Floridiana Hotel

The Floridian is tucked away in a courtyard in the center of Amalfi, and it's easy to miss its narrow passageway, which is wedged between a clothing shop and a pizzeria on a busy shopping street. For a 12th-century building that once belonged to an aristocratic family, the exterior is unassuming, but inside guests will find impressive high-vaulted ceilings covered in intricate decorative paintings. A beautifully carved wood reception counter adds to the classical atmosphere, as do the richly upholstered chesterfield sofas. The spacious, next-door breakfast room, which was probably once a grand ballroom, is even more overwhelming, with richly painted ceilings, white-and-gold-painted doors, oil paintings, and gilded mirrors and tables. The romantic, Old World ambience makes this hotel a favorite among vacationing couples, but families and groups find their way here too.

Floridiana Hotel is in the center of Amalfi in a hidden courtyard off a busy shopping street that's home to several cafes, bars, and restaurants. It's about a five-minute walk to the seafront, and a three-minute walk to Amalfi Cathedral. The ferry terminal, where boats can be caught for Positano (a 20-minute ride) and Salerno (a 35-minute ride), is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The nearest train station is in Salerno, a one-hour drive away. Other popular tourist destinations include Pompei, a 70-minute drive away, and Ravello, a 17-minute drive. Naples International Airport is the closest one, and it's a 90-minute drive. 

The 13 guest rooms at the Floridiana are bright and spacious, but unlike the grand public spaces of the hotel, they are simply decorated, and occasionally furnishings and decor can feel dated, leaning toward an '80s look. Walls are painted a crisp white, and floors are covered in glossy light-blue tiling. Bedspreads and curtains are a cobalt blue, accented with gold pillows to represent the colors of Amalfi. The blue-and-white-tile bathrooms are large, and have bidets, towel warmers, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and shower stalls -- which can be a bit cramped in Standard Rooms. In Superior Rooms and the Suite, showers are much bigger, and have rainwater showerheads. The Suite also has an upper level with a hot tub, and a seating area with a small sofa and a table and chairs. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, and minibars (including alcoholic drinks). Some rooms have views of the city rooftops and the church bell tower. 

The hotel's highlight is its rooftop terrace. It offers views of the nearby mountains, and Amalfi's rooftops and church tower. Guests are welcome to use the hot tub and the many sun loungers. There are also a few tables and chairs where guests can sit and take in the view. A buffet breakfast is served (at no extra cost) in the magnificent ballroom with its beautifully preserved painted ceiling. The Floridiana has a garage where guests can park for free -- a notable plus point in a region where parking is often exorbitantly expensive. Staff will help with airport transfers and booking tours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.