As a child, I would stay on the swings as long as I could.  While my sister and friends had moved onto the monkey bars and other playground equipment, I stayed on the swings enjoying each attempt to go higher and fly. As a teen, my swings were upgraded at the carnival, when I found the wicker basket chair and clipped in (not the height of safety).  Couples held hands until they had to let go once the ride started to spin round and then lifted up and rotated quickly with the chairs swinging in different directions. You hoped you tied your shoes tight enough so they didn’t fly off (someone always lost a shoe on that ride).  I loved the feeling of flying and the views it afforded me of the carnival action below. Years, later, I would get that high looking out the airplane window high above the clouds jetting off to a new adventure….always an adventure.

So when I visited the island of Capri and heard that the Anacapri chair lift afforded great island views, I was pretty excited to try it.  A few folks dismissed the ride to the top which I understand if you are tight for time on a day tour as I’d go to the Blue Grotto first too.

At a cost of €10 return (or €7.50 one way, there is a walking path up/down if you have time) and with no line, I was quickly off my feet and in a wicker chair on my way up the mountain.  Immediately, I smiled and then I laughed at all the dour faces coming down.  Looking down I could see houses, gardens and residents (I waved at a woman outside of her house and she waved back) and looking up I flew through trees and then watched the clouds make their way toward me from the sea.  The chair lift was built in 1952 and I wondered how much the view had changed since then (I’m guessing not too much).  It is a bit odd though if you are a homeowner and see people flying by your window all day long.

It is a leisurely thirteen minutes as you ascend Monte Solaro giving you time to relax as you look around at the trees, gardens and out to the sea.  I had my camera around my neck taking photos and also was using my IPhone (hoping not to drop it).  At 589m or 1932’, this ride isn’t for everyone.  So if you are the odd (wo)man out, I suggest walking in town to find a gelato to kill the time waiting on your friends.

The view ahead looked a bit misty and I realized that when it quickly turned cold that I was passing through the clouds (so cool!) as they moved quicker than I anticipated. After so many years admiring clouds from the plane or from Table Mountain, I was transported back to that silly kid from the carnival literally flying through clouds now – I never imagined that.

At the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point of the island of Capri, I quickly navigated the various viewing terraces to get my photos but the clouds had beat me on one side, so I ran to the other for a quick photo. There are steps and a rocky path at the rails so be careful when walking. I could see the Faraglioni rocks and realized that I was pretty much above Marina Grande and my hotel.

While work was being done to a fountain and pathways to prepare for high season, the snack bar/café was open with a good selection of patio seating with views of the island.  I found a comfy lounge chair to enjoy my snack and people watch – had I known about this area before, I would have brought a book to stay a while.

With a final view, I said “ciao” to Augustus, who first landed on Capri, and was back in my chair with my goofy smile on the ride down, again watching the bored faces of those riding up and feeling sad for them (ok, there were a few happy people -one said “hi” so not all was lost). There are 156 chairs and it was May so not quite the peak of the tourist season yet.

Sadly, the ride came to an end as I was back in the center of Anacapri at Piazza Vittoria.  I was tempted to go back and buy another ticket but instead went in search of lunch.  Sometimes, the best experiences only need one spin to make good memories.

I decided to take the road less traveled on my Blue Grotto visit.  Most visitors arrive by tour boat originating at the harbor in Marina Grande which combines an island tour with a stop at the Blue Grotto. However, I would take the bus, actually two busses.  Traveling first to Anacapri (€1.80) from the Capri center bus terminal (you can also get the Anacapri bus from Marina Grande), I would walk the two blocks to the Anacapri bus terminal and board the Grotto Azzurra bus (€1.80).

The bus ride would take us through the Anacapri neighborhoods and snake along the coastline and I was quite thankful not to attempt to walk here (I saw a few intrepid hikers walking on the road).  The 10-15 minute ride dropped us off at the parking lot that was empty save a few taxis waiting on their people.  The cliffside restaurant was closed in May (off season).

At the top of the steps, you can get a bird’s eye view of the boat traffic waiting in the grotto. While it looked chaotic, I learned it was actually quite organized.  The small rowboats would pick up tourists from the larger boats on an island tour (so many people to contend with and you need to wait while everyone who wants to visit is done), while I made my way down to the water, passing the souvenir shop (there’s always a gift shop even cliffside).  At the bottom, there was really no line or wait with just a couple ahead of me.

We waited only a few minutes for a rowboat to come over to us.  The rowboats normally take four passengers, since I was solo, it was only three of us.  Our guide rowed over to join the queue as we made our way to the ticket office boat that everyone goes to – here you pay €13.00 (cash) per person (2015 fees: entrance €4.00 and boat €9.00).

Once paid, I knew the procedure, having visited twenty years ago.  We would need to lie down in the boat while the guide got close to the wall to hold onto the chain as we slipped into the small cave opening. Luckily, as it was later in the day, the wait was short as we watched others exit.  I could already hear the Italian songs of the guides inside the cave as they rowed (helps with the tips!).

With a set path to travel inside, we followed the boats ahead of us and then our guide started to sing  (bonus)! Everyone inside was in awe, the blue water was sparkling. The sunlight hits the underground part of the cave to produce the blue color, nature’s cave lights.  I took photos, video and then the guide took my photo.

As our guide was singing, we got to stay inside the Blue Grotto a bit longer than other boats. It is a quick visit nonetheless but enough time for your photos (most of my photos were without flash in low light, however my iphone needed flash).

As we exited the blue cave, we again had to lie down in the boat and when we sat up, we had the same goofy smiles that we saw on others when we entered.  I tipped the guide (they expect tips and he sang) and exited the rowboat.  I walked up the stairs back to the bus stop to return to Anacapri (€1.80) and switch to the Capri center bus (€1.80).  Total cost for the visit was €20.20.

This was my second visit to Capri and the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) and I’d go again because despite the super touristy vibe, it’s really pretty inside and so very uniquely Italian.  I’d recommend the Anacapri bus route if you have a bit more time to explore the island.

The Hotel Weber Ambassador in Capri – it has a weird name, an amazing location, the décor is dated and the first impression not great but the views quickly put me in a trance and the service was good.

Location

The location is a quiet side of Capri, a few minutes from the town center, in Marina Piccola. The hotel runs a shuttle to and from the town center for guests. This was a plus to booking the hotel. In the area, as it was May, I knew that nothing would be open around the hotel so I would be dependent on the shuttle. The views are the main selling point for the hotel.

Booking/Arrival

I booked a Superior Double with Faraglioni Rocks view on the hotel’s website directly. I was surprised that I didn’t get a pre-arrival email explaining how to contact the hotel shuttle once I arrived by ferry from Naples.

I asked the front desk of the Excelsior hotel in Naples call for me to inquire the procedure as I said “I don’t speak Italian”. When the hotel answered in English, I was handed the phone to talk (with a bit of a “you could have done this yourself” glare). I was to call the hotel once the ferry arrived in Capri to meet the shuttle (note that if you don’t have international phone option you are going to need to sort this ahead of time or by email). When I arrived in Capri, I was told to go to the red building on the left of the port near the pharmacy to wait. Within minutes hotel staff arrived, in the form of a young guy in a suit with a Hotel Weber Ambassador nametag, greeted me and took my bags.

The Drive to the Hotel

The roads are small and how the drivers don’t take off their side mirrors or get in accidents continues to amaze me. The fifteen minute drive up the hills gave me a good view of the island. As we got nearer to the hotel, I had views of the sea.

Check In

Making my way up the ramp to enter the hotel, I was greeted by two men at the front desk. My passport was scanned (common practice in Europe) and I was told of a 10% discount (with a few caveats) if I paid in cash (interesting) at check out. Then one man escorted me to my first room (Room 99) and then to Room 336. Internet service cost 5 Euro for the stay and was strong throughout the hotel and in my room.

Room 336 at Hotel Weber Ambassador

The décor is odd, dated but you will look past that. I’m still not sure why there is a picture above the bed of Santorini, Greece when you are in Capri, Italy with it’s many amazing views. The bed was firm,  but I still managed to sleep well during my stay.

The bed is flanked by two side tables each with an outlet. The wardrobe was a good size and the desk easy to work on. There is an in room coffee maker, safe and minibar (and a guy who knocks to check the minibar each day).

I loved the shutters to close each night and leave the doors open for a bit of fresh air and privacy. Each morning, raising the shutters gave me that initial ping of happiness as I was greeted by the rocks, the sea and the sun (one day of rain).

The Bathroom

The bathroom is small but packed with all that you need. I wasn’t a fan of the toiletries so didn’t use them.

Breakfast Is Included

The breakfast is 11 Euro and added to your bill automatically each day (I didn’t realize this as I skipped breakfast one day). The buffet is quite plentiful with choices of breads, meats/cheeses, hot foods, fruits, salad, cakes/desserts and even pizza!  It was definitely a good value, quick service and of course the terrace views. Note that the cakes/desserts are same as on lunch/dinner menu so you can taste them in the morning and know whether to order/pay later.

Dinner With A View

I was seduced by the view each night so for once I actually ate in the hotel restaurant every night on the terrace for dinner which is something I don’t usually do. The foods were fine and they offer a three course deal menu each day. I was annoyed by cover charge assessed given I was a hotel guest but that’s Italy for you! One night I met a German woman on her birthday weekend, she was really nice and we ate dinner together during her stay, only to realize she was my new next door neighbor!

Water Options

There are a few pools on the property but the weather wasn’t conducive to swimming so guests were laying out enjoying the sun instead. A few keen folks braved the short walk down to the rocky beach. The hotel provides mats (similar to yoga mats) as well as towels for the beach. You walk outside the hotel, down the street and down the steps. It’s a small beach but there are a few private options if you want to rent an umbrella, chairs, etc.

Hotel Weber Ambassador Shuttle

The shuttle ran every ten minutes or so to/from the Capri center all day long (up to 2 a.m. I believe). This is nice service as you really can’t walk there (well you could but there are no sidewalks, windy roads and cars/taxis) so you save the taxi costs. The shuttle also will take you to the harbor at check-out but not there during the day normally. I was at the harbor after a boat tour and the shuttle was there on a pick up and let me jump in as there was space (this saved me ½ hour as well as a funicular ticket up to Capri center).

The Staff

Gennaro was my favorite hotel staff to interact with. He is the restaurant manager that greeted me at breakfast and chatted with me at dinner. He lives on the island and works the season before he travels (he loves New Orleans and jazz as he has family there and visits often, sadly he hasn’t been to Philly yet). I laughed when I saw him at the harbor on his Vespa as it was out of place for me.

The staff mostly live on property for the season and it feels like they work 24/7 as you will see them all day in various roles. The front desk guy who sorted my room was driving the shuttle one day, the waitress in the lounge/pool area was working breakfast one morning. Staff were filling in where needed.

Staying Longer

I had a bit of a problem with the next hotel I was to move to (it turned out to be a rooming house with three rooms overlooking the bus terminal) so I asked to stay at Hotel Weber Ambassador for two additional days. I was accommodated and able to stay in my fabulous view room.

Overall Impression of Hotel Weber Ambassador

We got off on the wrong foot with the room fiasco but I had a nice stay at the Hotel Weber Ambassador. It was quirky and I took advantage of the cash discount at check out (I had to go to the ATM a few times due to daily limits). I’d stay here again because it was quiet (it was May) and those views…..

Capri is (or was to me) a bit of magic on the Amalfi Coast. I now needed a bit of magic in my life, a place to really escape reality. Playing with my lodging options – there are many ranging from rooms, AirBnb rentals, hotels and luxury resorts (think celebrity type places with prices to match), I found an odd hotel sticking out of the list. It was advertised as a four star hotel a few minutes from town (with free shuttle service) but had a killer view, one that I wanted, one that I needed and it was surprisingly reasonable (almost cheap in comparison) to other places so I booked it. There had to be a catch, right?  I was willing to gamble and hope for the best.

I booked a room with a view of the water, unlike the cheapest no view rooms of the past. I didn’t splurge for a balcony or patio, I just needed the water view as if it was to magically transform me or something – I was being drawn to it.

So when I checked in, imagine my surprise to not get the room I booked but to be told I was upgraded to a room with a patio. I was intrigued by Room 99 but then when I saw the room had no water view unless you go outside on the patio and if you crane your neck to the left you can see the rocks.  This wasn’t what I booked from the website, so I went back to the front desk and became that (American) girl who complains.

It’s about principal. I booked a room with just a view of the water when you open the windows. Room 99 was not that room. Room 99 felt like an afterthought – a small room with slight patio around the air conditioning units. It also had stairs (unsecured) leading to the pool area and outside lift entrance – I was not a fan that anyone could come up onto the patio. This was not the room I booked and paid for, this was a substandard room and one that I didn’t feel safe staying in as I wanted to open the windows for sunlight at a minimum.

Back at the front desk, I asked why I didn’t get the room I booked – with a seating area inside and the larger layout. The first reply which really angered me was “the room you booked is for three people and you are a single”. Doesn’t matter if I booked and paid for a suite for ten people and was there alone, I wanted the room I booked. I asked the front desk guy to show me the room types to understand how I ended up in Room 99 – he showed me the room without the view (which I didn’t book) to compare to the “upgraded room with patio”. I held my ground and said “I want the room I booked on your website”, he said the photos on the hotel website are wrong. “So they are misleading?” I asked and he agreed that the online photos don’t match the room types (when I got the chance to go online to check, I realized that all categories are showing the same photos). This angered me more to feel duped – I just wanted my view, the room I paid for and booked, nothing more or less. I was feeling like a broken record but was standing my ground.

My insistence was a bit much for the poor guy (everyone knew my name after this incident) but I needed my view, I paid for my view and I wasn’t going to open the window to the concrete wall and then get dressed to go outside on the unsecured patio of Room 99.

He said “We are going to your new room now” and brought me to Room 318. The room was slightly bigger than Room 99 but then he opened the shutters with the push button to reveal the WOW factor. As the shutters moved up they slowly revealed the view of the water, I started to calm but was still taken aback. I had a proper balcony patio with lounge chairs and a table with two chairs. It was gorgeous, yes and the views seductive but not what I booked. He said “we are giving you this room category instead – it is an upgrade”.

At first, I told him “it’s really nice, but I only need the room I booked” and he wouldn’t budge. My bags were quickly delivered from Room 99 here and they looked like they wanted to be done with me. I gave in and accepted this room and was quickly in awe of the view and then under its spell. The first impression of the hotel wasn’t great but the magic of the view was quickly melting my East Coast veneer as I sunk into my “vacation/travel sabbatical mode”.

Have you ever had an experience where you felt duped by a hotel website?  How did you resolve the issue?