Villa Lara

Behind a gate and at the top of a set of stairs (or elevator), the entrance to this 19th-century hotel couldn't be more traditionally -- and picturesquely -- Italian, with wooden doors, green shutters, and an aging exterior that feels more charmingly rustic than run-down. Through the narrow French doors, the lobby is warm and welcoming, with traditional tiled floors, clusters of white seating, draping plants, gold-framed mirrors, and cheery orange curtains. Outside, the house is surrounded by lemon groves and bougainvillea. Guests at this hotel are generally leisure travelers keen to explore Amalfi life: The property itself doesn't have many features to keep travelers on-site -- except for its furnished terrace with those quintessential views -- but it's a charming place to come back to at the end of a day sightseeing and dining in the town's piazzas. 

Perched on a cliff high above the town of Amalfi, Villa Lara is tucked away from the bustle of the tourist area, but it's an easy walk to sights. Plus, unlike a few hotels in town, it's not all stairs to get here: those who have reduced mobility or simply don't care to climb the (admittedly beautiful) panoramic stairway can take an elevator up to the property. Villa Lara is an easy walk to sights and plenty of great restaurants -- Bar Della Valle, a typical Italian cafe, is located across the street. The Museo della Carta, which showcases Amalfi's historic paper-making tradition, is three minutes away on foot. The magnificent Duomo di Amalfi, overlooking a large piazza, is a seven-minute walk away. The ferry stop and public beach are a 10-minute walk from the property. 

Rooms are individually decorated and are odd mixes stylistically: ice-cube-like nightstands in the Turchese Superior Room, for example, are paired with an ornate, antique marble-topped vanity across the modern white bed. The Acquamarina Suite, the hotel's romantic option, is tucked under the eaves and features a panoramic view of the town, cliffs, and sea from its furnished terrace; its ornately tiled floors in the bathroom are also among the prettiest in the hotel. Of course, most importantly, balconies are large and furnished, with beautiful views of the bay. In superior rooms, all of which receive plenty of sunlight, bathrooms are also large, with shower stalls and shower/tub combos, and tile -- some aqua- or burgundy-colored -- that extends from the floor almost all the way up to the ceiling. Note that some rooms have low, slanted ceilings above the beds that may be a bit tight for some. All rooms have air-conditioning, a minibar, flat-screen TV, and a free in-room safe. 

There's a continental breakfast buffet, which receives positive reviews and can be taken from the dining terrace that overlooks Amalfi. Other terraces, connected by vine-covered staircases and bolstered by the cliff face, feature mosaic tiles with wicker chairs and tables, from which the town stretches out until it hits the sea. Aside from that, don't expect a pool, lunch or dinner service, or fitness facilities. The hotel does offer babysitting for those traveling with children, although the hills of the town might not be the most manageable for young walkers or those with strollers. An on-site laundry room is available, and massage, hairdressing, and manicure services can be booked upon request. Wi-Fi is free and speedy throughout. For guests with cars, parking is expensive, but that's the case throughout town.