The Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco has some deep history: Its site once held an ancient Roman villa (an original Roman column remains at the hotel’s entrance), and the Art Nouveau building dates back to 1906. In the early 20th century, artists and intellectuals gathered here, and the hotel has carried that legacy forward with art exhibitions, lectures, panel discussions, and other cultural activities throughout the year. The design and decor also capitalize on the building’s history, while keeping everything fresh and far from stuffy. The exterior -- with molding and wrought-iron details -- looks like a tiered wedding cake. Inside, traditional furniture, etched glass, statues, and an upright piano keep things regal. Even the guest room doors are painted with lovely scenes of Capri. 

Through the lobby and adjacent dining room is a lush garden terrace outfitted with white furniture, lemon trees, and lamp posts. Drinks can be brought here, as well as to guest rooms or the rooftop terrace -- a popular spot due to its hot tub and sensational sea vistas. Service at Excelsior Parco is exceptional, with snacks and meals available to order anywhere, anytime, as well as free shuttles around town. The atmosphere here is decidedly adult, and with just 11 rooms, quite intimate, making it best for a romantic retreat.

The hotel is located halfway between Capri’s popular Piazzetta, the center of town, and the port of Marina Grande, where the fifty-minute ferry from Naples arrives. The hotel operates a free shuttle upon request to the port, piazza, and beach, all around a five-minute drive. But willing guests can easily walk to these locations, with the port and beach 10 minutes away on foot (though requiring a steep uphill walk back) and the Piazzetta 14 minutes. That distance provides a buffer from the crazy daytime tourist scene, exacerbated by day-trippers. 

Rooms at the Excelsior Parco are individually decorated in a lovely Art Nouveau style with Mediterranean accents. Decor is mostly white, with touches of watery blues or golds in comfy bedding, classical drapes, tufted furniture, and wall fittings. Sculptures, regal artwork, and Capri magazines on desks add local style. The elaborate floors are mosaic tile in the Caprese colors of blue, gold, and white; some are hand-painted. Most rooms offer furnished terraces -- with either lovely sea views or less-impressive garden vistas, though balconies aren't the most private.  Several have big outdoor whirlpools. A couple of rooms lack balconies and views altogether. 

Some rooms have private entrances, and the Loft Room (internal view) has two levels, although the low ceilings in the upstairs are not advised for tall guests. Amenities and features differ from room to room, with some offering Xboxes with DVD players or Apple TVs. All rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, free W-Fi, iPod docking stations, loaner iPads, and an exquisite box of designer toiletries that makes a lovely souvenir. Bathrooms are white with deep-blue tiles, and most have walk-in shower stalls but no bathtubs. Bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers are provided.

Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco features a lovely rooftop terrace with a hot tub, a Champagne terrace and garden bar sponsored by Perrier-Jouet, and 24-hour bar and food service anywhere on the property, including guest rooms. All guests receive a welcome drink on arrival, and the roof deck is a popular spot at sunset. The free breakfast is spectacular, consisting of a continental buffet spread, espresso and coffee, and a long menu of made-to-order options such as omelets, pancakes, and smoothies. Guests can order as much as they want, and there are several organic, vegan, and vegetarian options available. Additionally, food can be ordered from the a la carte menu to guest rooms and terraces, and hot and cold snacks are served anytime. 

The hotel runs a free shuttle to and from the port, the Piazzetta, and the Lido Lo Smeraldo beach upon request and until late. Guests have reserved lounge chairs at the Lido beach during their stay, though it only operates in the peak summer season. Although there are no spa or gym on-site, the hotel offers access to a fitness center located near the Piazzetta during guests’ stay, and massages can be arranged in the garden. There is a concierge that will arrange a variety of specialty tours, cooking classes, and other activities for interested visitors. Wi-Fi is free throughout.