Hotel Villa Cimbrone
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Hotel Details
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Hotel Villa Cimbrone · Ravello, Italy
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Expert Review: Hotel Villa Cimbrone
Hotel Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently described as a breathtaking and romantic destination, though it comes with a premium price tag and some notable quirks.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The overall sentiment for Hotel Villa Cimbrone is largely positive, with guests frequently using words like "amazing," "spectacular," "magical," and "unforgettable" to describe their experience. It is often perceived as a unique, dream-like escape. However, some guests express dissatisfaction regarding service quality and value for money, despite the stunning setting. Booking.com reviews generally rate the hotel as "Very Good" with an average score of 8.5, and a high score for location (9.1) and staff (8.7).
2. Key Highlights
Guests overwhelmingly adore the hotel's stunning gardens and exceptional, "out of this world" views of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Sorrento, particularly from the famous Terrazza dell'Infinito (Terrace of Infinity). The historic 11th-century villa itself, with its traditional interiors and enchanting grounds, is a major draw. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Flauto di Pan, and the beautiful sea-view pool are also frequently highlighted as loved amenities. The serene and uncrowded atmosphere, especially compared to other Amalfi locations, is a significant plus for many.
3. Room Quality
The hotel features 19 individually decorated rooms, including doubles, junior suites, and suites, which are described as elegant and comfortable. Many rooms boast traditional designs with bold colors, stunning Vietri tile floors, stone fireplaces, and antique furniture, with some suites featuring magnificent frescoed, vaulted ceilings. Most rooms offer furnished outdoor spaces, with sea or garden views, though sea-view upgrades are often recommended. Standard amenities include minibars, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms with hairdryers, bathrobes, and complimentary toiletries, some with deep soaking or whirlpool tubs. However, some guests note that even suites can be on the smaller side, and double beds composed of two singles pushed together can be frustrating. There are also no irons or ironing boards provided in rooms, a common aspect in this region of Italy.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Hotel Villa Cimbrone is a highlight, primarily centered around its Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant, Il Flauto di Pan. Guests praise the "world-class food" and "amazing dinner" with gourmet and organic Mediterranean cuisine, sometimes with an Eastern twist. Lunch menus are more Mediterranean-focused, while dinner offers modern gourmet options. Breakfast, which is complimentary, is described as an "exceptional experience" with excellent choices, including a generous sweet and savory buffet, hot and cold dishes, homemade yogurt, and prosecco, served on a terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Guests appreciate thoughtful touches and fine details in the Michelin-starred dining experience, such as unique presentations and a variety of bread and flavored butters.
5. Service & Staff
Feedback on service and staff is generally positive, with many guests praising the staff as "fantastic," "friendly," "helpful," and "attentive," often going "above and beyond". The professionalism and engaging nature of the staff are frequently mentioned. However, there are some reports of dissatisfaction with service quality, cleanliness issues, and a lack of personalized service, which some guests felt detracted from their overall experience.
6. Location & Accessibility
Perched on a cliff high above the Amalfi Coast, Hotel Villa Cimbrone offers an incredibly unique and serene location in Ravello. The famous gardens are a popular tourist attraction during the day, though certain exclusive areas, including private English gardens and the pool, are reserved for hotel guests. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the center of Ravello through a pedestrian zone. This walk is described as uphill, sometimes steep and uneven, which means guests "need to be fit" to stay there, unless arriving by helicopter (which the hotel offers a pad for). Luggage can be transported by a small truck or golf cart from the main square parking area. The remote location is seen as a major advantage by those seeking to escape crowds, but it also means the hotel is somewhat isolated for extensive exploration of the Amalfi Coast without a car.
7. Value & Pricing
Hotel Villa Cimbrone is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects that. Average weeknight prices can be around $895, with September being the most expensive month and April being the cheapest. While many guests find the experience "worth the cost" given the stunning environment and high-quality offerings, others express dissatisfaction with the value for money, particularly concerning room size and overall service quality compared to the price. Some guests have noted what they perceive as "hidden costs" or high prices for certain items, such as a bottle of water in the Michelin-star restaurant.
8. Common Complaints
Recurring criticisms include:
- Service Quality & Personalization: Despite many positive comments, some guests have noted inconsistent service quality and a lack of personalized attention.
- Room Size and Beds: Some rooms, even suites, can be considered small for the price, and double beds made from two singles pushed together have been a point of frustration.
- Value for Money: A few guests feel that the overall experience, considering aspects like room size and service, does not always justify the high price.
- Cleanliness: Isolated complaints about cleanliness have been mentioned.
- Unheated Pool: The lovely swimming pool is unheated, which can be a drawback for some.
- Noise from Weddings: As a popular wedding venue, rooms located directly above event spaces can experience noise late into the night.
- Accessibility: The 15-20 minute uphill walk from the town center to the hotel, along uneven paths, can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •Recurring criticisms include:
- •Cleanliness: Isolated complaints about cleanliness have been mentioned.
- •Accessibility: The 15-20 minute uphill walk from the town center to the hotel, along uneven paths, can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Google Reviews
3,795 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Jamie L
Words cannot describe the wonderful experience I had at this great hotel. From the very first moment I arrived in Ravello, the personalized letter that lead me into the incredibly attentive and professional staff, the experience was fantastic. Upon entering the spotless room and opening the terrace doors, I was greeted by one of the most spectacular panoramic views I've seen in Italy. First, I we...
Afshin Afshar-Ghasemlou
Villa Cimbrone has a fascinating history that blends old-world charm with modern appeal. Its first records date back to the 11th century, during Ravello’s golden era, when it was owned by noble families such as the Acconciajoco and later the Fusco. However, over time, the villa fell into disrepair and became a ruin. In 1904, Ernest William Beckett, later known as Lord Grimthorpe, discovered the p...
Nika Kapanadze
Simply an unparalleled, life-affirming experience! The Terrace of Infinity offers the best sea + nature view I have ever witnessed anywhere in the world. It is truly an experience that words fail to capture. The entire villa grounds and park are stunning and perfectly maintained, making the whole visit an absolute must-do! and as a bonus, its a starting point for the most scenic down-hikes to Atra...
Luppo Egberts
Going to the city Amalfi brings you close to Ravello. When you bring a car, make the trip to Ravello. Parking is a small disaster. Stroll thought the village centre which has a nice sqaure and walk in about 10 minutes to Villa Cimbrone. Youo nly need to visit the garden. There is a beautiful view over de Amalfi coast on a terrace called Terrazza dell'Infinito. In the garden is a small bar with the...
James Tadion
I was hoping to visit la Rondinaia in Ravello but, as this is not possible, visited Villa Cimbrone instead. Yes, the entry fee of 10euros per person was rather stiff and yes the lady at the ticket counter made being rude a matter of principal, her calling. We are but vulgar tourists to be tolerated if we are lucky. That being said, everybody else was thoroughly charming and wonderful. The gardens ...
Cristina Poitan
The villa has absolutely breathtaking views — you can see the entire Amalfi Coast from above! It’s surrounded by beautiful nature, lovely gardens, and charming little vegetable patches and flowers. Everything is just perfect and so picturesque!
