Hotel Scapolatiello

Beautiful hotel, wonderful surroundings. The rooms are a bit on the smaller side for a family of four, but that is to be expected for a hotel that was built in 1821. Free, unlocked WiFi everywhere was very useful since the cell phone reception was spotty, given the location (the hotel is in the mountains but with a quick and easy access to the coast). Also, make sure you have a small car, given how tight the streets are.

Hotel Scapolatiello is quite unique, created by a family in 1821 and currently run by the 5th generation of the same family. It is in a fantastic location in forested mountains above Salerno with majestic views. The rambling building has several terraces with lots of flowers and it is a soothing and pleasing experience to sip a cocktail provided by the friendly and obliging barman, Antonio, to relax, and just gaze at the natural beauty all around. We found the staff to be helpful and smiling and felt we were being well taken care of. A special mention also to the head waiter Abel, who went out of his way to ensure everything was to our liking. There is a nicely laid out and good sized swimming pool with ample deckchairs and towels and a small bar. The restaurant is slightly old-fashioned, with a relatively short but decent menu, in addition to which there were always specials such as sea bream, sea bass, lobster, spaghetti with utterly delicious tomatoes, and steak. The wine list is extensive and affordable. All in all, we loved being there and it was a lovely experience. On one night singers from the Conservatoire at Salerno gave an impromptu performance in the lounge area, which was magical. The only excursion arranged for us by the hotel was a trip along the beautiful Amalfi coast in a motor launch with another couple, with a one hour stop in Amalfi and a longer one for lunch in Positano.

We arrived and right off the bat they were trying to switch our room from a 2 bdrm apartment to 1 bdrm. We requested what we booked and they obliged. The apartment was o.k. Dishes, frig, small cooktop provided. The tub and shower leaked. The bed was the hardest bed that I have every slept in! The neighborhood kids played at an area outside our window until 11 p.m. which made it hard to sleep. The staff was not that friendly. Very small portions at the hotel restaurant and slow service. As a plus, the pool was nice and pretty view.