Hotel Amalfi

Given that Hotel Amalfi is located in a former pasta factory, you would expect that the decor would be more distinctive than it is. The exterior -- with its chalk white walls and terra-cotta awnings -- blends in well with its surroundings. The interior is a hodgepodge of styles, with a reception desk made of two squat Roman columns topped with a thick sheet of glass combined with modern orange-and-pink couches and wicker chairs. There's also an outdoor terrace where breakfast is served with views of the Duomo di Amalfi and the towns of Pontone and Scala. Another interior breakfast room has a wood-lined ceiling and cloth-covered cafe tables. The garden's white plastic furniture is easily forgettable, but its orange trees are charming. Most guests are tourists, particularly couples, though families do also stay here and the hotel can arrange babysitting. 

The hotel is centrally located, within an easy walk of numerous attractions and a five-minute walk from the coast. The ninth-century Duomo di Amalfi is five minutes away on foot, while the Museo della Carta -- which traces the history of handmade paper from China to Amalfi -- is a seven-minute walk away. Chiostro del Paradiso, 13th-Moorish-style cloisters and the adjacent Duomo di Amalfi are also five minutes away. For travelers who want to get out into nature, the Valle delle Ferriere is a 50-minute drive away. Visitors arriving at the Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport should expect the drive to take about an hour and 15 minutes.

The 40 rooms at the Hotel Amalfi have a homey look and feel and many could benefit from an update. Rooms sleep one to four guests and come in Economy, Standard and Superior categories. Economy Rooms and slightly larger Standard Rooms have minimal decor, with painted stencils on the walls and wood furniture that seems a few years out of date. Superior Rooms have larger lounging areas and more seating, plus small terraces with views of Amalfi. In-room amenities include mini-fridges, safes, flat-screen TVs, and kettles. However, the lighting in rooms tends to be dim and past guests have complained of loud bells from the nearby cathedral and limited electrical outlets. Tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and free basic toiletries.

Hotel Amalfi's amenities are geared toward tourists who spend their days away from the property. The breakfast buffet (for an extra fee) gets mixed reviews and includes traditional dishes from Campania, such as cakes, pastries, local oranges, and boiled eggs. Room service for breakfast is also available. Some of the package deals offered on the Hotel Amalfi's site include free parking. Pets are allowed to stay with guests, but the management must be given advance notice to make preparations. Babysitting, on-site lot parking, and airport transfers are also available for a fee. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but the service can be unreliable.