Osteria Hortus In Castellabate

27/07/2025: Hotel Scapolatiello—where do I even begin to describe it? Let me start with accessibility and location. The hotel is located in the old town (in the mountains) of Cava de' Tirreni. You can drive all the way to the hotel and park there for a reasonable fee. We were driving a Citroën C4, and the narrow alleyway mentioned online was manageable with this car (a few centimeters of space on either side). The hotel is a 200-year-old building that was built, or appears to be part of, an old defensive wall. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ambiance of the hotel can be described as authentically luxurious and romantic. The hotel restaurant has a fine menu, and the dishes are all delicious and of good quality. But above all, I want to mention the gentlemen serving us; they made our evening every time. They offered excellent wine recommendations, were friendly, and were never too pushy. If you stay at the hotel, be sure to take a walk around the abbey and the nature reserve behind it.

20/07/2025: A charming location, clean rooms, a varied and plentiful breakfast, and helpful waitstaff worthy of a 4-star hotel. The pool is nestled in the Corpo di Cava mountains. I was particularly impressed by the kindness and attentiveness of the pool attendant, Francesco.