Staying at Grand Hotel Excelsior Amalfi: Everything You Need to Know

There’s always a bit of nervous excitement that comes with traveling to a place you’ve dreamed about for years. You wonder, “Will it live up to the hype? Will it actually look like the photos I’ve seen on Instagram?” For me, the Amalfi Coast was one of those places, and I was so happy when I finally got there and found that it exceeded my expectations. We were there for four nights during the month of July, and enjoyed plenty of sunshine, beach lounging, aperitivo with a view, and lemon-flavored foods. Truly, everywhere we turned felt like a postcard come-to-life, including the unforgettable views from where we stayed. 

Some hotels take your breath away the moment you arrive, and for me, the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Amalfi will always be one of them. Nestled high on the cliffs above the Amalfi Coast, this hotel is where my fiancé, John, and I got engaged. (So needless to say, it holds a very special place in my heart.)

But even beyond the marriage proposal, Grand Hotel Excelsior impressed us with its sweeping views, authentic Italian charm, and peaceful setting high above the bustle of Amalfi town. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a romantic escape, or simply looking for a unique place to stay on the Amalfi Coast, this hotel deserves a spot on your radar.

In this post, I’m sharing a full and honest review of our experience, including how to get there, the amenities, and what to expect during your stay.

Location & Getting There

Getting to the Amalfi Coast

Most travelers headed to the Amalfi Coast either fly into Naples International Airport (NAP) or take a train to Napoli Centrale. From there, the most convenient (but also the priciest) option is to hire a private car transfer for the ~1.5 hour drive to Amalfi. This is what we did, and while it was a splurge (approximately $300 USD with a 2-hour stop in Pompeii), it made the journey stress-free and helped us maximize our vacation time. Our hotel helped us book a private car ahead of our arrival, which made everything seamless from the moment we landed in Naples.

Pit Stop in Pompeii

I highly recommend stopping at Pompeii on the way to Amalfi as it’s perfectly en route and an incredible way to break up the drive. Plan for at least two hours to explore, and consider joining a guided tour to truly appreciate the history and significance of the site.

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If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, you can also reach Amalfi by bus or a combination of train and ferry rides, but these options can be long, hot, and crowded especially in the summer.

Renting a car might seem like a good idea, but unless you’re an experienced driver used to narrow, winding coastal roads in foreign countries, I’d think twice. Parking in Amalfi is extremely limited, and the drive can be nerve-wracking. I’m still amazed at how expertly our driver navigated the winding roads so quickly!

The Hotel’s Cliffside Location

Grand Hotel Excelsior is perched high above Amalfi, built into the cliffs with panoramic views of the coastline and Tyrrhenian Sea. That being said, it’s a bit far from the town. Here are a few pros and cons of its specific location:

Getting Around Amalfi

Despite being far up in the cliffs, Grand Hotel Excelsior Amalfi works hard to make sure you still have access to town. One of the most convenient features of this hotel is its private shuttle, which runs throughout the day and into the evening. The shuttle takes you down to Amalfi town center or to the hotel’s private beach club (seasonal) at no extra cost. You can reserve your spot up to 48th hours in advance using a tablet in your room, which makes planning your daily itinerary super easy.

We used the shuttle every day and found it reliable and comfortable. It was definitely a huge perk of staying at Grand Hotel Excelsior.

For destinations beyond Amalfi, like Positano, Ravello, Capri, or Sorrento, there are plenty of other transit options available. You’ll find ferries, public buses, and private taxis departing from Amalfi, making it easy to plan day trips up and down the coast or across the bay. We easily planned a day-trip to Capri by ferry-ride. The hotel’s location may feel remote at first, but with a little planning, getting around the region is surprisingly straightforward.

First Impressions & Check-In Experience

From the moment we arrived at Grand Hotel Excelsior, we felt genuinely welcomed. Check-in was quick and easy, and the front desk staff were incredibly friendly, offering us helpful tips about the hotel, shuttle schedule, and even local dining spots in Amalfi. The lobby itself feels like a step back in time in the best way. It is charming and classic, with vintage Italian touches and cozy seating areas. Just off the lobby, you’ll find one of the hotel’s most stunning features: a sweeping balcony with panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast. One afternoon during our stay, a few rain showers rolled through (not a common occurrence there during summer). Once the clouds cleared, we were treated to a breathtaking double rainbow stretching across the sky, perfectly visible from the lobby balcony.

The Rooms

Grand Hotel Excelsior offers a variety of room types to suit different budgets and travel styles, ranging from more economical options to upgraded suites with extra space and breathtaking views. Room categories include:

• Economy Rooms – The most budget-friendly option, located on the first floor with essential amenities and partial sea views.
  
• Standard Rooms – Comfortable and simply furnished, these rooms are located on the third and fourth floors, so views are slightly better.
  
• Classic Rooms – Slightly more spacious, with traditional Italian decor and smaller balconies. These rooms are located on the top floor, offering great views.
  
• Superior Rooms – Located on the fourth and fifth floors, these feature larger balconies or terraces with direct views of the town and harbor of Amalfi
  
• Prestige Rooms – Located on the fifth floor (2nd from the top), these rooms offer upgraded bathrooms, and stunning sea views.
  
• Sky Deluxe Rooms – These rooms are perched on the top floor of the property for maximum privacy and panoramic views of the sea. The bathrooms include a walk-in shower and jacuzzi.
  
• Prestige Deluxe Suites – The most luxurious category, offering large layouts (similar in size as Sky Deluxe), stylish furnishings, and oversized terraces on the fifth floor of the building.
  

The hotel has been gradually renovating rooms over the past few years, so while some still have a more classic, slightly dated charm, others have been updated with modern touches, refreshed bathrooms, and newer furnishings. Be sure to check the room descriptions or contact the hotel directly if you’re looking for a more recently updated space.

We booked through our Amex Platinum membership, which came with a complimentary room upgrade at check-in. We were placed in one of the accessible rooms, which gave us extra space and a large balcony with sweeping sea views, fully outfitted with two lounge chairs and a bistro table. It quickly became our favorite place to snap photos and take in the views of the coast. 

The room was spotlessly clean, with daily housekeeping and fresh towels and toiletries provided. Standard amenities included Wi-Fi, cable TV, a minibar, and plenty of closet space. A standout feature was the in-room tablet, which made it easy to make reservations for the hotel’s restaurant, book the complimentary shuttle, request services from reception, and even browse local information about Amalfi and nearby towns.

Views & Grounds

One of the most unforgettable aspects of Grand Hotel Excelsior is simply wandering the property and soaking in the scenery. Perched high above the sea, the hotel offers panoramic views in every direction you turn. Whether we were watching the sunrise peek over the cliffs during breakfast, sipping wine with dinner at sunset, or caught in an unexpected afternoon rain shower that ended in a stunning double rainbow, the views were unbelievable.

Pool Area

The hotel’s pool area is spacious and serene, with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for guests to relax and spread out. It has a relaxed, uncrowded vibe, perfect for an afternoon nap or a good book. Tucked near the pool is the Grotto Bar, a cozy spot to grab a drink without having to head inside. And of course, the view from the pool deck is hard to beat. 

Gardens & Common Spaces

Beyond the pool, the property is dotted with lush gardens filled with colorful flowers, citrus trees (with the largest lemons I’ve ever seen!), and even vegetables that the hotel uses in its kitchen. We loved taking slow strolls around the terraces and pathways. Just off of the lobby, there is a bar where you can grab a spritz and cool off. There are also several lounging terraces scattered throughout the property (some shaded, some sunny), where you can sit and just take it all in.

Dining

Breakfast

Breakfast is included with your stay, and it exceeded our expectations. Each morning, we enjoyed a buffet spread of fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, and cold cuts, along with hot made-to-order options like eggs, bacon, and sausage. A highlight for us was starting the day with a fresh cappuccino and soaking in the morning view from the dining room’s terrace – it was a perfect way to begin each day!

On-Site Restaurant and Bars

TATO Restaurant is the hotel’s main dining area and offers a finer dining experience in the evenings, with a focus on seafood and traditional Italian fare. The menu felt both classic and elevated, and the setting overlooking the coastline made dinner feel special without being overly formal. On our first night (just after getting engaged) we enjoyed dinner here under a rare full moon. It felt like something straight out of a movie… or maybe a verse of Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore.”

There’s also a poolside bar, called The Grottino, that is built inside of a natural grotto that serves drinks during summer. The inside Heptagon Bar also served drinks and snacks throughout the day. While we didn’t get a chance to try anything from the bar menus, they were popular spots for guests to grab a bite or a cocktail between swims.

At the hotel’s private beach club, there’s a casual snack bar that serves up delicious beach snacks and cocktails. We had a great lunch there (think paninis, fries, and Aperol spritzes) in the sunshine. It’s exactly what you want during a relaxing beach day.

Nearby Restaurants

While the hotel’s dining options are excellent, it’s definitely worth exploring beyond the property for a taste of local Amalfi cuisine. Gerry’s Pub is a great spot just up the hill that is technically within walking distance, though be prepared for a steep climb. The food is authentic and delicious, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and if you’re lucky, Gerry himself might serve you. It’s clearly loved by both tourists and locals alike (we even spotted a table of locals playing cards when we went for dinner), and it was one of our favorite meals of the trip! For a wider range of options, take the hotel shuttle into Amalfi town, where you’ll find everything from casual pizzerias to upscale seafood restaurants.

Service & Staff

Throughout our stay, the staff at Grand Hotel Excelsior were consistently friendly, professional, and eager to help. From the front desk to the restaurant team, everyone made us feel welcome.

The concierge and reception team spoke excellent English and were incredibly helpful, assisting with our bags, walking us through all the key details of our stay, and answering any questions we had. Housekeeping visited our room daily, keeping everything tidy and clean, which we really appreciated after long days out exploring.

Private Beach Club

An unbeatable amenity that deserves its own section in this review – the hotel’s private beach club ended up being one of our favorite parts of the entire stay. Because the Grand Hotel Excelsior is perched high above the coastline, you’re not exactly steps from the sea. But thanks to this amenity, you’d never know it. The beach club made it easy to enjoy the water without the hassle of finding open chairs or the pricey reservation fees. It truly elevated our experience!

Tucked away at the bottom of the cliffs on the Duoglio beach, the club offers a stretch of shoreline with plenty of lounge chairs, umbrellas, and space to relax – something that’s surprisingly rare along the Amalfi Coast without shelling out for a pricey beach club day pass. As hotel guests, we had complimentary access, and it never felt overly crowded.

The water was perfect for swimming (although I do recommend wearing water shoes), and the on-site beachfront restaurant and bar served up great casual fare (paninis, salads, fries) and refreshing drinks like classic Aperol Spritzes – perfect beach day fare. Hotel guests also have access to changing rooms, toilets, and showers.

The hotel’s shuttle service made getting there easy. After a 5-minute drive, it dropped us off near the top of the beach access point, where a short (but admittedly a bit sketchy) elevator ride brought us down to the shore. It was such a luxury to have a beautiful, private beach experience, even while staying at a hotel set high above the coastline.

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Final Thoughts

From the sweeping coastal views to the peaceful location, friendly staff, and that incredible private beach club, our stay at Grand Hotel Excelsior Amalfi was unforgettable. And given the fact that it’s where my fiancé and I got engaged, this hotel will always hold a special place in my heart. If you’re looking for a romantic, peaceful hotel with panoramic views and easy access to the best of the Amalfi Coast, Grand Hotel Excelsior Amalfi is hard to beat!

FAQ Section

Is Grand Hotel Excelsior Amalfi worth it?

Absolutely. The rates are fair compared to other accommodations in the area. The hotel offers breathtaking views, a peaceful clifftop location, and standout amenities like a private beach club, a la carte breakfast, and complimentary shuttle service to and from town.

How far is it from Amalfi town?

The hotel is approximately 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) from the center of Amalfi, which translates to a 7-minute drive on average.

Does it have a shuttle service?

Yes, the hotel provides a free shuttle service to and from Amalfi town (approximately 10 minutes) and to the hotel’s private beach (approximately 5 minutes). Shuttle reservations can be made via the in-room tablet. For transportation to and from the airport or train station, I recommend booking a private car, which the hotel can help to arrange for you.

Who Is It For?

I’d recommend this hotel to couples looking for a romantic, scenic escape, honeymooners, and anyone who wants a quieter, more secluded hotel along the Amalfi Coast. It’s perfect if you don’t mind being a bit outside of town in exchange for panoramic views and a peaceful setting.

Would I Return?

In a heartbeat! Whether for a future anniversary or just another slow-paced coastal getaway, I’d happily stay here again. I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels, and this one is still one of my favorites!

Is breakfast included?

Yes, a complimentary breakfast is included with your stay. The breakfast features a buffet with fresh pastries and fruits, as well as made-to-order hot options like eggs and bacon. The cappuccinos were also excellent!

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Late spring through early fall offers the best weather in the Amalfi Coast, with June and September being sweet spots for warm days and fewer crowds than the peak of summer. That being said, we were there in July and loved the warm temperatures with the coastal breeze off of the sea. The hotel’s location is perfect for escaping the crowds during peak tourist season.

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