Trip Report – Hotel Marina Riviera – Amalfi

After a great weekend in Sorrento we decided to head back to the Amalfi Coast and spend our second weekend relaxing in Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. Besides the Hilton in Sorrento, there really aren’t any chain hotels on the Amalfi Coast. Again we booked last minute and Hotels.com had the highly rated (according to TripAdvisor) Marina Riviera in Amalfi listed for € 200 single occupancy with an additional 10% off, non-refundable. The lowest rate listed on the hotel’s own website was 230 Euro minus 30 for single occupancy. I needed a hotels.com stay to keep my Welcome Rewards account balance active so this worked out perfectly.

The hotel has only 30 rooms and a small check-in/concierge desk all in one. There were two young girls working at check-in who were helpful and checked us in quickly. We were both upgraded to Deluxe rooms with balconies. I didn’t know prior to arriving but this is a must! The standard rooms have great views but no balcony, all other room types (deluxe, junior suite, and suite) have the balcony. You will be upset if you stay at this hotel and not have a balcony!

The ladies from reception walked us to our rooms to make sure the Americans could open manual doors locks (they have to be turned a certain way…no electronic keys). They both spoke very good English and were able to provide restaurant and bar recommendations as well as directions. The location has functioned as a hotel since the late 1800’s and has a very warm and cozy feel, especially the lobby. Marina Riviera is built right into one of the cliffs looking directly onto the sea. It’s also just a short walk down the hill to both the beach and the center of Amalfi. The indoor section of the lobby flows nicely into the outdoor section with tables and chairs overlooking the Amalfi Coast and the water directly beneath the hotel. You can actually hear the waves from the lobby!

I’d call the lobby a mix of classic and modern-chic while the guest rooms are umm a little dated. The bed is two doubles or singles pushed together…

Who cares about the interior of the room though when you have a private balcony with views like this. The bathroom is equally as dated but had good water pressure and a nice shower head.

The hotel serves complimentary breakfast outside on the terrace attached to the lobby. What a view for breakfast too. The breakfast itself was good with lots of pastries, fresh fruit, cheeses, and meats. They even cook made-to-order omelets behind the bar. There’s tea, coffee, espresso, fresh juices, and water to drink.

We spent a lot of time at the beach below the hotel (each section is owned by a different restaurant and entry fees range from 5-20 Euro, though discounted if you order drinks or food. The hotel has a great rooftop pool as well that you should definitely check out. Bars are located in the lobby and by the rooftop pool, both offering incredible views.

None of the hotels in the region are particularly reasonable and even at 180 Euro this hotel costs approximately $237 per night. I think the hotel was worth that just for the location, balcony, and views, but I can understand that $237 per night in other parts of the world can also guarantee a really comfortable and modern room. However, I was really happily surprised by the Marina Riviera. I tend to stick to the chain hotels and I’m glad I didn’t in this case. I truly would have missed out on a great property with amazing views and fantastic service. In Amalfi, the location literally can’t be beat!

Up next, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda – An SPG Luxury Collection Hotel