Cinematic palazzo hideaway
Heavy entrance doors open into a sun-dappled courtyard and lush walled garden filled with jasmine, citrus trees, and quiet aristocratic elegance.
“Housed in a19th-century estate, Palazzo Margherita is a dreamy hideaway, rife with romantic touches inspired by days gone by.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Ancestral Bernalda roots come alive through hands-on pasta classes, regional Lucanian cooking, and quiet village rhythms.
Remarkable
Jacques Grange interiors blending restored ceiling frescoes, custom Moorish zellige tiles, and bespoke suites for the Coppola family.
Notable
Intuitive, intimate service with dedicated staff, bespoke garden dinners, private beach arrangements, and Santa Maria Novella bath amenities.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper*, AFAR and Tatler.
The look is stylish in a classic way — think rattan armchairs, fresh flowers, colorful glass chandeliers, claw-foot tubs, and hand-painted ceiling frescoes — but relaxed, not fussy.
“The décor features restored marble floors, hand-painted fresco ceilings and custom-made North African-inspired tiles and furniture by Grange in honour of Francis’ Tunisian-born grandmother.”
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Sleepy Bernalda revolves around the daily evening passeggiata on Corso Umberto I, situated twenty minutes from quiet Ionian beaches.
The rooms
Vaulted ceilings carry restored frescoes above tiled floors, while spacious suites feature clawfoot bathtubs and Juliet balconies overlooking the garden or square.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated swimming pool sits in the rear walled garden, lined with stone paving and red parasols.
Cinecittà Bar
This brick-vaulted café opens onto Corso Umberto I, serving espresso and pizza beneath framed film portraits.
Simple yet refined, tiny but with big intentions, this is the film set-pretty, but never over-wrought, creation of Francis Coppola.
How it began
Built in 1892, this palazzo in Francis Ford Coppola's ancestral village was meticulously restored to host his daughter's wedding before welcoming guests.
“It’s impossible not to fall for Palazzo Margherita, which is deeply rooted in the surrounding landscape, history, and local culture.”
Good to know
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Palazzo Margherita
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.