Hotel Tramonto d’Oro

Like many hotels along the Amalfi coast, style isn't exactly fresh when it comes to this hotel, though that doesn't stop it from being a well-liked place to unwind for a few days among its many guests. The look throughout the hotel is traditional and bright, with a combination of the modern, arched entryways and circular windows alongside traditional terra-cotta and painted tile floors. Colors like limoncello yellows and cerulean blues give everything a cheerful veneer, though patterns and fabrics throughout can't help but look homey and a bit dated. The name “Tramonto d’Oro” translates to Golden Sunset, and refers to the hotel's west-facing position, which is unusual for the area and makes for views of stunning sunsets over Capri and Positano. Of course, this simple geographical fact does add a dash of romance to the property as well. This simple hotel is ideal for couples or families in search of a boutique with a central location -- without breaking the bank at a super-luxe spot like Casa Angelina, or even the four-pearl Grand Hotel Tritone.

The hotel's location gives way for its most stunning feature: the views. Unlike several hotels in the area, this hotel faces west, giving guests spectacular views of the Church of San Gennaro's gorgeous tiled dome, as well as Positano, Capri, and the Mediterranean -- especially during sunset. Easily accessible by car, the hotel is located right off the main road and has a small private parking area. There are a few restaurants within a short walk in either direction, and most of the hotel's neighbors are other hotels. The central Praiano location means that both Amalfi and Positano can be reached in about 15 to 20 minutes by car, while the Naples Airport is within a 90-minute drive. Sorrento, where travelers will find a train station, is a 45-minute drive from the hotel, while Pompeii is about a hour away.

Unfortunately, there's an obvious difference in style between the hotel's 40 renovated and non-renovated rooms. Falling on the less-impressive side of the scale are the Standard and Deluxe Rooms. These display a clean, though slightly dated, Mediterranean aesthetic, with painted or polished wood and wicker furniture and bed frames, motel-style bedspreads, and a minimum of pale wall art on white walls. Standard and Deluxe Rooms both come with flat-screen TVs outfitted with satellite channels, air-conditioning, minibars, and phones. Deluxe Rooms have the bonus of private terraces with sea views, whirlpool bathtubs, and hand-painted tiling. Bathrooms in Standard Rooms are a bit bland, with small walk-in shower stalls, bidets, little counter space, and old-school tube hairdryers.

The higher category Mediterranean and Superior Rooms have a modern style, including recessed ceiling lights, solid color bedding, and white wooden furniture. These rooms have a minimalist, bright look created by an abundance of white and pops of color like navy, cerulean, and red. Some -- like the Superior Rooms that we visited -- have lovely hand-painted tiling lining the floors, creating an almost playful vibe. These rooms offer sea views and have private terraces or balconies. Mediterranean Rooms add free minibars and bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and colorful tilework. 

The Hotel Tramonto's L-shaped pool is located on the roof and and has breathtaking views of the Mediterranean -- though guests should note that it's open seasonally. The pool area offers a handful of bright yellow stretched canvas loungers for sun lovers, plus there's more on a lower level beside the restaurant terrace tables. Pool service for snacks, drinks, and light lunches is available. 

The Ristorante Tramonto d'Oro is an upscale spot serving Mediterranean cuisine, which guests can enjoy in either the modern-traditional dining room (with a hand-painted tile floor) or out on the terrace. Both spots have views over the cliffside and out to the sea. Dishes are plated beautifully, pop with color, and receive excellent reviews. Breakfast is included and is a fairly typical continental spread of meats, cheeses, and pastries plus juice and coffee. Cooking classes are offered daily. 

There's also a wellness center inclusive of an indoor gym outfitted with TechnoGym equipment and a spa with beautifully tiled Turkish bath, wood sauna, and selection of treatments. The closest beach -- Gavitella Beach Club and Bar -- is a hike down from the hotel, but there's no sand and it's all concrete and stone. The hotel offers a free shuttle to a local beach, La Praia. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, free parking (a rarity on the Amalfi Coast), excursions, and a concierge.