We are staying for 5 days in the region. Guidebooks have been disappointing
How could anyone answer this unless you tell us which town, your hotel budget, and what you are looking for in a hotel.
I can give you my favorite hotels but they might be all wrong for you.
Which town, or which city? Or in a rural area?
Price limit?
My apologies. We are just in the planning stage. Just have airfare booked. I believe we will concentrate in Bari and Valle d'Italia. Looking at cities Bari-Trani for accommodations first leg, possibly a night in Alberobello and a finish in Monopoli or Polignano a Mare. We have 6 actual days to tour and arrive and depart Bari Airport. Love balconies with sea views. Thank you.
Booking.com is a good place to start your search
Use the filters for location, budget, amenities
Read the reviews which can also be filtered and only left by those who have actually stayed at the property