Palazzo San Giovanni

“Extraordinary Views”

Hotel review Palazzo SAN Giovanni Resort - Pontone, Amalfi Coast. Firstly I would not call this a resort more like a serviced up market b&b. It is set in the amazingly stunning hills of Pontone above the Amalfi coast. The view is nothing short of spectacular, and the rooms are beautifully decorated… more

Hotel review Palazzo SAN Giovanni Resort - Pontone, Amalfi Coast. Firstly I would not call this a resort more like a serviced up market b&b. It is set in the amazingly stunning hills of Pontone above the Amalfi coast. The view is nothing short of spectacular, and the rooms are beautifully decorated in traditional Italian coastal decor. The location is quite away from the main town of Amalfi but only a 10 mins drive down the mountain. You can walk up from Amalfi but it is about a 30 min hike up A-LOT of stairs! Roads are very very narrow and at times difficult to negotiate. That being said…Whilst we were there a young local man lost his life after the bus he was driving ran off the road, this in turn closed off the road and access to the hotel for 3 days . There was a few bad reviews circulating because people couldn’t access the hotel. This is not the hotels fault! We even had to drive up to Scala and scale down the 300 stairs! Not sure exactly how many but there was a lot! *BED - Hard 3/5 *PILLOWS - Great 5/5 *FOOD - 4/5 typical European breakfast, pastries, cold meats, cheese, eggs, fruit yoghurt, all tasty all plausible *AMENITIES- 2/5 No Milk provided, I had to go and ask, was told we can’t keep milk in the rooms it would go off! (I can’t think of too many hotels where long life milk isn’t provided), No Coffee or sugar a couple of tea bags and that’s it. Mini Bar supplies $$. Shampoo only. SERVICE- 4/5…needs a better concierge service and English speaking/understanding host. PROS- •Stunning Views- Great off the beaten path motel style accommodation. Beautifully appointed, decorated and clean. •Good Service, although 1st gentleman not overly friendly, nice though. 2nd gentleman we met was super friendly and helpful. English wasn’t great all round. •It’s very traditional…. it’s an adventure! •Great walking tracks for those that love to walk/hike! •Quite a few very nice restaurants and bars dotted around close by, the local town square which you pass through to get to hotel is quaint. Has a little bar/restaurant/general groceries. CONS- •STAIRS To get into the hotel you have to climb about 25 uneven stairs. And follow a cobblestone pathway for a few minutes to get to the hotel. The manager did come down and meet us at the car, however only took 2 bags up for us (we had a few and he took the lightest ones😆) we had to drag the rest and our tired selves up the hill. The whole place is built into the side of a hill! •PARKING- big issue, They have parking spots below (Council owned) for 15€ pn ($25AUD), you pay the hotel in cash (?) and it only gives you parking until 9am the following morning, NOT reserved so DO NOT pay for your entire stay. They have another parking spot (which states onsite and we thought was some kind of valet at booking upon rereading it does state self park) at 20€ pn but it is located 300m away. Bus from Amalfi is available however there is a fair walk from the stop to the hotel. CAB/Hire Car…50€ each way!!! Absolute Rort!!! (Nothing to do with the hotel though!) •Drain smell from bathroom…easily fixed by placing water in the bidet and sink and placing towel over shower drain, had to keep the door closed. It’s out of their control. •Wifi very slow Would I Recommend?- YES I would, but with apprehension. If you are fit and healthy and have good strong legs and knees it an absolutely spectacular part of the world! Would I stay here again?- NO I would not…purely because we did not, at all, like the stairs and/or The Amalfi coast.

less

“The best hotel in Amalfi”

We loved every minute of our stay in this hotel, the view of the rooms are breathtaking and if you want a really italian experience this is the place to stay, you can walk to Ravello, you are not far from Atrani and Amalfi city and you are away from the crowd. The breakfast is amazing with the seav… more

We loved every minute of our stay in this hotel, the view of the rooms are breathtaking and if you want a really italian experience this is the place to stay, you can walk to Ravello, you are not far from Atrani and Amalfi city and you are away from the crowd. The breakfast is amazing with the seaview and the staff is super professional, Lina, Francesca are amazing hosts. Also you have a wonderful restaurant just opposite the hotel, we had dinner there almost every night of our stay the food was amazing.

less

“Couldn't Have Picked a Better Place!”

This was one of the best B&B's we've ever stayed in! The rooms and property were clean, spacious, beautifully decorated and accommodating for every need. The view is incredible! The location is great - with a few local restaurant options within easy walking distance. The staff were incredibly helpf… more

This was one of the best B&B's we've ever stayed in! The rooms and property were clean, spacious, beautifully decorated and accommodating for every need. The view is incredible! The location is great - with a few local restaurant options within easy walking distance. The staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating (though sometimes I felt they were grumbling under their breath at some of our questions and requests.) The breakfast was served outside on the patio which offered an incredible view of the Amalfi Coast. Do note that the "hot tub" is not at all hot. Not sure if this is a European thing or this one in particular. We enjoyed it any way. The WIFi can be spotty. The AC worked great. I'd be blessed to stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone else who is looking for something a bit off the high-traffic path of the Amalfi coast.

less

“Lovin' it!”

Pontone would be a great décor for a Fellini movie with Marcello Mastroianni strolling the (few) streets. Walk the stairs from Amalfi and enter the piazza with staff at the blu bar welcoming you with a grin and a giant lemon to serve with the aqua frizzante available at the place among various othe… more

Pontone would be a great décor for a Fellini movie with Marcello Mastroianni strolling the (few) streets. Walk the stairs from Amalfi and enter the piazza with staff at the blu bar welcoming you with a grin and a giant lemon to serve with the aqua frizzante available at the place among various other groceries. Turn left and enter the palazzo San Giovanni resort. The place is very efficient and beautiful with gorgeous rooms. And exceptional views. The highlights mentioned here are propelled to sub-paradise level by the staff taking care of the property, cleanliness of the rooms and people. A very special mention to the manager of the resort, Lina, who will make your stay a huge success with spot on advice, troubleshooting and a few jokes. Look forward to meeting her at breakfast (exceptional good food) to have some good chats and laughs.

less