Caesar Augustus Hotel

Set in a historic villa that dates back to 1850, this property at one point belonged to Russian prince Emmanuel Bulhak, who placed a statue of Caesar Augustus on a terrace here and gave the hotel its name. In 1940, the villa was sold to the Signorini family, who still run the hotel today. The hotel has more going for it than just its history, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from its position 985 feet (300 meters) above the water. Panoramic vistas from the restaurant, pool, and many room terraces are sensational, encompassing Mount Vesuvius. Ample seating and loungers allow guests to take advantage of the picturesque vistas. 

Interiors are also lovely, done in a classically elegant design that consists of antique furniture, old-fashioned patterned rugs, ceramic pottery, book-lined shelves, and ample artwork. The atmosphere is romantic and quiet, enhanced by the no-children-under-10 policy and highly praised attentive service. Ample on-site features tempt travelers to spend all their time at the property, as does the location removed from the center of Capri. All in all, this is a fabulous luxury option for couples not wanting to spend a ton of time in Capri's center. Those who would rather be near the port should consider the Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco, however, it lacks a pool.

The Caesar Augustus Hotel has a quiet and secluded location on the road that leads up from Capri to Anacapri. Although the hotel is removed from Capri's town center and port (a 10- and 13-minute drive, respectively), guests are within a 10-minute walk of Anacapri's town center, where there are some shops and restaurants. The popular chairlift for transport up Monte Solaro is a six-minute walk from the hotel, which takes travelers to the highest peak of the island. It's a 10-minute walk to Villa San Michele, a villa-turned-museum built by Axel Munthe. The hotel provides free pick-up and drop-off to the ferry port. Naples is a 50-minute ferry ride away, while Sorrento is a 20-minute ride. 

There are 49 rooms and six suites here, all individually decorated in a similarly elegant style. Expect a classic and charming look combining wrought-iron and wood furniture, beige tile floors, and mostly neutral linens with pops of red or olive-green in throw pillows and seating. Gilded mirrors, ceramic vases, antique rugs, and sea-themed artwork add pleasant accents to some. Entry-level Classic Garden View Rooms are tiny, measuring 18 square meters (193 square feet), and these are the only units without outdoor space. All of the other rooms have furnished balconies or terraces with private gardens, either overlooking the sea or grounds. Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. There are no kettles or coffeemakers. Attractive bathrooms -- some with patterned Vietri tiles -- have shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs. Hairdryers and swish toiletries are provided. 

Suites add sitting areas, and many have whirlpool tubs and huge terraces. Be aware that some past guests have complained of noise issues due to thin walls.

Features here are excellent, many of them providing gorgeous sea views. A highlight is the bi-level infinity pool facing Ischia. The terrace is lined by ample yellow loungers next to umbrellas. Although there's no full spa, a couple of huts are available for beauty and wellness treatments, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. A steam room and simple open-air gym with cardio machines and free weights are also on-site. A second large terrace with the aforementioned statue of Caesar Augustus has dining sets and couches, in addition to sensational vistas. This terrace also has a bar serving wine, Champagne, and cocktails, as well as oysters and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Classical and jazz concerts are put on during the summer months.

The restaurant, La Terrazza di Lucullo, serves a modern twist on regional cuisine. Ingredients are locally sourced, including herbs and vegetables grown on the on-site garden. Unsurprisingly, the eatery has beautiful vistas. All rates include a buffet spread of sweet and savory fare such as cold meats and cheeses, pastries, fruit, and coffee. Food receives excellent reviews across the board.