Palumbo

Palumbo Review

This is the real deal—the only great hotel left in Ravello that is still a monument to the Grand Tour sensibility that first put the town on the map. Legendarily old-fashioned, built in the 12th century as a palazzo, this famous hotel has long been a stop for visiting somebodies: Wagner, who composed on the piano in the lobby; Bogart, filming Beat the Devil; a young Jack and Jackie. Hollywood's golden couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie filmed a (deleted) scene from Mr. & Mrs. Smith here, so it's unsurprising their relationship also blossomed in real life. Ancient marble columns, mosaic-tile floors, and museum-quality antiques combine to provide an elegant ambience throughout the hotel, while incredible views of the Bay of Salerno can be enjoyed from your terrace or the lush gardens that sit below the hotel on the hillside. The innovative Continental cuisine is served in the exclusive Confalone restaurant, a magnificently gilded ballroom with its original frescoed ceiling and old-master paintings. Or you can enjoy a view as delicious as the food atop the restaurant terrace—finish off your feast with lemon soufflé and Episcopio estate wine (note the restaurant is closed from November to March). Most guest rooms have antiques, vintage fabrics, and modern marble baths, except for those in the annex, where at just over half the cost you still have access to all the facilities of the main palazzo. Lodging prices can include both a sumptuous breakfast and a choice of either a gourmet lunch or dinner.