Hotel Parsifal Antico Convento del 1288

Ivy climbs the exterior walls and arched stone entryway of the Hotel Parsifal, which dates back to 1288. A monastery of the Hermits of St. Augustine in its former life, the property was converted into a hotel in 1948 and is now run by the Mansi family. One of the main highlights -- and draws -- of the property are its incredible sweeping views and historic details found throughout. Situated in the mountains high up above the coastal towns, Ravello is naturally quieter than the villages below, giving the hotel a peaceful ambience (except during one of the many weddings it hosts). Its gardens, especially in the cloister, are lovely, with vines, trees, and brightly colored flowers lining antique pavement and looking out over the bay. Similar to other area hotels, the decor is outdated and traditional, though still charming. Old-fashioned furniture and black-and-white photos sit above tiled floors and under arched ceilings in the lobby, while stacked suitcases act as an end table. The restaurant has blue-patterned tablecloths that are from an era gone-by, but they're easy to overlook with the wall of windows overlooking the coastline.

Hotel Parsifal is located off a quiet, stone-paved street in Ravello and through a brick arch surrounded by climbing vines. Just a 10-minute walk from the center of town, its location is close to everything (including restaurants and cafes) in tiny but charming Ravello. The village is made all the more lovely by its quiet streets, largely devoid of traffic. Dating back to the 13th century, Villa Rufolo overlooks the town's piazza duomo and is worth a stop -- it's less than three minutes by foot from the hotel's door. 

Farther on are other Amalfi villages. While many guests opt to hike between the two, they're also drivable (though Italian roads, especially here along the coast, aren't for the faint of heart). Amalfi is just 16 minutes by car, while Positano is about an hour's drive. Pompeii is about 50 minutes by car, and Herculaneum is an hour away. Naples and its airport are also about an hour's drive. 

Guests at the 17-room Hotel Parsifal can request views of the sea, garden, valley or the convent's original cloisters -- but a room with a view is a must. It's worth the upgrade to Superior or Deluxe Rooms with furnished terraces or tiled patios offer stunning vistas across the bay. The rooms themselves are tucked under archways and are plain but charming, with white walls, tiled floors in typical Amalfi style, patterned and embroidered linens, and simple wooden furniture. Deluxe rooms have separate sitting areas, with either a sofa or two chairs and a table. Bathrooms have small showers or shower/tub combos, and some are busily decorated in patterned tiles. A few rooms have air-conditioning, but it's not needed most of the time, given the town's mountainside location. Each also has a small flat-screen TV, minibar, closet space, and safe. 

All rates include a simple but yummy continental breakfast, and half-board packages can be purchased. The hotel's Raffaele Restaurant serves Mediterranean food during lunch and dinner (and has gluten-free items), and during the high season, some of the produce comes from the convent garden. The dining room indoors is large but homey, with lovely views looking out over the bay from its panoramic windows, though passing up any chance to dine al fresco on the thatched-roof terrace would be a shame. Back inside, there's a reading room with plenty of chairs and a desk piled with books. Wi-Fi is also available in public areas, though the signal doesn't typically extend to the rooms. The hotel can help with parking for a reasonable daily rate. There are no pool or wellness facilities.