Hotel Rufolo

The family-run Hotel Rufolo has been operating as a hotel since the 1920s, playing host to famous guests, including D.H. Lawrence, who supposedly wrote some of his famous novel, "Lady Chatterley's Lover," on the property. It's situated in a Mediterranean-style building with a flat cream-colored facade studded in terraces, verandas, terra-cotta roofs, and archways. Inside, spacious common areas like the reception and lounge feature white walls, arched windows, and marble-tiled floors. Ornate wood Neapolitan furniture, luxurious gold mirrors, and silver candelabras lends a refined feel, though slipcovered armchairs and other accents can make the property feel dated. In the bar and breakfast room there are two libraries, one small and one large, overflowing with books in all languages. Many guests agree that the hotel's best features are its location and exceptional views, which are visible from the veranda-style restaurant, outdoor terrace and pool, and many of the property's guest rooms. The hotel is popular among couples, though it's also host to other leisure travelers, including families.

This hillside hotel is located on a quiet, narrow street in central Ravello with exceptional views of the Villa Rufolo and the sea. The hotel is in easy walking distance (under 10 minutes) to the main square, San Giovanni del Toro Church, and Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, along with a plethora of restaurants, bars, and shops. Naples International Airport is about an hour drive from the hotel, as is the Salerno Railway Station. Pompei is a 50-minute drive, and Sorrento is an hour and 20 minutes by car without traffic. The hotel can help arrange airport or train station pickup. Guests arriving by car should note that the road leading to the hotel is very narrow, though parking (under a pergola) is free. 

Rooms are individually decorated, so decor varies in color and style, though guests can expect classic wood furniture, white walls, vintage chairs, and Mediterranean accents like patterned Vietri ceramic floor tiles. Rooms are somewhat sparse, and decor can feel dated, though they are spacious, clean, and well-maintained. Standard rooms overlook the garden or mountain, but the best rooms have sea views or even balconies. All rooms have air-conditioning and heating, and each includes a safe, satellite TV with movie channels, free Wi-Fi, a stocked minibar, a desk, and a wardrobe. Bathrooms feature decorative tiling, and typically each has a vanity, toilet, bidet, and shower/tub combo; some have separate tubs and showers. Junior Suites have whirlpools, and some rooms have hot tubs on their private balconies. Bathrooms include hairdryers and individual toiletries. Rooms do not have coffee/tea facilities. 

The hotel is host to the Sigilgaida Restaurant, which serves local and Mediterranean cuisine crafted with local products, including produce from the hotel's own garden. Designed so that guests can take advantage of the hotel's exceptional views, tables are situated in a glass-enclosed porch and on a terrace with a vista of the sea. A wine-bottle wall accents the entrance. A small bar and lounge serves up drinks all day. The hotel is often host to weddings and other events, and can assist organizing these. A breakfast room serves up a free daily breakfast buffet with a good variety of items.

A small spa offers massages, aromatherapy, and other treatments in two rooms, but is only open during limited hours. The fitness room is small and sparsely decorated with a tile floor and only a few pieces of equipment (a weight machine, a stationery bike, and a treadmill). An outdoor pool and terrace surrounded by lemon trees offers places to relax and excellent views, though the pool is closed mid-October to mid-May.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, and a porter/bellhop; guests say the staff are extremely helpful. Train station pickup and airport transportation are available for an extra fee. Parking is free. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Pets are allowed in rooms, but not in common areas.