Hotel Weber Ambassador Capri

The Hotel Weber Ambassador Capri wins in terms of location, with plenty of vantage points for taking in the stunning sea views and Capri’s famed Faraglioni. From the outside, the hotel blends into the gorgeous rocky cliffs, with stepped terraces built into the hillside for sunning, napping, or enjoying an afternoon cocktail. The architecture and decor could use an update, however; the property feels cavernous instead of intimate and boutique-y. The Weber’s lobby and dining area lack a cohesive style or design sense and feel crowded compared to the outdoor spaces. The lobby has drab upholstered furniture that has seen better days, ships’ wheels on the walls, a small bar, and a grand piano, but no sense of flow. Rumor has it that a bust of Mussolini hangs out on the reception desk on occasion, a questionable decorative choice for an Italian (or any) hotel. 

The indoor/outdoor dining area is furnished with white wicker, mosaic tiles, fake flowers, nondescript tile floors, and a low drop ceiling, but, again, the view outside the picture windows is as good as it gets. Outside, the two adult-only pools have gorgeous views and plenty of loungers, although they lack cushions or shade -- the addition of which would amp up the luxe factor. Children are restricted to the large kids' pool, which occupies its own private terrace with gorgeous views and a throwback-style, astroturf-covered sundeck.

The Hotel Weber Ambassador Capri is built into Capri’s rocky cliffs, overlooking the bay at Marina Piccola Beach and the rocks of the Faraglioni. The unobstructed views are beyond compare and once inside, the hotel feels isolated from Capri’s busy, narrow roads and tourist traffic. Beautiful Marina Piccola Beach is next door to the hotel and accessible via stairway. A great base for exploring the island, the Weber is a five-minute drive or a steep 15-minute walk to the Piazzetta and the island’s luxury shopping streets. The hotel runs a frequent free shuttle to the town and beach.

The hotel offers rooms in a variety of sizes and categories, including larger rooms to accommodate families. Standard Rooms are clean, but considerably lower in both charm and quality than higher category options; they face the back of the hotel and have unappealing views (some face a wall). Sea view rooms, however, are lovely, but should be requested in advance of arrival. Most rooms have balconies or huge, terracotta-tiled terraces, which are well worth the extra expense. Decor is plain and somewhat dated, but the rooms are clean and bright, with tile floors, white or white-and-blue painted walls, formica furniture, travel poster art, and standalone wardrobes. Bathrooms are roomy and outfitted with shower/tub combinations. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free toiletries.

The hotel has three outdoor pools, two of which are adults-only and one of which is dedicated for kids; they all provide gorgeous sea vistas. There are two hot tubs on the grounds as well. The hotel’s fitness center is small, with machines and free weights crammed close together, but it offers a range of equipment. Marina Piccola beach can be reached via a steep stairway from the hotel. Buffet breakfast is available with a surcharge, though there is no full restaurant on-site, but guests can enjoy drinks at the pool bar as well as the lobby piano bar. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the center of Capri that runs from early morning until the wee hours. Wi-Fi is available, but comes with a fee.