Grand Hotel Tritone

A cliffside, peninsular setting high above the sea, the 1957-built hotel has impressive panoramic views. Almost every part of this large property overlooks the water, from rooms, restaurant terraces, and pools, to the lido-style beach club far below. Staggered patios, potted flowers, and a romantic lookout dot the several hundred steps dividing lofty main structures from the private beach, although a built-in elevator affords easier access. Interiors are well-presented, but on the tired side (common for the region). Ceramic floors and a shabby-chic array of '70s furnishings could use an update, but guests are here for the stupendous vistas. The vibe here is relaxed, though there's a slightly exclusive feel at the beach -- a private one is a rarity for the region, though the beach itself is small and rocky. Families are welcome, but the romantic ambience here is best-suited to adults. Note that the hotel only operates April through October.

The hotel sits on the main SS163 road, where somewhat fear-enducing (but scenic) routes serve the entire Amalfi Coast. Positioning a five-minute drive from the town of Praiano affords a hideaway feel, and cliff settings mean views are unparalleled. Praiano itself can be reached on foot in 21 minutes, or via a bus that stops outside, but a vehicle is strongly recommended here. Hilltop towns dot the region, with Positano and its cobbled Piazza dei Mulini square an 18-minute drive, and other towns a similar distance. Water taxis from the hotel's private pier shorten journeys to Positano, and the 26-minute drive to Amalfi. Sorrento is 40 minutes by car, Naples is two hours away, and Naples International Airport is a 90-minute drive.

All facing Praiano and the sea, bright rooms with Vietri ceramic floors have traditional decor that some travelers may find more dated than classically charming. They're outfitted with white walls, wood furniture, fabric headboards, and either beige or blue bedspreads, drapes, and seating areas, plus small framed artwork. Although all rooms have sea views, it's worth upgrading to one with a furnished balcony or terrace -- Junior Suites add loungers here. Desks, wardrobes, and sitting areas come standard. while Junior Suites have full living rooms (though there's no partition between the bedrooms. Blue-and-white bathrooms are old-looking, but sufficient, with showers or shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. Suites have slippers, plus spa tubs in some.Phones, small satellite flat-screen TVs, minibars, and AC come standard, but there are no tea- or coffee-making facilities, nor safes. Some guests find beds hard, but this is common throughout Italy. Crib fittings are at a fee.

Features here aren't the most extensive, and most center around the hotel's greatest asset -- the views. Reached by steps or an elevator, the private rocky beach has some loungers and bar service, plus an adjacent saltwater pool and restaurant. Alternative dining at La Casa delle Lampare offers Italian pastas and seafood, plus free breakfasts with cooked and continental options. Canopy leaf ceilings and large, sea-facing windows are refreshing at the restaurant, although many choose to dine al fresco. Indoor lounges and bar spaces are large, but drab. Fortunately, enough outdoor spaces compensate for this. Alongside the sea-fronting pool, a larger freeform pool at the reception level overlooks the sea, and sheltered areas offer shade. Sadly, there are no spa or gym facilities. The hotel does have a meeting room. On-site valet parking is free, as is Wi-Fi throughout the property.