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One of the prettiest islands in the known universe deserves one of the prettiest palazzos. Il Capri was originally built as a lavish private villa, but has been running as a hotel since 1899 up in the hills of Capri Town. In 2022 it received a well-earned and ultra-glam revamp, encompassing a pastel pink paint job on the grand gothic facade which overlooks the whole of the busy Marina Grande down below, with immaculate views of Mount Vesuvius from the rooftop restaurant and many of the rooms and suites. Despite its grandeur, it’s an intimate place with just 20 rooms, so if you’re looking for a little privacy, then this bougie boutique is the one - it’s also adults only, so your rooftop pool-time won’t be disturbed by kids running about the place.
What are the rooms like at Il Capri?
There are 21 rooms and suites, most of them with private balconies or terraces overlooking the stunning Gulf of Naples, found via Kubrick-esque corridors. There are no TVs, but with views like this, why would you need one? The 1950s-coded peppermint pink palate is a theme throughout the hotel’s public spaces and rooms, with spacious bathrooms clad in putty-shaded titles and walls painted a soothing blush. Beds are cosy, floors are sisal, while furniture strikes the perfect balance between vintage tiki-chic and modern elegance. Vintage posters from the current owners’ personal collections adorn the walls. Free mini-bars come stocked with mini Campari mixers, local Limonata, house-made pastries, fizzy drinks and various snacks, with fresh filtered water and ice delivered daily. Instead of slippers, extremely chic (and, of course, pink) espadrilles come with every room, and they insist you take them home with you. Bathrooms are stocked with products by Irene Forte (daughter of luxury hotelier Sir Rocco Forte) and the in-room aircon is impressive, providing a cool and much-welcome climate after a toasty day spent exploring in the baking summer sun.
What are the facilities like at Il Capri?
The rooftop pool – complete with comfortable loungers – is something of an oasis, and much easier to get to than the island’s numerous beach clubs. It is rather shallow, so don’t expect to be doing laps – it’s more for cooling off before getting back to the important work of dozing and book-reading. If you’d like to get the blood pumping, then visit the hotel’s modern, massive and super sleek gym, with free weights, machines and daily classes encompassing everything from boxing and body blast to stretching and callisthenics. There’s also an in-house personal trainer if you want to go even harder, as well as a spa room for massage, wellness and beauty treatments. Chicly uniformed staff are more than helpful and the hotel’s plush lobby is the picture of comfort.
What is the food and restaurant like at Il Capri?
Complimentary breakfast spans sizable omelettes, fluffy brioche, scrambled eggs, croissants, jam, toast and coffee and is served at the hotel’s stunning al fresco rooftop restaurant, Osteria delle Sirene, among greenery, blooming bougainvillea and shady umbrellas. Additional items can be added on for an extra charge, but the included dishes are fresh, tasty and the views immaculate. At lunch and in the evenings the restaurant is open to all, serving pasta and fresh fish dishes, as well as goods direct from the on-site pizza oven. There’s also a small bar inside the main building for cocktails and spritzes.
What is the area like around Il Capri?
If you’re bold, then brave the steep and knackering 20 minute uphill walk to the hotel from the ferry terminal. But if you’ve big, bulky bags, then a cab, bus or the island’s iconic funicular is the only way to reach Il Capri. The hotel is right on the busy Via Roma, and a quick stroll from the Piazzetta di Capri, a square of high end cafes, bars and some of the finest people-watching in Italy. Get gelato in a hot waffle cone at nearby Buonocore (the line moves quickly), and walk the spectacular hairpin bends of Via Krupp pathway for some of the most incredible views of the south coast of the island and the faraglioni di Capri rocks, via the ornamental Gardens of Augustus. Then seek out the free beach zones (the pebbled areas at the side of the posh beach clubs) down at the bottom of the path at the lush Marina Piccola Bay.
DETAILS
Address: Via Roma, 71, 80073 Capri NA, Italy
Closest transport: Capri Port, Marina Grande
Price: From £323 to £2892