NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi

The stylish Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi sits in the heart of the Amalfi Coast in an exquisitely restored 12th-century monastery complete with Victorian lecterns, Savonarola chairs, and a celebrated Arab-Sicilian cloister.

The site became an abbey in 1223. In 1452, the University of Amalfi restored the complex and in 1583, Cappuccini friars took over the convent, and it remained in their care for more than two centuries. In 1882, the property was converted into a hotel, frequented by aristocrats and celebrities. In its second life as a luxury hotel, the spot was a favorite of guests, including the composer Richard Wagner and playwright Henrik Ibsen, both of whom created great works during their stays at the hotel.

The terrace is extravagantly large, and columns and clouds of bougainvillea frame incredible views of Amalfi's harbor. The Mediterranean is the backdrop throughout the property.

This hotel is spectacularly perched cliffside at the edge of the Amalfi Coast. It’s mere feet from the coast and harbor, and only steps away from the historical, charming town of Amalfi. Amalfi Cathedral, the Municipal Museum of Amalfi, and Amalfi’s historical center are about a five-minute descent down the hill. The picturesque town of Positano is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Warning: Ancient, windy roads are beautiful but can be challenging to navigate.

These once bare monk cells are now modern rooms and suites with a suave melding of the building’s Moorish architecture and sophisticated, modern design. Not all rooms have terraces or balconies, but every room faces the sea, with stunning views and all. Rooms are minimalist, with wall-mounted flat-screen LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, terra-cotta floors, safes, and lovely marble bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and toiletries. They are furnished in a soothing, clean palette of whites and neutrals.

The terrace promenade, more than 1,000 feet long, is home to the hotel’s small yet fabulous infinity pool that is cut directly into the cliff, replete with a poolside bar and cafe. The views are breathtaking from the Dei Cappuccini restaurant on the fifth floor, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and highlights local ingredients. The spa offers massage, face, and body treatments, and a Turkish bath. The use of a sun umbrella, two sun beds, and beach towels are included in the cost of a room. The fitness center is small but well-equipped with cardio and weight-training machines.