Grand Hotel Quisisana

Italy
Europe

The Experience

After exploring the gritty streets of Naples, arriving on pretty Capri--just a 40-minute trip by hydrofoil and flanked by crystal clear, aquamarine water--is like landing in the Garden of Eden. And situated in a central position on the pristine cobblestone lined streets of the ritzy island among the likes of Louis Vuitton and Chanel boutiques is Capri’s most prestigious hotel, Quisisana, a tourist attraction unto itself guarded over by an assortment of international flags. The building is perched high up in the center of the island’s main town of the same name, offering stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea far below, and surrounded by verdant private gardens, where you can retreat from the hustle and bustle of the tourist rush.

The Rooms

The chic accommodations provide a pleasant contrast to Quisisana’s antique-filled lobby and overall Old World style with their open spaces, immaculate white walls and drapery, fresh flowers and artful fruit arrangements, large airy windows that allow the natural light to flood in, and patterned ceramic tile floors. Balconies offer relaxing venues for soaking up the Southern Italy sun. Some rooms have sea views; others look out over the pool and gardens. One minor caveat: The stall showers are confining and have seen better days, but the bathrooms are spacious by Italian standards.

The Service

Considering it was built in 1845 and revamped as a hotel in 1868, Quisisana operates like a well-oiled machine. The hotel doesn’t want guests to expend anymore energy than necessary, so employees greet you at the ferry terminal and transport your luggage from the marina to the hotel (and vice versa, of course). Limited room service is included in the cost of the stay. Options like an on-call doctor truly make this hotel one of the top in the field, though there’s a certain snob factor that accompanies being the crème de la crème. Staffers are known to turn up their noses at younger vacationing couples, constantly demanding a room number to prove they're guests.

The Highlights

People-watching while sipping espresso from the front patio is a favorite pastime at Quisisana, particularly as the hotel rests right along Capri’s version of Rodeo Drive (similar stores, and every bit as pretentious). The hotel boasts two pools--one open-air with a splendid lunch spread, the other covered--as well as two synthetic grass tennis courts. After a set or two, detox in the hamman at QvisiBeauty, where a sauna, swimming pool, steam bath, fitness center and whirlpool are at your disposal.

 

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