The best hotels in Ravello

What are the best hotels in Ravello?

High above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is blessed with arguably some of the best views on the coast. If we had to choose just one hotel from our selection, Belmond Hotel Caruso has to be our top pick. Perched at the highest point of Ravello, this five star luxury hotel occupies an 11th century palace, combining historic character with beautiful contemporary touches. It’s the whole experience that sets Caruso apart, with terraced gardens filled with roses and lemon trees, a serene spa, excellent dining and an extraordinary heated infinity pool that seems to be suspended above the coastline. The hotel also offers thoughtful extras such as complimentary boat excursions and tailored experiences, adding another layer of luxury.

If you think Ravello looks romantic enough to be a film set without extra dressing, then you’re on the right track, John Huston set his film, ‘Beat the Devil’ here. In addition to romance and gorgeous views, Ravello also has an historic centre, and has won the hearts of numerous artists, writers and musicians alike. The town's lively heart is the Piazza del Duomo, where it’s quite easy to spend a whole morning with a cappuccino watching the world go by. Apart from the church and the charms of its little cobbled alleys, Ravello’s other star attractions are the stunning gardens. 

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Ravello.

The Best Places to Stay In Ravello

For a Special Treat

• Belmond Hotel Caruso has hosted Greta Garbo and Jackie Kennedy, and its glamour is straight from a classic movie set. The bones of the hotel date from the 11th century, but among its many upgrades is a recent $30 million restoration job, during which the old fashioned luxuries and elegance have been polished to perfection. Expect perfect Mediterranean cuisine served inside and out, an infinity pool that seems to hang in mid-air, spa treatments to rival anything you can imagine, and gorgeous decor. While it might not be an obvious choice for families, The Caruso has an excellent kids’ club.
• Palazzo Avino oozes 1930's Italian film star glamour from every one of its five stars of luxury detailing. From the pastel pink facade complete with pillars to the white decor, the two Michelin-starred restaurant, the grassy pool terraces with a view and the open-air gym, this is a haven for those with fine taste. And that’s before we mention the handmade Vietri tiles, 18th and 19th century antiques, beautifully made carpets and Bulgari amenities. The views are exceptional too.

For the View

• Villa Fraulo is a sophisticated hotel, transformed from an elegant palazzo. Set high on the cliffs, the villa has incredible views along a great swathe of the Amalfi Coast. Many of the 26 rooms and suites have private balconies and terraces, and the terrace, gardens and infinity pool offer panoramic vistas to-die-for. Inside the hotel the decor is pale and unfussy, a blend of classic Italian design and contemporary simplicity. The food is excellent too.

For Romantics

• Villa Cimbrone appears in many a wedding scrapbook, and is regularly numbered on lists of the world’s ultimate wedding destinations. Its views really take your breath away, its grounds and gardens are photographic perfection, its restaurant has a Michelin star, and it has just 19 rooms and suites, all of them uniquely glorious. But it’s also historic, hosting renowned politicians, aristocrats and artists, from Churchill to Hilary Clinton, E.M. Forster to DH Lawrence, Strachey to Keynes, Crick to Piaget, and Elliot and Woolf and the rest of the Bloomsbury Group.

For Foodies

• One of the chief joys of Villa Maria — and why guests return again and again — is the glorious dining terrace which has, possibly, one of the finest restaurant views of the coast; of unfolding headlands and cliffs dropping down to a sparkling sea. The food served is excellent too, a lot of it comes from the property's kitchen garden, and they offer popular, and well regarded, cooking classes should you feel inspired to bring some recipes home. The hotel’s 23 rooms and suites are traditionally decorated, with solid furniture and just the right number of potted plants.

For Great Value

• Villa San Michele is just down the hill from the centre of Ravello, set into the rugged rocks of the Amalfi Coast, complete with a ladder leading directly down into the sea. With just 12 rooms, this is a peaceful pick, with white and blue marine themed decor that adds to the relaxed, seaside-y atmosphere. Our Gurus are a fan of their traditional tiles, and of their sunny terrace, where breakfast, and meals showcasing local seafood are served.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Ravello’s closest international airport is Naples Airport, which is about an hours drive away, or just under two hours by public transport. Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport might be convenient for connections, but it’s about three hours drive, or three and a half hours away by train.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• As wth the rest of the Amalfi Coast, the most popular time to visit Ravello is during the summer, and even more so in the case of Ravello because of the annual "Ravello Festival". Daily maximum temperatures in July and August average at 30° C, so if you’re not so good in the heat you might want to opt for May, June or September, which are still bustling periods, with lots of sunshine. Some like to visit Ravello in spring, when the flowers are blooming, and many of the local towns are opening up excitedly after the winter — the Italian travel season officially begins at Easter. The Amalfi Coast hosts a couple of festivals and events during spring too.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast,
• Consider some of the Amalfi Coast’s other gems like neighbouring Praiano, Conca Dei Marini, Amalfi or Positano,
• Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and consider the best beach hotels on the Amalfi Coast, the best hotel views on the Amalfi Coast or the best luxury hotels on the Amalfi Coast,
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.