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

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. kayak.com
5. thehotelguru.com
6. tablethotels.com
7. michelin.com
8. oyster.com
9. goodhotelguide.com
10. whatkirstydidnext.com
11. youtube.com
12. expedia.com
13. tourismattractions.net