Wonderful trip report about the hotels! I really want to try out the Monastero Santa Rosa one day.
I just thought I may complement your post with some more details about my recent stay at hotel Casa Angelina in Praiano, since I found it excellent (and way beyond my expectations).
I posted a lot of photos here:
http://theluxurytravelexpert.com/201...i-coast-italy/
I made a youtube clip as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3RdqTh5xWo
What I really liked about the hotel:
- It’s hard to imagine a more majestic location than the one of Casa Angelina in the small village of Praiano. From almost every corner of the hotel, the ocean view spreads out before you like an azure blanket, disturbed only by the island bumps of Capri and Li Galli into the horizon. This has to be one of the best views on the Amalfi coast because Praiano is located on a rocky outcrop allowing glorious views on the coastline itself towards the romantic village of Positano.
- Casa Angelina is oriented toward the west, meaning that you will enjoy the evening sun until it disappears behind the mountains about 20 minutes before sunset (something that is not the case with most hotels at Ravello or Positano that are in the shade starting late afternoon).
- Service is simply phenomenal! The staff and management are highly skilled and offer the best service you could wish for (on pair with the service you would expect at, let's say, an Aman resort). Whether it is near the pool, at the restaurant or in the bar, you will be served with a smile and discrete professionalism.
- After a (half) day of sightseeing, you can dip your toes into the Mediterranean Sea in the private, tranquil and picturesque cove of La Gavitella (with a small beach and rocky terrace), which is accessed by a private glass elevator and 200 steps. This is a huge advantage over many other grand hotels of the Amalfi coast, which mostly don't have immediate access to the Mediterranean Sea.
- The food is one of thé highlights at Casa Angelina (simply the best hotel food that I ever had). The signature restaurant, Un Piano nel Cielo (‘a floor in the sky’) has a top-floor terrace with yet more amazing views of the Amalfi coast. The food, as well as its presentation, is simply fabulous and the service incredible. Breakfast buffet is also displayed in Un Piano nel Cielo and is another highlight with a very diverse breakfast spread (on pair and even out-classing buffet breakfasts served at the most luxurious hotels in the world).
- Children under 12 years of age are not allowed, so tranquility is guaranteed.
- During the morning and evening hours, the hotel offers frequent shuttle service to Positano (6 km away), which needs to be booked in advance. This is a huge advantage given the shortage of parking space at Positano.
Things to know (“cons”):
- The hotel is not well-marked along the road in Praiano (when you come from Positano, the turnoff is just before the tunnel to the right). Some extra signs along the main road would be helpful.
- The white, minimalistic design may not fit everybody's taste, but this should be a non-issue because of the spectacular surroundings.
- Beds are comfortable but a little on the hard side. They could use a mattress topper.
- Rooms are on the small side, some would use the world "tiny" to describe them. But in the end, that will not matter as you will be overwhelmed by the phenomenal views that embrace you from morning till sunset.
- There is only a limited number of sunloungers near the pool (22 in total), which may be a problem when the hotel is fully occupied. In addition, the sun loungers would be more comfortable with cushions.