Il Capri Hotel

Capri, Italy - map
www.ilcaprihotel.com

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant island of Capri, the Il Capri Hotel stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Neo-gothic architecture and the vision of its passionate owners, Graziella Buontempo and Arnaud Lacombe. This stunning palazzo, originally constructed in the 19th century as a private villa in the Neo-gothic Venetian style, underwent a meticulous transformation in 1899 to become the elegant establishment that captivates visitors today.

From the moment one lays eyes on the exterior, the signature pastel-pink facade of Il Capri Hotel captivates with its neo-gothic charm. The husband-and-wife duo took great care to restore and refresh the building's iconic pink-and-white facades, carrying this enchanting hue seamlessly into the guest rooms. The restoration extends beyond aesthetics, with the interiors redesigned to seamlessly blend the grandeur of the property with a contemporary chic sensibility.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a bold red curved awning that signals the entrance, leading to a reception desk adorned with reddish marble. Room keys are housed in small arched niches within a wood-panelled wall, offering a tasteful nod to the building's historic architectural details. The public areas feature checkerboard flooring, black lighting fixtures, and vibrant red curtains, creating a cohesive and visually striking atmosphere.

Il Capri Hotel boasts 21 guest rooms spread across several floors, each exuding comfort, no-frills luxury, and understated elegance. Pink accents, reminiscent of the iconic exterior, grace the interiors as wainscoting and on upholstered headboards shaped as ogee arches. The rooms, adorned with sisal floors and natural materials, are thoughtfully designed to ensure that attention is not drawn away from the breathtaking views that surround the island.

The hotel's public spaces are a carefully curated blend of antique furniture, sourced to evoke a homely atmosphere, and artworks from Buontempo's personal collection, reflecting her family's longstanding connection with the island. Archways elegantly divide seating areas, creating distinct spaces for guests to unwind and soak in the ambiance.

Il Capri Hotel offers a delightful array of dining and drinking options, many of which invite guests to savor their experience al fresco while taking in panoramic views of the island's dramatic coastline and the Gulf of Naples. The street-level Caprirama Bar, seamlessly connected to the lobby, extends onto an expansive terrace adorned with a herringbone-pattern tiled floor and terracotta plant pots, landscaped by the renowned garden designer Jonathan Froines. The all-day restaurant Vesuvio boasts a shaded outdoor dining terrace, furnished with caned bistro chairs and wood-topped tables. The rooftop swimming pool, surrounded by sun loungers and shaded by red parasols with crenellated white edges, offers a serene retreat with breathtaking vistas.

For those seeking evening entertainment, Il Capri Hotel houses the subterranean nightclub Rumore, which transforms into a cinema and events space during the off-season. Accessible by a short boat ride from Naples along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, Capri remains a sought-after destination for both Italian and international tourists. Il Capri Hotel stands not just as an accommodation option but as a testament to the timeless charm and sophisticated allure that this enchanting island continues to offer.