Mövenpick Hotel Bari: Modern, Relaxed and Effortlessly Welcoming

Some places captivate you even before you’ve truly arrived – and for us, the 4-star Mövenpick Hotel Bari is definitely one of them. Within walkable distance of Bari Centrale railway station, the Old Town and the waterfront promenade, this retreat in the heart of the lively Murat district was an unexpected find amid the city’s bustle. Its recent refurbishment has given this prestigious, historic hotel a fresh lease of life. It feels relaxed and open, stylish yet cosy, and deeply connected to both the city and the Puglia region. You can sense it throughout the hotel, from the dishes served at the restaurant to the warmth of the staff, always ready to share a smile, a local story or a tip for exploring Bari. From this central location, the city unfolds before you – an invitation to wander, discover and truly immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Even before we arrive at the hotel, we know we’ve made the right choice for our girls’ getaway. From the train station, Mövenpick Hotel Bari is just a 15-minute walk through the lively Murat district, where elegant palazzi line the streets, and cafés, bars and boutiques spill out onto the pavements. It’s late afternoon, the sun casting a warm glow over the façades. The capital of Puglia – Apulia in Italian – greets us with an easy charm as we make our way along tree-lined avenues to the hotel.

As we step through the large glass doors into the lobby, we take a moment to look around. The space feels open and welcoming: to the left, the reception desk; to the right, the Connubio Bistrot with its inviting bar. Between them, a handful of guests relax in cosy sofa corners decorated in warm shades of ochre and antique pink, while in a nearby co-working area, a pair of business travellers quietly review a presentation. Sunlight streams through the tall windows, glinting off the pale natural stone floors, and honey-coloured wood complements the calm, earthy colours to give the lobby a relaxed, elegant feel.

At the reception desk, we’re greeted with a warm smile, and check-in feels pleasantly unhurried. Even before we have our room key in hand, we’re given plenty of local tips – from must-see spots in the city to a hidden trattoria nearby, and where to find the best espresso in all of Bari. We learn that the hotel is currently hosting a convention in its conference facilities – that explains the business travellers we spotted earlier – and that aperitivo hour is about to begin at the bar, complete with Apulian appetisers. But first, we make our way up to the sixth floor to check into our room.

When we open the door to our Privilege Room, we’re greeted by a sense of serene calm. The furnishings, in soft natural tones, blend beautifully with wooden accents and gentle daylight, creating a cosy, welcoming atmosphere – a wonderful contrast to the lively streets just outside the hotel. The plush king-size bed, which can be separated into two singles, looks so inviting that we can’t resist the urge to test it out. Through the large windows, we gaze out over the charming Old Town streets to the turquoise-blue sparkle of the sea in the distance. There's a small coffee and tea station, and we’re already imagining ourselves sipping an espresso on our balcony tomorrow morning, watching the Old Town slowly come to life below.

"As we arrived in Bari late in the day, we decide to take it easy and settle for a leisurely stroll through the surrounding streets before returning to the hotel. The lobby flows seamlessly into the Connubio Bistrot. As elsewhere, the decor is calming and natural, with lush green plants and soft shades of beige and dark green setting the scene for our first meal here. The restaurant is modern and stylish, with a relaxed vibe – the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

We sit, mesmerized, watching the chefs at work in the open kitchen. The restaurant is lively this evening: a huddle of colleagues wind down after meetings over a glass of wine and handmade strascinati, a traditional Apulian pasta; a couple leans over a tortino caldo alla nocciola, a warm hazelnut cake with vanilla cream that's almost too beautiful to eat; families laugh and chat at nearby tables."

We choose fave e cicoria (fava beans with chicory), one of Puglia’s most celebrated traditional dishes, along with vegan tortelloni stuffed with endive, and braised beef cheeks in Primitivo, served with a lasagnetta topped with sun-dried tomatoes. Our attentive waiter recommends two Apulian wines to accompany the meal, and altogether it's a satisfying blend of richness and balance. Before heading up to our room, we stop at the Bistrot Bar for a nightcap, indulging in two delicious signature cocktails. The atmosphere here is convivial, and it’s clear we’re not the only ones who appreciate it – locals seem just as drawn to the Connubio Bistrot Bar as hotel guests, making it feel like a true part of the neighbourhood.

When the lift doors open on the seventh-floor breakfast room the next morning, we are greeted by the aroma of fresh coffee and oven-warm pastries. Sunlight floods the spacious room through floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the many small tables and the sumptuous buffet that awaits in morning light. It’s exactly what we were hoping for. The selection is enormous: croissants, Italian cakes and pastries, antipasti, bacon, freshly prepared egg dishes, and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

We take our plates laden with focaccia, omelettes and croissants out onto the breakfast terrace and see the Old Town of Bari stretching out beneath us. We can hardly believe our luck. Ordering freshly squeezed orange juice and two espressos from the friendly waiting staff, we soak in the views. We’re told that this space is sometimes used for private events, and we can’t help but agree that it's an unbeatable spot for a special evening dinner.

Mövenpick Hotel Bari says it's committed to sustainability, and it clearly is. The restaurant's kitchen uses fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, supporting local communities while celebrating Puglia’s rich culinary traditions. The hotel itself goes further, implementing plastic-free practices, environmentally friendly cleaning products and energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and solar panels. Only organic toiletries are provided in the rooms, and we especially love that the hotel encourages sustainable mobility. For us, it’s a thoughtful and convincing example of responsible tourism in Puglia.

Since it’s our first time in Bari, we don’t want to miss a thing and set off to explore the city right after breakfast. The best part about staying here is that there’s no need for long journeys – we’re already in the heart of the action, with everything the city has to offer right on the doorstep.

"It’s a short walk from the hotel to the harbour and the promenade, but before we get that far, we turn right onto Via Sparano, one of the city’s main shopping streets. Here, people stroll along with bulging bags from the surrounding boutiques or linger at small tables outside the quaint cafés that line the pavements as Vespas zip by. The lively Murat district leads seamlessly into Bari Vecchia, the Old Town. We wander through a labyrinth of narrow streets, passing under ancient archways and laundry billowing from clotheslines high above. It’s easy to get lost in these picturesque lanes.

Suddenly, we come upon the Basilica di San Nicola, its pale limestone façade rising before us. Inside, we’re struck by the intricate mosaic floors in its ornate crypt. We come back out into the bright sunlight and head back in the direction of the hotel. We turn off to amble down Strada Arco Basso, more famously known as Strada delle Orecchiette. This is where the famous ear-shaped pasta originates from and it’s the perfect place to pick up a tasty souvenir to take home.

Mövenpick Hotel Bari really is well located. With the sea, the Old Town and some of the best shopping you could hope for within walking distance, it’s perfect for exploring Bari and soaking up the city’s vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere."

• Couples seeking a relaxing escape in the heart of a southern Italian port city.
• Travellers who prefer to explore more consciously and sustainably.
• Business guests looking for a comfortable hotel to hold meetings while discovering the heart of Bari.
• Anyone who enjoys staying where the locals go.

1. We couldn’t have asked for a better location than the heart of the Murat district for our first trip to Bari.
2. The friendly concierge, always ready with tips for excursions and activities, is simply invaluable.
3. Connubio Bistrot will take you on a culinary journey through Italy without leaving the hotel.
4. Hospitality isn’t just a priority at the recently reopened Mövenpick Hotel Bari – it’s truly lived and felt in every interaction.

Via Francesco Lombardi 13, 70022 Bari, Italy

How to get there: 15 minutes' walk from Bari Centrale (main railway station); bus lines 01, 03, 27, 53 from the railway station or 16 from the airport.