Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel
Historic, chic and the hotspot in Ostuni
08/01/2024 Reading time: 2 Minutes
In hindsight, the one-day sightseeing trip to Ostuni was a big mistake. It would have taken us much longer just to see the "white city", which is built on three hilltops. So, unfortunately, we had to go very quickly: by tuk-tuk up to the old town to the Cathedral of Santa Maria and then back down to Piazza Libertatà - unfortunately, that was all we could do. And the plan to return in the evening was thwarted by the good food in the recently opened "Restaurant 700" in our hotel, the Paragon.
900600
900600
Paulo Airaudo is a real star chef here. The well-known Italian-Argentine chef, who has already been awarded a Michelin star in Geneva, San Sebastian and London, is one of the hotel's figureheads. Another highlight of the boutique hotel, which opened in June 2020, is the bar with its dark design and gold elements just behind the entrance. It leads to a terrace that is populated by the city's hipsters as a day bar and lunch spot. A little more distance would be good here, but the tables are too small and the seating a little uncomfortable.
The pool area with sun loungers right next door is unique in Ostuni, but not really suitable for relaxing. We like the large orange grove, secluded at the back of the bar and unfortunately without furniture, much better. But now to the rooms, which are located on the second floor and are closed off by a glass door: Here, Pascale Lauber, designer and also owner of the hotel, has made the impossible possible. To do this, however, she had to uncover frescoes and cathedral ceilings, lay parquet floors, renew fireplaces and restore the huge balconies - the latter can now be used as open-air lounges with day beds.
The interior is sparse, the presence is in the details: Oversized lamps, velvet and linen fabrics, alpaca leather, plus some antiques, stylish décor ... The Paragon Beach Club is located near Specchiolla, about a 20-minute shuttle ride - a vintage Fiat car - away. Here, too, you can't eat or swim without a reservation. Whether on the beach or in the city, Pascale Lauber's locations seem to be the place to be everywhere!
The pool area with sun loungers right next door is unique in Ostuni, but not really suitable for relaxing. We like the large orange grove, secluded at the back of the bar and unfortunately without furniture, much better. But now to the rooms, which are located on the second floor and are closed off by a glass door: Here, Pascale Lauber, designer and also owner of the hotel, has made the impossible possible. To do this, however, she had to uncover frescoes and cathedral ceilings, lay parquet floors, renew fireplaces and restore the huge balconies - the latter can now be used as open-air lounges with day beds.
The interior is sparse, the presence is in the details: Oversized lamps, velvet and linen fabrics, alpaca leather, plus some antiques, stylish décor ... The Paragon Beach Club is located near Specchiolla, about a 20-minute shuttle ride - a vintage Fiat car - away. Here, too, you can't eat or swim without a reservation. Whether on the beach or in the city, Pascale Lauber's locations seem to be the place to be everywhere!
