Hotel Marina Riviera

The coastal Hotel Marina Riviera occupies a beautiful, tall white building with large arched windows -- it sits right along the winding road that runs parallel to the water. A stone archway trimmed with ivy marks the entrance. Decorated in a Mediterranean style, the hotel is flooded in natural light and offers exceptional views of the sea and mountains through large windows and roomy outdoor terraces. The building dates from the 19th century, and it opened as a hotel in the 1970s.

The lobby features decorative blue-and-yellow patterned ceramic-tile floors that pair well with its white walls, framed pictures, and lush potted plants throughout. A sitting area includes an elegant vintage red couch with button tufting and two matching armchairs. The outdoor spaces -- which offer breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, and city -- are the real standout here. The balconies and terraces are furnished with cushioned teak chairs and tables or loungers and bright green plants, which give a cozy perched over the water. The atmosphere is romantic and tends to attract couples, but families check in here too.

Hotel Marina Riviera is perched along a winding coastal road in Amalfi. This waterfront spot captures exceptional views of Amalfi, the sea, and the mountains. The hotel is a four-minute walk from Amalfi town center, including the beach and such sights as Amalfi Cathedral. The nearest train station is in Salerno, about an hour's drive away. Another transport hub is Naples, about a 90-minute drive, which has a train station, and Naples Capodichino International Airport. Nearby sights include Pompeii and Positano, both about an hour's drive. Parking is available at a nearby parking garage, for a fee.

Hotel Marina Riviera's 34 rooms feature tile floors and colorful patterned accents. Decor ranges significantly from the smaller Standard and Deluxe rooms to luxurious Suites, though all rooms are tasteful. In Deluxe Rooms, simple, white-tile floors pair with airy white walls, while lattice-pattern  headboards and vintage armchairs provide a dose of color. Upgraded rooms might feature beautiful hand-painted ceramic-tile floors and elegant carved wood furniture. Bathrooms also vary significantly, but tend to be plush, with beautifully tiled walls and floors, vessel sinks, marble tubs and walls, whirlpool tubs, and showers with rainfall showerheads. Hairdryers, robes and slippers, and toiletries are provided.

Rooms are air-conditioned and include free Wi-Fi in addition to flat-screen TVs, safes, and minibars. There are no in-room tea- or coffee-making facilities. The Suite Amalfitana comes with a hot tub overlooking the sea and a spacious terrace with a wicker couch, table and chairs, and wooden loungers. Guests suggest splurging for a room with a balcony and sea view -- but since the hotel sits along a main road, these rooms can be noisy when the windows are open.

The hotel's amenities take advantage of some pretty spectacular sea views. Guests rave about the breakfast, which is served on a beautiful terrace overlooking the water and includes a spread of hot and cold dishes, including buffet options and made-to-order eggs -- it's included in the room rate. The Eolo Restaurant, located next door, is managed by the hotel. It serves local dishes and Mediterranean cuisine for dinner against excellent views. (Guests also recommend the Marina Grande restaurant right down the road.) The hotel also has a lobby bar and a pool bar. 

There's a small, seasonal rooftop pool, but the standout feature is the views of the sea and the mountains from the stone terrace. There are also wood tables and chairs and a bar on the roof near the pool, adorned with flower boxes and vines. 

The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, room service, and concierge services, such as childcare, laundry, and tour assistance. Wi-Fi is free, though guests occasionally complain about the spotty signal. Parking is available nearby for a fee.