San Michele
www.sanmichele-capri.comHotel San Michele occupies a truly unique position, towering 300 meters above sea level, right on the cliff edge to the North of the island of Capri. The hotel's bedrooms offer breathtaking views over the island and across the Gulf of Naples. From the terraces and balconies Sorrento, the Amalfi coast, Mount Vesuvius and the islands of Ischia and Procida are all clearly visible.
The ruins of the Barbarossa Castle rests on the hillside behind the hotel, rising up from amidst the carpet of broom flowers so characteristic of the countryside of Anacapri.
The original building work, in unadulterated Neo-Classical style, terminated in 1880 and Hotel San Michele received its first guests some 14 years later. It was one of the first fully fledged hotels to be constructed on the island of Capri and shortly after opening to the public had already established itself as a favourite haunt of the growing group of writers and artists associated with the famous Swedish writer and physician Axel Munthe. Queen Victoria Friedrich Von Baden, wife of King Gustavo of Sweden, was just one of the illustrious names linked to the writer to have stayed at the Hotel. Many of the pieces of art which can be admired in the hotel were left there by the group of internationally famous artists who resided at San Michele. The romantic atmosphere, so venerated by those European writers of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, is still preserved in the gold framed mirrors, period photos, paintings and original Luigi XVI style furnishings. The 5 spacious suites are a recent addition to the hotel, all with marvellous views over the sea and the whole of Capri.
Today, the hotel boasts a great variety of superb modern facilities including the island's biggest swimming pool, a health oasis staffed by professional masseurs, and tennis courts. Transfers in the hotel minibus are available to and from the harbour of Marina Grande on arrival and departure.
The hotel has special rates for families and corporate clients. The "Sala Edwin" meeting room is suitable for a vast range of events and has a seating capacity for up to 120 participants.
Those staying at the hotel can choose to dine at the poolside Il Ristorantino or the La Baia di Napoli panoramic restaurant the latter able to accommodate up to 200 guests. Both eateries serve the very best regional dishes. Many of the ingredients used to create the faultless Mediterranean cuisine have been grown in the hotel's kitchen garden, ensuring fresh and authentic flavours. Expert sommeliers assist guests in the choice of fine wine from the hotel's cellar, which stocks over 300 International labels. Hotel San Michele has established itself as the preferred choice for all those wishing to organize a special gastronomic event, from formal banquets to family celebrations.
The Lanterna Verde is the name of the hotel's highly acclaimed wine bar. Numerous live music events have been held here on an almost weekly basis since the 1950s. Countless well known groups have performed at the Lanterna Verde over the years, playing every genre of music from Jazz to Blues, from Classical to traditional Neapolitan.
San Michele - Location
Just moments away from the centre of Anacapri, the chair lift leading to the highest part of the island and a few steps from the famous Villa San Michele, once home to Axel Munthe.