Guests are greeted by the Hotel Relais Valle dell’Idro’s well-manicured landscape, grassy lawn, and cushioned lawn chairs. A sundeck and walkway of large stone tiles lead up to the modern building’s entrance. To the right, a collection of tan wicker furniture is situated in the sun. Inside, decor inspired by the sea and sand dominates common spaces and rooms. Seashell and sand color palettes are accented with carefully placed light blue artwork, stripes, and large glass panels for a maritime feel. The lobby is slightly bolder: It is filled with plush black couches and red accents (including a red coral lamp). The expansive, multi-level rooftop decks looks straight out of a travel magazine with panoramic views of the town and sea.

Located on a somewhat drab street in central Otranto, the three-story white-gated Hotel Relais Valle dell’Idro -- with its palm trees, green hedges, and slightly visible sun lounge area -- looks like an oasis, especially on a sunny day. The hotel’s central location is convenient for exploring the coastal town's restaurants, shops, sights, and beaches by foot, rendering a car optional. Local area highlights within a 10-minute walk include the Otranto Cathedral and Castle of Otranto, while the waterfront and beaches can be reached in 15 minutes. Olive oil factories, golf courses, and hikes are accessible to those with cars or cab fare.

Rooms range from a tiny 161 square feet (the Smart Double Room) to 258 square feet (the Family Room). All rooms share the same decor and colors as in common areas and have hardwood floors, wicker furniture, striped bedding, and embroidered curtains portraying local patterns. Bathrooms have white tile, bidets, premium toiletries and a shower with glass doors (some are ADA accessible). Standard room amenities include flat-screen TVs with over 70 channels, large windows, air-conditioning, minibars, and in-room safes. Double Smart Rooms cannot accommodate rollaway beds, while Family rooms have one or two extra sofa beds, and Chic Double Plus rooms come with free access to the rooftop hot tub.

Nearby Hotel Palazzo Papaleo and Hotel Vittoria Resort & Spa may provide the property features that this hotel lacks, but rates here are typically cheaper. All of the extra fees charged here, however -- for rooftop hot tub access, transportation, garage parking, and more -- do hurt the hotel's value. The hotel does deliver well on its "included amenities"; free high-speed Wi-Fi is found throughout the hotel; and the excellent breakfast buffet with fresh fruit and pastries is free. The concierge can provide memorable tours and local recommendations.

The hotel also has a full-service bar and the rooftop decks are truly decadent. Big tawny wicker cabanas come with thick cushions, pillows, and optional cover to block the sun; an elegant glass staircase (be careful, it gets hot in the sun!) leads to the upper-level deck where a large hot tub sits marooned upon a wooden-decked throne. This is by far the most luxurious view in the house. The hourly fee for use of the hot tub is a nuisance, but it does allow for guest privacy.

The small fitness center has TechnoGym equipment, and in-room massages are available.