Hotel Pellegrino

This small family-run guesthouse has been around since 1969. Off of the main coastal road near the town of Praiano, it is the epitome of a quaint countryside guesthouse with the luxury of uninterrupted Amalfi Coast views. Cloaked in ivy and flowering vines, the hotel oozes romance. Inside, an art-deco design greets guests with spotless tile floors, black wrought-iron accents, local ceramics, and architecture full of arches and angles. Marble stairs lead to the private indoor parking garage, but the most spectacular spot is the rooftop terrace. Part of the dining area for Pellegrino's on-site restaurant and breakfast room, the terrace is outfitted with multiple seating arrangements and topped with shade-giving vines. The result is an absolutely lush setting with the best view in the house, complimented by scents of blossoming flowers and sea breeze.

Clinging to the cliffs along the famous Amalfi Coast, Hotel Pellegrino rests between the two popular tourist towns of Amalfi and Positano, in the less commercial area of Praiano. From this quiet location, stunning views stretch from Positano out to Capri. Although the town of Praiano is close by, there is a public bus stop right outside the hotel for easy access to other places along the coast. Another great access point nearby is the “Sentieri degli Dei,” or “Path of the Gods.” A narrow foot path winding through the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, it is so named for its half-way point between earth and the heavens.

On the whole, all nine of the rooms are large, especially by European guesthouse standards, with a simple, thoughtful style not usually found in hotels of this category. The overall atmosphere reads as charming, with fancy window dressings and light fixtures, wood-framed doorways, and cushioned headboards. 

These spotless rooms are accompanied by sea views, some with balconies or large terraces for smaller units. These outdoor areas are gorgeous with flowering plants and modern lounge furniture. Anyone sensitive to possible noise coming off the road may want a room outfitted with double-paned windows, while those who leave their windows open will hear the waves at night and birds in the morning.

The owners take pride in the excellent food served at the hotel -- so much so that the chef/owner has been known to share a variety of fresh samples from the kitchen before (and sometimes during) each meal. Dinners can thus be a multiple course affair. All meals, including the free breakfast, are served in the rooftop dining area or outdoor veranda. While the hotel itself lacks a pool or proper sunbathing area, determined guests can use the facilities at a nearby property. And despite no dedicated tours desk, the hotel can still recommend and arrange excursions in the area.

Guests can take advantage of items like free Wi-Fi and parking, and even bring their pets on holiday. Amenities aside, many visitors have raved about the quality of service from Hotel Pellegrino's owners, who offer a refreshing treat-you-like-family vibe.