Hotel Gatto Bianco

There’s been a guest house on this site since the 19th century, but the Hotel Gatto Bianco in its current form has been a fixture on Capri’s Via Vittorio Emanuele since the ‘50s when two brothers opened this still-family-run property. The hotel even claims that it’s been patronized by luminaries like Jackie Onassis and Audrey Hepburn. The Gatto Bianco -- translated to White Cat -- got its name from a white cat and her litter of kittens found before purchasing the property, and a white cat has lived on-site since. The hotel takes this theme to new heights with paintings and figurines depicting white cats in various positions throughout the public spaces: Wearing a top hat, playing the banjo, and sitting on a terrace in front of the Mediterranean Sea, to name a few. 

These objects, mixed with an array of traditional furnishings such as old-fashioned portraits, tile floors with painted floral arrangements, gilded mirrors, and a ceiling frieze depicting a medieval map of Europe, will either read kitschy and dated or charmingly antiquated to guests.The outdoor terrace is a tad more subtle, with blue and white tile floors, wrought-iron and wicker seating, and a pergola covered with bright bougainvillea. Classical statues, alongside a mural and painting of mermaids add some frou-frou. The hotel primarily attracts couples willing to forego widespread sea views for a central location.

Set just off the Piazzetta on Via Vittorio Emanuele, the Hotel Gatto Bianco is only a minute’s walk from Capri’s main square, and a similar distance from the funicular leading down to Marina Grande. The Via Vittorio Emanuele, as well as the town of Capri at large, are home to a number of classy restaurants and designer shops. It’s a 19-minute walk to the Faraglioni, the famed rock formations, and a 21-minute drive to the Blue Grotto. Expect transfers to and from Naples International Airport to take approximately two hours by car and ferry.

The 40 rooms at the Hotel Gatto Bianco tend to be large and well-lit, but some are below ground level and so do not benefit much from the Italian sun. All the rooms have pleasant painted floor tiles, but like many hotels in the area, the decor is dated -- think whitewashed walls with tiny framed artwork, a mishmash of furniture, and old-fashioned patterned linens. While Standard Rooms look out over the hotel’s internal courtyard, Superior and Sea View Rooms have terraces that overlook the town of Capri and the Mediterranean, respectively. Bathrooms are similarly dated but are nonetheless clean and serviceable, with a bathtub and handheld showerhead combo, bidet, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, a safe, flat-screen TV, and minibar. Note that some rooms can pick up street noise at night.

The hotel offers a decent list of amenities, particularly given its central setting. It has a pretty outdoor terrace shaded by mature bougainvillea and orange trees, where a free continental breakfast buffet is served. Food receives good reviews, but there's no lunch or dinner service. A small but welcoming bar serves cocktails and wine. On the roof is another terrace that has loungers, umbrellas, and sweeping panoramic views over Capri and the mountains beyond. Down in the basement is a stylish spa and salon, decorated with images of the sea and of nature, plus lots of seashells. The spa features a sauna, steam room, and Turkish bath with calming mood lights, in addition to a number of massage and beauty treatments. However, there is no gym. Wi-Fi is free throughout.