San Michele 4 stars

The position of San Michele, is considered unique, perched, as it is, on the cliff edge to the North of the island, 300 metres above sea level. From the bedrooms and numerous terraces there are enchanting views of Capri and the entire Gulf of Naples, with Sorrento, the Amalfi coast, volcano Vesuvio and the islands of Ischia and Procida clearly visible across the water. Behind the hotel lie the gentle hills of Anacapri, where, amidst the golden flowers of broom and the Mediterranean vegetation, one finds the ancient Barbarossa Castle.

Completed in 1880 in pure Neo-Classic style, the Hotel San Michele opened its doors to the public in 1894. At the time it represented one of the very first hotel establishments on the island of Capri and it was quickly to become the preferred haunt of a growing artistic and literary circle gravitating around the figure of the Swedish writer Axel Munthe. Amongst the guests of the period, we find the writer's faithful friend, Queen Victoria Friedrich Von Baden, wife of King Gustavo of Sweden. The hotel was also the residence of a group of painters of international fame who left many traces of their artwork in the hotel.

The original Luigi XVI style furnishings have been carefully preserved as have the gold framed mirrors, console, paintings, prints, arazzi and numerous period photos; all elements which take us back in time, to that romantic Capri described by the European writers of the 1800s.

Amongst the services are: a semi-Olympic swimming pool, the largest on the island; free swimming and water gym courses; an health oasis, where oriental massage is carried out by professional masseurs; three modern tennis courts (Capri Sporting Club, directly opposite the hotel); transfers by mini bus to Marina Grande for arrivals and departures; special rates for families and conference participants;

4 recently built spacious modern suites with splendid views across the gulf of Naples and the entire island of Capri; the "Sala Edwin" meeting room, with a seating capacity for 120 people and equipped with every type of conference equipment; a press room and guest assistance.

The hotel gives guests a choice of two restaurants, the poolside "Il Ristorantino" and "La Baia di Napoli", an elegant restaurant with panoramic views, for up to 200 guests. Both offer typical regional cuisine using products grown in the hotel's vegetable garden, so guaranteeing the quality and authentic flavours of the Mediterranean tradition. The well stocked cellar houses over 300 international labels, also served by the glass by expert sommeliers. San Michele is the leader on Capri in the organisation of banquets for special occasions.

The intimate bar-taverna, "La Lanterna Verde", the legendary wine bar built into the rock face, has, since the 1950s, hosted prestigious weekly live music events. The most famous groups have appeared over the years at the Lanterna, performing all sorts of music from Blues to Jazz, from Classical to Neapolitan repertoires. The taverna is managed directly by the family who own the hotel.