Hotel Santa Caterina

Italy
Europe

The Experience

Set on the coastal road just ten minutes from the center of Amalfi, the Hotel Santa Caterina's location and sensibility feel happily removed from the tourist fray of the charming but often overcrowded resort town. Endowed with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and perfumed by lemons and oranges from its terraced citrus groves, the Gambardellas family-run hotel exudes an airy, classic chic and the dignity that comes of being family-run since it opened a century ago. Livery-wearing attendants have welcomed the likes of Meryl Streep and Brad Pitt in the bougainvillea-filled circular driveway.

The Rooms

One of the biggest downsides here is the size of the standard rooms, which range between 193 and 236 square feet. Still, light pours in through large windows and doors onto white and floral handmade floor tiles, and balconies are big enough for breakfast tables overlooking the sea. You'll have to crane your neck to get a complete ocean view, though, so upgrade to one of the deluxe rooms to get a full-on look at the azure. Bonus: You'll also get a huge terrace and powerful Jacuzzi. And if you're booking a suite, snag the Casa dell'Arancio, the Follia Amalfitana or the Chalet Giulietta & Romeo with its new private mini-pool and solarium--they're in the citrus and flower gardens, where the scent of fresh fruit mixes in with the clean sea air. Also consider the recently completed Villa "Il Rosso" in an outstanding garden location at a very short walk from the main building. The four apartments have spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the Amalfi Coastline and are equipped with air-conditioning, wifi, satellite flat-screen TV, DVD players, mini-bar and Jacuzzis.

The Service

Service is gracious and formal, but not stiff. Two generations of Gambardellas have improved the hotel. Today, the founder's daughters, Giusi and Ninni Gambardella, assisted by their children, directly manage the day-to-day operations of the hotel and take a personal interest in the comfort and enjoyment of the guests. The hotel operates a bus to run guests into the center of Amalfi -- a better idea than trying to find parking.

The Highlights

The Amalfi coast may be beautiful, but its sheer rock faces don't lend themselves to waterside lounging. That's why Santa Caterina's private beach--even though it's made of cement--is a huge draw. Sit in one of the chaise lounges with the hotel practically hanging over you, jump in the sea or attached salt water swimming pool to cool off and take advantage of the small spa with two massage parlors, Turkish bath, sauna and Scottish shower--and the fully equipped gym. Up on the cliffside, wander the quiet paths of citrus gardens before sitting down in the lapis and marble floored main dining room for dinner. Old fashioned white-jacketed waiters expertly debone fish tableside as you take in the day's final look at the shimmering sea.

 

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