Utterly, unashamedly romantic! Stone steps tumble down from terrace to terrace past lemon trees, palms, bougainvillea and scented jasmine to the rocks below, and a dip in the deep blue sea. It’s a treat to stay in this small, intimate, family-run hotel, with the most delightful staff to minister to you and the most sublime views – watch the ferries slip by on their way to Positano or Capri. San Michele may stand at an apparently busy road junction but its hanging gardens and bedrooms turn towards the sea and you live in perfect tranquillity. The hotel building is at the top – light, airy, cool; almost every room has a balcony or terrace and you are lulled to sleep by the lapping of the sea. Cool floors are tiled in classic Amalfi style or white, beds have patterned bedcovers. All is charming and unpretentious and that includes the striped deckchairs from which you can gaze on one of the finest views in Italy. Delectable aromas waft from a cheerful kitchen where Signora is chef; the menu is short, the food delicious. Atrani and Amalfi are walkable, though traffic is heavy in summer; for the weary, a bus stops outside.
I cannot fault it in any way. The owners were friendly and helpful from the start, organising a very careful taxi driver (Rosario) to collect us from Naples Airport upon arrival. Driving across the mountain range to Ravello was a wonderful experience. We were delighted at the warm welcome, the magnificent setting of this family run hotel and the delicious food and wine enjoyed in the evenings. The rooms were comfortable, clean with the most spectacular view. I was slightly wary of being on the main coastal route but we didn't hear the traffic at all, not even when sunbathing close to the sea.