This article originally appeared in the April/May 2020 issue of Dream of Italy, a special report on Capri. Join Dream of Italy as a member to access this issue and 180+ back issues.
Capri offers an array of superb hotels.The level of quality and service is quite high across the board and most accommodations feature hand-painted ceramic tiles, décor that complements the Mediterranean colors, and views to dream about long after your stay.
A few words of advice for planning your Capri vacation. You will want to book well in advance as most of the accommodations here are small to medium in size. This is, naturally, the place to splurge on a sea view room if possible. A private balcony or terrace means you will enjoy the island’s famous views to their max.
Packing light is also a saving grace when visiting Capri. However, if you do have a larger suitcase or luggage, many hotels can arrange to meet you at the port to transfer your luggage or can arrange a private transfer to your accommodation.
When choosing a hotel on Capri, the two main locations are Capri Town or Anacapri. If you like a buzzing atmosphere or want to experience the island’s nightlife scene without the hassle of transportation, your best bet is to stay right in Capri town. From here you can see the sights of Capri, hit the beach in Marina Piccola or Marina Grande, and hop on a bus or taxi to explore Anacapri during the day.
If you’re looking for a quieter holiday escape and love a natural setting, Anacapri is a perfect choice. Enjoy hiking, discovering quiet churches and panoramic vistas, and relax by the pool or the sea.
This handpicked selection highlights the best of Capri’s accommodations.
Capri Town
Hotel Luna beautifully combines Capri style, picture-perfect views and a friendliness that makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive. Nestled right between the Giardini di Augusto and the Certosa di San Giacomo, the setting couldn’t be better.
Hotel Luna
Not only are the views of the Faraglioni excellent, but you’re also just moments from all of Capri’s sights, restaurants, and shopping while also feeling immersed in nature. Enjoy leisurely moments by the hotel’s large pool, relax at the spa, or be tempted to get in a workout at the gym thanks to its dreamy view of the Faraglioni.
The hotel’s rooms and suites are classically designed with Mediterranean accents and either sea views or views overlooking the Certosa di San Giacomo or Capri’s traditional homes. Go for a Deluxe or Imperial room with a private terrace overlooking the Faraglioni.
You won’t forget the experience of glimpsing the moonlight on the Faraglioni before bed and waking up to the morning light on this incredible vista. Don’t worry about pulling yourself away from those views during your stay as there’s an excellent restaurant and rooftop bar on site.
Viale Matteotti, 3
(39) 081 8370433
www.lunahotel.com
Rates: Double rooms start at 330€ including breakfast
Exquisite in every detail, the Hotel Canasta is one of Capri’s best kept secrets. Set in a peaceful spot very near the Certosa di San Giacomo, you’ll enjoy discovering every angle from the elegant sitting rooms to the garden terraces and the pretty pool area. The boutique hotel only has 15 rooms, but each one is finely appointed with a crisp décor and decorative ceramic tiles.
Hotel Canasta | Photo: Anne Ciotola
The Standard rooms have a patio with courtyard views while the Medium rooms offer a terrace with garden views. Here’s where booking in advance is your best friend, because you’ll want to go for one of the two Superior Double rooms with a terrace and sea views.
An added perk of staying here is the fantastic onsite restaurant Villa Margherita that is lovingly run by the hotel’s owners Pietro and Paola and their sons. The outdoor dining terrace under the olive trees is a dream. Don’t miss the fresh seafood starter and keep it local with their house specialty, a lemon fettucine made with shrimp and infused with Capri lemons.
Via Campo di Teste, 6
(39) 081 8377532
www.hotelcanastacapri.it
Rates: Standard double rooms start at 180€ including breakfast
Enjoy a peaceful stay at the Villa Brunella, which is beautifully situated not far from the end of Via Tragara with one of Capri’s best overlooks. The boutique hotel cascades down a series of terraces with a lovely pool and solarium—all boasting a view over Marina Piccola and toward soaring Monte Solaro. The setting truly captures the dramatic landscape and stunning colors of Capri.
The solarium and pool feel completely immersed in nature with views you simply won’t forget. The rooms are bright, spacious, and classically furnished with a blend of antiques, bright Mediterranean colors, and ceramic tiles. The Classic and Junior Suites offer terraces or patios with landscaped garden views and the Deluxe Junior Suite the most spectacular with great sea views.
Villa Brunella
A popular spot on the island even for non-guests, the Terrazza Brunella restaurant is located on the top level of the hotel and offers a view overlooking Capri that is especially romantic at night with the lights of town twinkling in the distance and moonlight dancing across the sea. Hotel guests can also enjoy the traditional Capri dishes created by Chef Antonio De Simone from the restaurant on their room’s private terrace.
Via Tragara, 24
(39) 081 8370122
www.villabrunella.it
Rates: Double rooms start at 380€ including breakfast
Anacapri
Ideal for enjoying Anacapri’s peaceful charms, Casa Mariantonia sits right off one of the town’s prettiest streets lined with shops and restaurants, this boutique hotel is set amongst a lemon grove and boasts a pool area just right for relaxing and 9 nicely appointed rooms. Most rooms overlook the gardens, but the Suite Punta Carena on the top level of the hotel has a sea view and private terrace with sun beds.
The hotel has been a fixture for Capri hospitality for over a century and is family run by Pierpaolo, Marcello and Mariangela, the great-grandchildren of the original founder Mariantonia. Service is warm and friendly and you’ll love your quiet moments lingering below the lemon trees.
The hotel also boasts two great dining spots to choose from. La Zagara Restaurant & Wine Bar offers the chance to enjoy lunch or dinner in the citrus grove on classic Capri dishes and fresh seafood. Or stop by the wine bar in the evening to try crisp white Falanghina wine from Campania or go for a classic Spritz with a charming ambiance.
Casa Mariantonia
Via Giuseppe Orlandi, 180
(39) 081 8372923
www.casamariantonia.com
Rates: Double rooms start at 300€ including breakfast
For an artistic oasis hidden away right in the heart of Anacapri, simply head to the Capri Palace. From the moment you step into the hotel, you’ll be greeted by tranquility and remarkable works of art. The collection continues through the hotel and luxurious suites with works by artists like Andy Warhol, Magritte, Miró Kandinsky and Mondrian.
Capri Palace
The feeling of complete seclusion continues through its exquisite 49 rooms and 19 suites. For relaxation, simply head to the large outdoor pool or visit the Capri Beauty Farm spa for a world of relaxation.
For a top-notch dining experience on the island, enjoy dinner at L’Olivo, the hotel’s two Michelin starred restaurant. As if there weren’t enough perks already, guests at the Capri Palace have exclusive use of the beach club services at Il Riccio. While the hotel’s Michelin-starred beach club restaurant is open to the public, the stylish beach club experience is reserved for guests only.
Via Capodimonte, 14
(39) 081 9780111
www.capripalace.com
Rates: Double rooms start at 600€ including breakfast
—Laura Thayer
Laura Thayer, who guest edited and wrote most of this special issue on Capri, is a writer and art historian with a passion for photography. She has lived on the Amalfi Coast for 13 years, where she works as a travel writer, enjoying the constant interplay of words and images it provides. She has also shared her love of the area in her recent guidebook Moon Amalfi Coast: With Capri, Naples & Pompeii published by Moon Travel Guides. She lives in the historic center of Amalfi with her husband, a tour guide in Campania, and their two cats. Visit her website www.ciaoamalfi.com or follow her @ciaoamalfi on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for more stories about the Amalfi Coast.