Hotel 'A Paziella, Capri: Review

Focus on Capri
1. Introduction
2. Best of Capri
3. Capri town
4. Anacapri
5. Capri hotels
6. Anacapri hotels
7. Hotel ‘A Paziella
8. Hotel Weber Ambassador

About the Hotel ‘A Paziella

The Hotel ‘A Paziella is a small four-star hotel in the heart of Capri town; a very characteristic building with whitewashed walls and arches and an intimate atmosphere. We stayed at the hotel for two nights in July 2008, having booked online.

> Hotel ‘A Paziella: make a booking or check availability

Prices and booking

Like almost every hotel in Capri, the Albergo ‘A Paziella is an expensive place to stay. By Capri standards, though, it is more affordable than many other four-stars, and you can save money by choosing a cheaper room with no view. Unlike many of the nicer hotels in Capri town, it also offers convenient instant online booking at competitive prices (use the links below). We opted for a double room with no view, paying 520 in total; 260 per night. Knowing Capri’s popularity, we booked several months in advance. At the time the hotel was apparently closed for the winter; although our booking was confirmed instantly, we had a bit of a wait for a response to a query we included in the booking form. When an email answer came, though, it was apologetic and helpful, with the friendly efficiency that we found to be a feature of the hotel.

Arrival and customer service

We caught the funicular up to Capri town and wheeled our suitcases through the Piazzetta and along a lane to the hotel. It was a hot day and we were relieved to enter the cool air-conditioned interior of the hotel, where we were greeted by a friendly receptionist and shown to our room. It was a good welcome: they had been expecting us and we didn’t have to wait while registers or computers were consulted.

Months earlier we had requested twin beds; we found the beds made into a double. However a member of staff was sent at once to separate and re-make the beds. Throughout our stay the hotel staff were friendly and helpful: showing us to the swimming pool next door, providing information, pens, notepads and assistance with internet access. They made bookings for guests, and I heard one receptionist providing lengthy tourist advice in English for some first-time visitors to the island.

Our room

Our bedroom was at the back of the building, on the ground floor. We had a small terrace was enclosed with plants; there was no view but it was still a pleasant place to sit and was furnished with a table and chairs. The room was quite spacious, and had good air-conditioning – our first priority in the July heat. It was simple but elegant with fresh white-painted walls and a traditional white-and-blue tiled floor.The furniture was appealingly old and mismatched, although the attractive mirrored wardrobe had been damaged inside by over-wide clothes hangers. Although the room was pleasant and clean, I had the impression it hadn’t had a thorough re-furbishment for some time. The sliding door to the bathroom, like the wardrobe, had seen better days, and kept sticking. As well as the wardrobe and twin beds, we had bedside tables, a writing desk and chair, a suitcase stand, television with a good range of Sky channels and an expensive mini-bar.

Several times we found little ants running along the skirting board and scaling the wall behind our beds. This wasn’t a serious criticism though: for a ground floor room it wasn’t perhaps surprising.

Our ensuite bathroom, 'A Paziella, Capri

The bathroom was well-equipped and stocked with toiletries. It had a bath with a shower above; both had jacuzzi features. On the writing desk we found a helpful folder of information about the hotel, including price-lists for the little bar. The hotel also provided dressing gowns and slippers (see picture, left); a touch we always appreciate.

The room was very quiet, and since it was at the end of a corridor we didn’t even hear other guests passing. During our stay we had a quick look around one of the more expensive ‘rooms with views’ upstairs. This was no larger than our double room, but had a balcony with lovely views over the island towards the sea.

Breakfast

Breakfast was a good buffet, included in the room rate. There was also the option of paying for extras such as cooked eggs. We were impressed by the choice of croissants and cakes, which included little fresh Capri speciality chocolate and lemon cakes.

Swimming pool and public spaces

The hotel has a pleasant shady garden; not large but refreshingly green considering the central location. You could sit in the garden or along the arcaded terrace. The long lounge area inside also had plenty of seating, along with books and magazines to read and borrow. The hotel’s wireless internet did not reach to our room at the back, but it was available in this public area – the receptionist even offered the use of a laptop computer. The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but the bar menu does include some snacks. The bar is small and open on request; we didn’t use it during our stay since the bars and restaurants of Capri town were on our doorstep.

The hotel doesn’t have its own swimming pool, but guests can use the pool of the adjacent Hotel Syrene. On our first visit, the receptionist accompanied us and presented us to the pool attendants, who provided us with towels. The pool is an attractive one, with sun-beds, a sun-terrace and a pretty lemon grove and bar alongside. Even in July it wasn’t too busy. This pool is reached through a couple of gates and a few yards of private lane. It was actually a pretty convenient arrangement. Although the Syrene’s pool in July had quite a family atmosphere, with a few children playing, we could retire to our more ‘grown up’ hotel afterwards. There was no extra charge for using the pool or towels.

Location

Hotel ‘A Paziella is in an excellent location for wandering the lanes and enjoying the nightlife of Capri town. It is a short walk up a narrow lane from the Piazzetta, Capri’s busy little square. The address is Via Fuorlovado 36.

Our view

This is a very typical and charming Capri hotel, and makes a very good base for a smart holiday based in Capri town. The customer service was excellent. The atmosphere was tranquil and exclusive, making the terrace, hall and garden a good retreat from the busy lanes of the town. Our room was pleasant, cool and well-equipped, although the fittings were slightly tired. A more expensive room would give you a view and more scenic terrace. The hotel is a good choice if you want to experience a characteristic Caprese atmosphere, be based in the heart of town and have access to a good swimming pool. Although pricey, it offers better value than some of Capri’s other smart hotels.