-Castle of Charles V
Key sites/activities in the area
Artisanal Local Experience: Treat yourself to the exclusive experience of visiting private ateliers and artistic studios of local artisans and designers, allowing yourself to be influenced by the story of their art, taking the opportunity to try to create something unique under their expert guidance.
Try your hand at papier-mâché, an expression of typical local craftsmanship, try sculpting Lecce stone and learn the techniques for working clay and ceramics, let yourself be fascinated by the ancient tradition of weaving.
Vintage Tour: There is something unforgettable in the views of Salento, something unique that remains in the heart. Make your tour to discover Lecce and the magnificent surrounding areas even more evocative by choosing a vintage car or motorbike to travel along the roads that will take you to discover the most beautiful towns in Salento. Enjoy the view of the countryside and be moved by the panoramic views of the sea, living the dream of a tour in a vintage car.
Boat experience: Relax and dive into the crystal clear sea of Salento away from the crowd, enjoying delicious snacks based on home cooking and local delicacies.
With a private excursion you can sail along one or both sides of the Salento coast, with several stops to discover the most beautiful caves and spend pleasant hours with your gaze lost between the blue of the sea and that of the sky.
Fun Facts
N/A
Children’s Corner
0-3 yo free of charge 4-17 yo Euro 80,00 per night
Children can only be accommodated in Comfort rooms and in the Ernesto Barba Suite (max 2 Children)
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of rooms in all: 38
Number of rooms: 31
• Superior Room (24sqm / 258 sqf)
Cozy and elegant double room with marble tiles floor, average size of 24 sqm, internal view and marble bathroom with shower or tub
• Comfort Room (28 sqm / 300 sqf)
Wide room, ideal also for families, with average size of 28 sqm, internal view and marble bathroom with shower or tub
• Deluxe Design Room (26 sqm / 280sqf)
Modern design room with average size of 26 sqm, internal view, marble bathroom with walk-in shower
• Deluxe Room Barocco View (24 sqm / 258 sqf)
Bright, cozy and elegant room with large windows facing Santa Croce Church, average size of 24 sqm, marble bathroom with shower and wooden floor
• Deluxe Terrace Room (25sqm / 270 sqf)
Bright, cozy and elegant double room with private terrace overlooking the city, average size of 25 sqm, marble bathroom and artisanal decorated marble floor
Number of Suites: 7
• Junior Suite (34sqm / 366 sqf)
Spacious, bright and elegant Junior Suite with a living space, average size of 34 sqm, marble bathroom with shower and wooden floor.
• Santa Croce junior Suite (35sqm / 375sqf)
The Junior Suite with the best view in Lecce, with a size of 35 sqm and it has an open space with views of Santa Croce Church, 1 large marble bathrooms with shower and bath tub and high decorated ceilings.
• Executive Suite (55sqm / 590 sqf) Ernesto Barba
Comfortable Suite with a size of 55 sqm and high decorated ceilings. It is composed of a large living room with sofa, one bedroom with king size bed, wide marble bathroom and a small private terrace.
• Deluxe Suite (60sqm / 645 sqf) Tito Schipa
Our largest Suite with its 60 sqm, is composed of an elegant living room with vaulted ceiling, king size bed, large bathroom with walk-in shower, and private terrace.
• Terrace Suite with pool (45sqm / 485 sqf)
Our most charming Suite composed of a wide bedroom of 40 sqm with an artisanal decorated marble floor, marble bathroom and a wonderful private terrace of over 80 sqm with a jacuzzi pool overlooking Santa Croce Church.
Restaurants & Bars
Atenze Gourmet Restaurant
Led by Executive Chef Cristiano Stamerra, Atenze reinterprets classic Salento flavors with a contemporary twist;
the menu evolves seasonally and includes tasting journeys inspired by Lecce’s cultural heritage
Bars, lounges:
Sira Rooftop
it is one of the city’s most enchanting spots for sunset cocktails and summer evenings. Perched atop the Patria Palace Hotel, it offers a truly magical experience that blends panoramic beauty with refined indulgence
Barba’s Lounge
The lounge of the most beautiful Lecce, the one enchanted in moments of suggestive beauty in front of the real Barocco masterpiece. Take your place on the outdoor sofas and indulge in a signature drink while the nuances of light evolve in a magic dance on the Basilica’s façade. Walk in our internal lounge, and surrounded by its greenery atmosphere, enjoy a privileged view of Santa Croce sipping our tea selection or the authentic Salento’s coffee.
Wellness
Idume Spa Opening March 2026
Fitness Room
Corporate & Celebration Events
Private events on the Sira Rooftop for up to 80 guests (standing)
Extra Notable Features
Artisanal Local Experience: Treat yourself to the exclusive experience of visiting private ateliers and artistic studios of local artisans and designers, allowing yourself to be influenced by the story of their art, taking the opportunity to try to create something unique under their expert guidance.
Try your hand at papier-mâché, an expression of typical local craftsmanship, try sculpting Lecce stone and learn the techniques for working clay and ceramics, let yourself be fascinated by the ancient tradition of weaving.
Vintage Tour: There is something unforgettable in the views of Salento, something unique that remains in the heart. Make your tour to discover Lecce and the magnificent surrounding areas even more evocative by choosing a vintage car or motorbike to travel along the roads that will take you to discover the most beautiful towns in Salento. Enjoy the view of the countryside and be moved by the panoramic views of the sea, living the dream of a tour in a vintage car.
Boat experience: Relax and dive into the crystal clear sea of Salento away from the crowd, enjoying delicious snacks based on home cooking and local delicacies.
With a private excursion you can sail along one or both sides of the Salento coast, with several stops to discover the most beautiful caves and spend pleasant hours with your gaze lost between the blue of the sea and that of the sky
Hotel and restaurant Awards
• 1 Michelin Key
• 1 Forchetta Gambero Rosso
Number of employees
48