Hotel Villa Fraulo

First built in the 13th century as the home of a renowned noble family, historic Villa Fraulo is named after the aristocrat who owned it between 1908 and the end of WWII. The property has been renovated on multiple occasions throughout the centuries, but it has managed to retain some of its original elements, including a vaulted stone chamber that is now part of the restaurant. Decor is elegant and classic throughout, with antique-style furniture, ornate lamps and chandeliers, marble finishes, and ceiling moldings. However, some areas have fallen into disrepair, and while most common spaces feel grand and refined, the once beautiful yellow façade with arched windows and columns is now in dire need of fresh coats of paint and does not make for a great first impression. 

Past the gate, a small, charming courtyard full of plants leads to a cute portico with two classic columns, vaulted ceilings, a steel and glass lamp and Gothic-style pointed windows. Inside, the elegant lobby has marble floors, wooden accents, ceiling moldings and several airy seating areas with scarlet-colored armchairs, antiques, ornate golden details, a stone mantelpiece, and large widows overlooking the surrounding mountains. The restaurant offers alfresco dining on a large terrace jutting out over the side of the cliff and boasting unobstructed sea views. 

The hotel is located on a quiet street in central Ravello. Major historic sights such as the cathedral, San Giovanni del Toro Church, Villa Rufolo and Confalone Palace are all within an easy walking distance. Ravello is set amid woods up in the mountains, which offers easy access to hiking trails. The nearest beach can be reached by car in about 20 minutes. Amalfi and Maiori are each a 20-minute drive away, and picturesque Positano is an hour away. 

The hotel has 26 rooms, all decorated in an elegant classic style with polished floors, antique-style furniture and golden accents. All units have a balcony or terrace with expansive sea views, but the best vistas can be had from higher floors, as a street runs right outside the property and takes away some of the wow factor. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, and marble bathrooms with shower/tub combos equipped with rain showerheads. Standard Rooms have elegant elements, such as white tufted headboards, white antique-style wooden furniture, and delicate golden details, but bare walls and small lamps make these units feel a little plain. In addition, a couple of them are starting to look worn and have a slight musty smell. Superior Rooms have a small seating area with a couch, and a few stylish beige touches. Suites have Tempur mattresses, separate living areas, and larger bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and separate rain showers.

Principe Compagna is an elegant restaurant comprising two different areas: a glass-enclosed dining room, and an expansive terrace complete with a stone fountain and panoramic sea views. A free but average breakfast buffet is served here every morning. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers a mix of Italian specialties such as risotto, carpaccio and tiramisu, and a selection of international dishes, including lamb chops and honey Bavarian cream with pears. The restaurant has its own wine cellar, and a small bar serves wine and cocktails throughout the day. Massages and a sauna are available at the small spa, which also offers a small indoor pool that connects to the outdoor infinity pool. The pool has stunning sea and mountain views, but the deck around it could use an update. The hotel offers on-site parking and airport transfer services, both for a fee. There is free Wi-Fi throughout, though some guests have complained of spotty service.