Miramare e Castello Hotel

Renovated in 2011, Miramare e Castello Hotel is an intimate, luxury hotel on the Gulf of Naples. The rooftop has a happening atmosphere, particularly at the 30-seat restaurant -- La Lampara -- though some guests complain it feels crowded. There's also a blue-tiled deck that offers panoramic views of the ocean and the medieval Aragonese Castle. Alcoves throughout the hotel offer private lounge spaces decorated in Italian and Arabesque decor with wispy curtains and iron chandeliers. At night, a pianist sets a serene mood in the bar. Preserved hand-painted Vietri tiles, which have a 1950s’ vibe, standout in the common areas and Miramare Restaurant. Bougainvillea climbs up the front of the quaint four-floor exterior, which blends in among the other colorful buildings in Ischia with a pink paint job, green shutters, and balconies. Most guests are well-heeled tourists. 

Located on a private beach in the heart of historic Ischia, Miramare e Castello Hotel is across from the medieval Aragonese Castle, and getting to the tourist attraction takes around 10 minutes on foot. A small private beach is located outside the hotel, with sea access from the sundeck and boats docked at the private jetty. The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops at the Corso Vittoria Colonna and a few minutes on foot from the Pineta Mirtina Park, which also has a playground. The ferry port -- with boats to Naples, Procida, and Pozzuoli -- is a 15-minute drive. The Giardini La Mortella, which was created by British composer William Walton and his wife Susana, is a half hour away by car. Sant’Angelo, a good spot to escape the crowds, takes 45 minutes to reach. By ferry and car it’s about two hours to Naples International Airport.

Guest rooms at the Miramare e Castello aim for an Italian seaside look starting with the ceramic tiles that lend rooms an authentic backdrop. Interiors have a retro appearance, with colorful curtains, traditional Italian furniture, and wardrobes with safes. A few playful touches like seashells in glass lamps add a dose of whimsy. However, the retro designs don’t charm everyone, and some past guests have complained that the decor is dated. Superior Rooms -- unlike Classic and Small Rooms -- have sitting areas positioned beside floor-to-ceiling windows. The most coveted rooms face the Gulf of Naples; some also have large blue-tiled terraces with cabana beds. The one-bedroom Luxury Terrace Suite has numerous windows, a living room, and a terrace that faces the Aragonese Castle. Colorful tiles create a cheery atmosphere in bathrooms, which feature shower/tub combos and bidets. All units have air-conditioning, plush bathrobes, hairdryers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. 

Though this hotel is small in stature, it manages to pack in a fair amount of luxury features. One of the best places to take in the panoramic views of the ocean and Aragonese Castle is from the hotel’s rooftop, which has two hot tubs, a sundeck with cabana beds and lounge chairs, and the popular La Lampara restaurant, one of two on-site eateries. The other restaurant, Miramare Restaurant, is a bit more formal, with gorgeous blue-and-white tile floors and big windows with Gulf of Naples views.

There isn’t an indoor fitness center, but there are a few exercise machines on the rooftop under a cabana. On the oceanfront is a modern outdoor pool surrounded by two decks with lounge chairs. More seating is on the beach, which has lounge chair-side drink service. Breakfast is also served on the waterfront patio by the beach. The spa is small, but offers a nice indoor pool, a steam room, and a sauna. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.