There could be three reasons why Amalfi's Santa Caterina attracts so many repeat visitors on a coast positively awash with five-star hotels.
The first could be the stunning cliffside location and dramatic outside elevator connecting rooms with the swimming pool and alfresco restaurant 100 feet below. The second might well be the gorgeous interior, awash in hand-painted majolica tiles and marble of many colours. But the most likely explanation for decades of customer satisfaction is the army of Italian grandpas who run the place like clockwork, showering guests with real warmth and affection.
Virtually all rooms have a sea view with a balcony, and bathrooms are particularly good, many incorporating jacuzzi tubs as well as walk-in showers. There are charming rooms, some slightly larger than those on the higher floors, and lovely gardens.
Amalfi is famous for its lemons, and one of the hotel's most attractive offerings is the chance to wander in its own terraced lemon groves and take home as many as you want from a basket in the reception area.
Food is good, if not spectacular, with the casual restaurant at pool level being a good place to ring the changes, and on summer nights it offers dinner as well as lunch. Breakfast on the terrace of the more formal restaurant at street level is a delight, its views of Amalfi town whetting the appetite for a walk or taxi drive down to explore its charms.
It's worth noting that the hotel has held at least one Jewish wedding, and is perfectly set up for nuptials, with a gorgeous secluded honeymoon cottage on the premises. But you don't need to be a honeymooner to enjoy the idyllic atmosphere of what must be the warmest and friendliest hotel on Italy's most spectacular stretch of coastline.
Rates: Rooms from GPB245. hotelsantacaterina.it/en
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