Via Provinciale Marina Grande 284, Capri, Italy
Within a short walk to port, beach, and funicular
Free breakfast served on terrace with
stunning sea views
Mediterranean restaurant and small
lobby bar
Sundeck with lounge chairs facing the
sea
Clean rooms with charming bathrooms
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Pet-friendly
No pool or fitness center
on-site
Decor looks a bit tired
Rooms can get outside
noise
Ferry noise and smoke can
be a nuisance
Hotel Relais Maresca is an upper-middle-range property in a convenient location within a short walk from the Port of Marina Grande. The 27 rooms are clean, though slightly dated, and include colorful Vietri tile floors; some have sea view balconies. A Mediterranean restaurant has a terrace where guests can enjoy free breakfast. There’s also a sundeck with stunning views of the Bay of Naples, but no swimming pool. For a similar price, guests should check out Capri Wine Hotel, a charming winery turned mid-range hotel closer to the center of town.
Scene
Sea-view hotel in a former 19th-century private home
Hotel Relais Maresca was built in 1875 as the private home of American Colonel John Clay Mackowen of New Orleans, and first housed a hotel and restaurant in 1883. Today, the hotel is a pretty structure with a light blue facade and iron balcony rails. Inside, there's an airy yet Old-World feel with tile floors and metal stairway rails that lead up to the three floors of the hotel. The lobby has a sitting room area with a small TV and variety of books. Blue-and-white chairs and couches provide a spot where guests can relax. The restaurant has a beautiful terrace decorated with vines growing on trellises and potted plants. From here guests can enjoy a Mediterranean lunch or free breakfast while taking in the gorgeous views of the nearby sea.
Location
Near port, beaches, restaurants, and shops
Hotel Relais Maresca sits in a row of buildings just across from the sea in an easy accessible spot for visitors just arriving to the island. There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, and it’s less than a five-minute walk to the port and beach. Within 100 feet is the funicular connecting to Capri’s famous Piazzetta, the social epicenter of the island.
Rooms
Clean, charming rooms with colorfully tiled floors, some with sea views
Rooms at the hotel have a light, airy feel with white walls and sheer white curtains. Colorful pillows and Vietri tile floors range from bright blue to aquamarine and add a pop of color to the space. The overall look is pleasant and cheerful, but a bit old-fashioned. The majority of the rooms have sea views. Guests complain about outside noise, and some rooms are on the small side. All rooms include minibars, small flat-screen TVs with international channels, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms incorporate colorful tile work and small, stand-up showers or shower/tub combinations. Bathrobes, magnifying mirrors, and generous amenity kits are thoughtful touches. The Attic Room has the nicest terrace, and there's a stationary bike for exercising tucked into the corner. Rooms with sea view balconies furnished with lounge chairs are available.
Features
Free breakfast on sea view terrace, Mediterranean restaurant, and sundeck
The hotel serves a free breakfast, including croissants and Nutella, that can be enjoyed on a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea. The terrace also serves as dining space for the Mediterranean restaurant, which focuses on fresh fish and has tasting menus. The hotel has a sea-view sundeck with lounge chairs. Small pets are allowed for fee. A meeting room is available that can seat up to 20 guests, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Discounted rates at a nearby gym, called the Wellness Club, are available. Staff can arrange boat tours, transportation via private speedboat, and suggest restaurants in the area.