Excellent property in central location, stylishly decorated and spacious room with everything you'd need to have a great stay including a balcony to sit out and watch world go by. Salvio is a magnificent host, he's very welcoming, helpful with recommendations on places to visit and eat. Above all his breakfasts are legendary, it was like being hosted by a personal chef. His passion for food and hospitality shine through. Don't hesitate to book.

We liked it all (even the stairs to keep us fit!)

From the moment we met the owner it was clear that we were very welcome guests in this beautiful bed and breakfast . Our room was immaculately clean and extremely comfortable . Such a relaxing environment to be in . The breakfast was absolutely delicious and was made with such joy and attention that to receive it felt like a special treat each morning. A heartfelt thank you !

Nothing .

I came to Lecce for 5 days over Easter, looking for a quiet space to calm my grieving heart. What I found at the top of 2 (or was it 3?) flights of stairs was Salvio & Monica's warm and welcoming oasis. Stepping in Habitare after a long & stressful drive with Saharran sand-driven Sirocco rain, I immediately felt at home despite the fact that I arrived well before check-in. Each of the 5 rooms is uniquely appointed and fastidious. The breakfast is really what sets this B&B apart. No twice baked packaged toast (fette biscottate) with Nutella packets here! Choose between savory or sweet, Cuoco Salvio skillfully & passionately creates your breakfast masterpiece with fresh local ingredients that will sustain you all day, and leave you eagerly anticipating the next morning for another culinary surprise. Lecce's centro storico is a close walk by, street parking in the neighborhood, streets safe for walking at night (single women, no worries) with a variety of restaurants nearby. This place is a quiet little gem.

Very hospitable & helpful hosts, unbelievably classy & nourishing breakfasts! Glad to have had a luggage lift! We took up Salvio's offer to experience how mozzarella & other fresh cheeses were made at a small artisan cheese maker, which was great. Monica kindly drove us to the train station at the end of our stay.

The two flights of stairs may be difficult for people with mobility problems but otherwise manageable. Sound insulation from the neighbouring room could be optimized. Because of the small size of the breakfast room, maybe breakfast times could be staggered even though it can be quite a social occasion! Even though there is public parking theoretically available, make sure you arrive before the evening if coming by car at the weekend.

What a wonderful place to stay. I only wish we could have stayed longer, if only to eat breakfast there every day. The owners were so kind, caring, helpful, generous, personable. The property is only a few blocks away from the historic center of Lecce with so much to see, so many good places to eat, so much to just sit and watch. The room was clean, comfortable, and very uniquely decorated. It was fun to return to it each evening. We had a small balcony and enjoyed just stepping out to watch the neighborhood. And then there was breakfast - a choice between sweet and savory every morning, prepared individually and introduced by Salvio the host and chef. Each morning's breakfast was unique, authentic southern Italian fare, prepared with so much care and flare. And always more than either my husband or I could eat. There was never a need for lunch. I was initially hesitant about the stairs as there is no elevator but there was no problem. There is a small lift for luggage so no need to carry anything up or down.

There was nothing I didn't enjoy immensely about this property.

Fantastic place to stay when visiting Lecce. Very well located near the center yet outside the dreaded ZTL if you’re arriving by vehicle. You will be greeted by the amazing hosts Monica and Salvio who go well beyond the usual to provide help advice and assistance in planning your visit to the area. And then there’s breakfast - hands down the best gourmet breakfast you’re likely to experience. We stayed three nights and each morning Salvio and Monica served a different culinary experience complete with explanation of each item, almost entirely from local produce. Very very nice! Grazie mille Salvio e Monica!

Habitare is the kind of place every curious and passionate traveler hopes to stumble upon. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely at home. Each morning began with a truly unforgettable breakfast, lovingly prepared by Salvio — a delicious introduction to the rich and authentic flavors of Salento. More than just a meal, breakfast came with invaluable tips from Salvio about must-see sights, local delicacies to try, and the best routes to take. It really set the tone for perfect days of exploration. Our room was spotless, and uniquely decorated with great attention to detail — every object felt like a small work of art. However, the hot water in the shower was not always available, and we occasionally heard noises from the building’s plumbing systems, which slightly affected the comfort. Still, Salvio and Monica turned our trip into a beautiful discovery, and we’re so grateful for their warmth and hospitality. If you’re looking for a home away from home, this is exactly the place. Book without hesitation — you’ll love it!

Location fantastic- 5-10 minutes flat walk into old town, plenty of free parking on streets nearby (last week May 2025) , close to a supermarket too. Salvio and Monica treat you like family , and the breakfast, if you can even finish it, is incredible with dishes of the day and all made by Salvio, who will teach you about the food of the region. About 50 steps up to the accommodation from the street so be ready but a new “bag lift” means you don’t have to carry anything else. Includes shampoo/hairdryer/small fridge. A wonderful place to stay. We hope to be back one day!!

Don’t come to Lecce without staying with Monica and Salvio. They have created a very special place that has every comfort you could possible need. Salvios design expertise is evident in the beauty of the rooms. It is a 10 mins walk to centre of the beautiful Old City . Their hospitality is incredible and the food that Salvio prepares is out of this world. We highly recommend taking advantage to the tours and Olive oil tasting to learn more about the people and culture of Salento and Lecce . All in all an exquisite experience that left us sad to be leaving and determined to come back

Nothing - was perfect

I booked for two nights and wish I could have stayed longer. The hosts are very welcoming and helpful. The room was beautifully decorated - very clean, very comfortable, large and airy with a small balcony. The bathroom was spotless and had a good shower. The location is excellent - you are a few blocks from the “old city” but there are also restaurants and stores nearby, outside the old section, that are just great Lecce experiences. And the breakfast they offer is incredible! They have a lovely kitchen room where they give you the most extensive and delicious breakfast. But most of all the hosts are genuinely kind and thoughtful people who are very accommodating.

There really isn’t anything I didn’t like but I will say that there is a “warning” on their site that the B&B has no elevator and the rooms are on the third floor up 47 steps. I feel like I’m in decent shape but I had to stop a couple of times to get my breath. Thankfully they have an ingenious suitcase lift that can take your bags to the third floor - just not you. But worth the climb!