Alfonso a Mare

Well what a shame! We had such high hopes but the owners of this place and their absolute arrogance destroyed the dream entirely. The location is absolutely superb, every other bar and restaurant overflowing with authenticity and warmth so our trip was saved by their hospitality. The owners of the hotel sit like lords eating and grazing all day with absolutely no regard to the people supporting their business with not a word of hello, goodbye or enjoy. The rest of the staff are obviously miserable in a way I’ve never seen in Italy, usually it’s a joy to see the workers enjoying a meal together however it was quite clear this was not extended to them here. Assuming it’s fully booked with or without effort makes them a lazy host and we’d will be returning to Praiano but will stay at La Conchiglia next door, a small family business whose warmth and kindness abounds like the lemon groves surrounding. The little bar and restaurant next door is sublime and always full speaking volumes to the empty tables at Alfonso. Watch out, your arrogance may well be your downfall.

Location is great. Marina di Praia has four restaurants right in the harbor, plus another handful in east Praiano within easy walking distance -- right along the "romantic walk" carved into the cliffs. The beach at the marina is great for wading / swimming, and you'll find other sundecks and places to sunbathe / jump into the water from the cliffs right by the hotel. Boat trips and taxis can be easily arranged from stands leading up to the dock. As far as the hotel itself, it is convenient that they own half the beach chairs, so all can be charged to your room at a reduced rate. (Same with the restaurant across the marina, also owned by Alfonso -- which we recommend for easy lunches, but try the other nearby spots for dinner.) The junior suite is gorgeous; it has a ton of space, waterfall shower, and perfect balcony view. Not sure what the other rooms look like, but seemed like they'd be much smaller. For better or worse, Alfonso a Mare definitely has a family-owned vibe. In all, east Praiano was charming; Marina di Praia was the where the action was, thanks to the beach and boat options; and the hotel itself seemed the most convenient by far in the area. Only look elsewhere if you want to be removed from Praiano itself, and would prefer to stay primarily at your hotel somewhere higher in the cliffs.