Hotel review: Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, Italy

Set in the buzzing town of Amalfi, the Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi is perched on a cliff top 80m above sea level and enjoys incredible views over the Mediterranean and Amalfi Coast, yet it's not far to the beach and restaurants of the Amalfi harbour below.

We arrived at the Grand Hotel Convento after enjoying a three-day stay at the Capri Tiberio Palace.
The twin-stay trip was a fabulous idea to pack in both the beauty of Capri and the Amalfi Coast in one go. Visit Citalia.com for more on multi-stay holidays.

First impressions
Situated in a converted 12th Century monastery, this five-star hotel carved into the cliffside packs a wow-factor punch. Accessed via a small reception and lift on the ground floor, once you've made it the 80m up, the lift opens to reveal an awe-inspiring building and uninterrupted views. Parts of the hotel are set in the 13th Century Norman-Arab cloister and its magnificent "loggia". While interiors have been kept chic, neutral and simple, letting the outside and the architecture do all the talking.

Best rooms in the house?
There are 36 Classic, Superior, and Deluxe rooms at the hotel, but if you really want to push the boat out, pick one of the 17 Junior Suites and Deluxe Suites, which offer a terrace with a breathtaking view of the coast. All the rooms are the last word in minimalist chic, painted in refreshing whites and creams, with rustic terracotta-tiled floors and indulgent marble baths.

Where to eat/drink
For a fine-dining dinner experience, head to the main restaurant Dei Cappuccini. The bar and restaurant area is elegant and contemporary with intricate chandeliers set against a white, spacious backdrop with large arched windows looking out to the sea beyond. But the place to be is, of course, on the terrace outside, which offers views over the ocean and the glittering lights of the Amalfi Coast below. The Mediterranean fare is mouthwatering and the wine sublime. This is upmarket, treat-yourself territory rather than a purse-friendly pizza night.

Don't miss
The walk along the outside passageway over to the infinity pool. You'll be hard-pressed to find a pool with better views, and you can also look back at the hotel in all its glory. Bliss.

Top tip?
Head to the hotel reception and hire a scooter (around €90 a day) so you can zip along the winding Amalfi Coast roads and discover must-see spots like Ravello (15 minutes' ride) and Positano (for the more daring at 30 to 40 minutes away).

Things to do, places to see...
Perched high in the cliffs above Amalfi, the picturesque historic village of Ravello is not to be missed. For those not so keen on the scooter idea, buses run uphill to Ravello from Amalfi and cost just a couple of euros. Famous for its stunning views and gardens, the two main tourist attractions are Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, whose stunning gardens are open to the public and offer amazing views over the Mediterranean coastline. The Ravello Concert Society organises concerts from March through to November at Villa Rufolo, and the setting, which even inspired Wagner, couldn't be more magical.

This place is perfect if you're...
Just married or just celebrating; It's a special treat for a special occasion. It's also a fantastic luxurious base for anyone who wants to explore the glorious Amalfi Coast.

Details
Via Annunziatella, 46, 84011 Amalfi (SA), Italy. Visit citalia.com or call 0843 249 8087.

Get me there!
Citalia.com, the leading Italian specialist has a week at the five-star Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi from £1,655 per person. The offering includes a saving of up to £611 per couple, a free night, private resort transfers, seven nights B&B in a Superior Double Room and return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick.

See more pics of the hotel in our gallery below: