Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy
The historic Hotel Caruso is in the hill town of Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. Set on towering cliffs, with spectacular sea views, the hotel is an oasis of tranquility with an outdoor heated infinity swimming pool and lush, flower-scented gardens
Our review
If location, location, location is the mantra, then the Hotel Caruso has it in spades. Take a historic, honey-coloured stone building with original frescoes and local hand painted floor tiles, position it atop one of the Amalfi Coasts’ most appealing hilltop villages, add an infinity pool with sea-melting-into-sky views, surround it with flower scented gardens, disturbed only by the swoosh of swallows or the hum of honeybees – and you have perfection.
Of course, the Hotel Caruso comes with a certain pedigree. Gary Lineker had his wedding here in 2009 and it has been the haunt of many famous guests before and after. My expectations were very high when we drove up to the hotel’s front door.
On entering the building – the car taken away immediately to be parked and a glass of refreshing freshly squeezed Sfusato lemon juice being offered as we signed in – I realised that this was no ordinary hotel. The handsome hotel houses authentic 18th century furniture and has pale lemon painted walls, making it feel both elegant and airy. Full use is made of the spectacular view of the sea 350 metres below, with shutters flung open.
We had a Junior Suite deluxe with private balcony and uninterrupted sea view. It had a separate lounge area with sofa and chairs, a bedroom area with pop up TV and French windows that lead onto a balcony with a table and two chairs. The doors were painted white and with ecru walls, it was a pretty, sunlit room.
The bathroom was spectacular and spacious with separate bath and shower, double vanity sinks and everything one could possibly want. Included in the Molton Brown, Bulgari and Penhaglion toiletries were face wash and aftershave. There were fine cotton towels for drying one’s face as well as fluffy towelling ones; the bath stool was thoughtfully covered in towelling; there were bath salts stored in a locally made ceramic jar and even a bath pillow. With hand painted tiles in shades of buttermilk and burnt sugar to take away the starkness of the white, if I had to close my eyes and wish for the perfect bathroom, this was it.
Outside, the fresh scent of flowers was overpowering and surrounded by olive groves and lemon trees, free from traffic noise – in fact any noise – save the rhythmic splash of a sole swimmer doing lengths in the pool.
We had lunch in the alfresco restaurant next to the pool, sampling a pizza from the wood-fired oven. The table pottery is made locally and brightly coloured, highly appropriate for this sun-filled spot.
We could have had our breakfast on our lovely private sunny balcony with magnificent view, but instead had a similar experience on the breakfast terrace, overlooking the bay, where buffet choices included cold options and hot ones to order.
A short walk from the hotel takes you down into Ravello, a sleepy, one-horse town where in the shade of a lime tree, we enjoyed a homemade pear tart and cappuccino. We could have joined the throngs in Amalfi and Positano by taking advantage of the courtesy shuttle bus, but decided to stay put.
The attractive bar serves well-mixed cocktails, the daytime sea view now replaced by twinkling lights.
There was very little not to like about this spectacular hotel.
Final words: This should be on everyone’s ‘must visit’ in Italy list.
Rooms
Belmond Hotel Caruso offers approximately 50 rooms and suites, set within an 11th‑century former palace. Accommodation blends historic architecture with contemporary comfort and includes vaulted ceilings, frescoed details and refined Italian furnishings. Many rooms and suites feature private terraces or balconies with panoramic sea views across the Amalfi Coast.
Food and Drink
Ristorante Belvedere is the hotel’s main dining venue, serving seasonal Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, accompanied by views across the coastline. The Pool Grill offers informal dining beside the infinity pool, specialising in seafood, light lunches and daytime refreshments.
Bar Caruso provides a relaxed setting for cocktails, aperitifs and evening drinks, overlooking the gardens and sea. Dining experiences are complemented by regional wines and scenic outdoor terraces.
Wellness
Wellness facilities include a fitness centre and a dedicated spa offering a range of treatments and massages. Treatments are delivered in serene indoor spaces or outdoor pavilions, designed to complement the hotel’s tranquil setting and coastal surroundings.
Facilities
- Infinity swimming pool with panoramic views
- Landscaped gardens and terraces
- Restaurants and bar
- Spa and wellness treatments
- Fitness centre
- Concierge service
- Complimentary shuttle to nearby towns
- Event and private dining spaces
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Belmond Hotel Caruso is located in the historic town of Ravello, perched high above the Amalfi Coast. Nearby attractions include Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone and Ravello’s central square, while the coastal towns of Amalfi and Positano are within easy reach.
Getting there
Address: Piazza San Giovanni del Toro 2, 84010 Ravello (Salerno), Italy
Arriving by car: Fastest route: Take the Naples-Pompeii-Salerno high – way. Exit at Angri. Follow indications for "Valico di Chiunzi" and "Costiera Amalfitana", reaching Ravello through the pass (valico).Slower but more scenic route: Take the Naples – Pompeii – Salerno highway. Exit at "Vietri Sul Mare". Follow indications for "Costiera Amalfitana" and "Ravello", passing Cetara, Maiori and Minori. This road is very panoramic, but can have a lot of traffic on weekends and public holidays.
Arriving by train: Naples Central Railway Station (64 km – 40 miles), 60 minutes drive to the hotel. Trains from Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome.
Arriving by air: Naples International Airport Capodichino NAP (65 km-40 miles), 60 minutes drive to the hotel.
More information
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Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.