Hotel Syrene Capri

The Hotel Syrene occupies a picturesque whitewashed building set just off Via Camerelle, a pretty pedestrianized street lined with high-end shops. After walking through an archway, a flight of rough stone steps lead up to one of the hotel’s several terraces. Throughout the grounds, guests will find a pool deck and solarium with panoramic views of the mountains, a breakfast terrace with colorful flower beds and sea views, and a patio with white-wicker seating underneath a shady grove of mature lemon trees. Simple interiors have a similar design to other hotels in the area, featuring furnishings that are more quaint than stylish. Expect traditional off-white armchairs, a mix of marble and colorful tiling, and gold accents in the staircase, ceiling, and chandelier. The adjacent bar and restaurant are dated but still pleasant spaces, with scuffed brown tiling and regional-inspired artwork. The quiet atmosphere here draws mostly couples.

Hotel Syrene is located on Via Camerelle, a street that leads directly into the center of Capri and is lined with designer shops like Hermes and Gucci. Guests are only a four-minute walk from the Piazzetta, the island’s social epicenter, and a five-minute walk from the funicular station that leads down to the port town of Marina Grande. There are several bars and restaurants within easy walking distance. Expect transfers to and from Naples International Airport to take approximately two hours by taxi and ferry. Note that hauling luggage from the port up to the hotel can be a hassle, but the hotel offers luggage transfers.

The 32 rooms are airy and decorated simply -- but appealingly -- with white walls, elegant light-wood furniture, and cream bed runners. The lovely regional tiling on the floors adds a nice local touch, while a couple small pieces of colorful artwork hang on the walls. Standard Rooms don't have balconies, though Garden View Rooms have furnished balconies overlooking the hotel’s lemon grove and swimming pool. For the best views, it's worth opting for the Sea View Rooms, which have terraces with stunning views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, safes, desks, and minibars. Traditional bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries -- they do look a bit dated, with older floral wall tiling and sea-green Formica counters. 

Amenities at the hotel are centered around the stunning vistas of either the surrounding mountains or bay in the distance. The outdoor pool is a good size for the number of guests, and it's surrounded ample loungers and umbrellas. A nearby solarium provides more chairs for sunbathing. The restaurant has patio seating beneath a grove of mature lemon trees, as well as a covered terrace overlooking the sea. The restaurant serves a free and well-reviewed continental breakfast buffet consisting of meats and cheeses, pastries, breads, and fruit. It also serves an a la carte lunch, but it's not open for dinner. A small lobby bar has a menu of wine and cocktails. A computer and printer are available for guest use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Though it's not uncommon for the area, a downside is the hotel's lack of a gym and spa.