Bike-Hotel Abete, cycling and Trentino cooking in San Giovanni Rotondo
The Bike-Hotel Abete is a three-star hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo, in Apulia, on the road to Padre Pio's convent. It offers free private parking, bike storage and hire, and a restaurant serving Trentino dishes and pizza. I would choose it for cyclists, pilgrims and anyone wanting clean rooms and a good dinner on site.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Bike-Hotel Abete.
Where the Bike-Hotel Abete is and how to get there
The Bike-Hotel Abete is on Via Sant'Adele, in San Giovanni Rotondo, in Apulia, in a central position. One guest places it on the road to the convent where the body of Padre Pio is kept, and the listing highlights its closeness to the sanctuary.
There is a large free private car park, so a car is no problem. One negative review, however, describes it as hard to reach, so it is best to enter the address into your sat nav before setting off.
What the rooms and hotel facilities are like
It is a three-star hotel with comfortable, very clean rooms, according to several guests who speak of spacious rooms and great attention to hygiene. Each room has a private bathroom with bath or shower, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, desk and wardrobe, and some have a balcony with a view.
The shared areas include a lift, a TV lounge, a garden and a sun terrace. There is free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, family rooms and arrangements for guests with disabilities.
| Service | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bike storage and hire | For those who come to ride and want their bike kept safe |
| Restaurant and bar on site | To have dinner without going out |
| Buffet breakfast | To set off at your own pace, with breakfast in the room on request |
| Lift and rooms for guests with disabilities | For guests who find it hard to get around |
For cyclists and walkers
The sporty side is the one that interests me most. Besides bike storage and hire, the hotel offers bike tours and excursions, walking and hiking, partly for a fee, plus themed dinner evenings.
For a three-star hotel that is an unusual and useful offer. I would look at it mainly if you are travelling with a group of cycling friends.
What guests say about the restaurant and the stay
The Bike-Hotel Abete wins over almost all guests, and the restaurant is often the highlight of the reviews. Many talk about traditional Trentino cooking, with generous plates, good polenta, game and well-topped pizzas.
- The staff. Described as friendly, professional and attentive, with an owner who suggests wine pairings.
- Breakfast. Rich, varied and good, according to those who stayed here.
- The view. Some guests mention a lovely panorama, especially in the evening, and the chance to eat on the terrace in summer.
- Value for money. Judged good by several people.
What to know before booking
There are some shortcomings, and they should be said. Two two-star reviews describe inattentive service and an owner with little patience, even towards families with young children.
A long-time customer notes that the menu has been practically the same for years, with South Tyrolean dishes and little else. For some that is a guarantee, for others it may get repetitive if you stay several nights. One review, moreover, is not from someone who stayed here but from someone who could not get a table without booking, so on busy days book your dinner in advance.
- Sheets and towels. In the older listing these are charged for, so ask first.
- Pets and cots. I have no information, so ask the hotel.
What to do around San Giovanni Rotondo
The most obvious destination is the Padre Pio Sanctuary, very close according to the listing, and many travellers come here for that reason alone. Nature lovers can combine their stay with walks or rides organised by the hotel.
If you are planning a wider trip in Apulia, you could take a look at Le Stanze di Ricci in Lesina, Tenuta Cavalieri in Leverano or B&B Tenuta Canneddi in Avetrana.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
