I have just returned from Villa Maria and have had a wonderful stay there. The hotel is very clean and furnished in traditional Italian style and has fabulous views. I also found the staff friendly and helpful and the owner kindly allowed us to visit the former home of Gore Vidal.

There is no swimming pool at the hotel but I actually found this to be advantageous as it added to the tranquility of the place, however if you do wish to swim guests can use the pool at the sister hotel Giordani.

I am looking forward to returning to Villa Maria in the next couple of years.

Beautiful hotel with an outstanding view and balconies for most of the rooms. The staff goes out of there way to assist you. The breakfast were elegant with a lovely view from the dining room. We had one dinner at the hotel and it was very nice with many items from their garden. Get in good shape before you go because Ravello is all steps up and down. Don't miss Cumpa Cosimo restaurant for dinner - "mama" is not to be missed. In all a very lovely hotel and town.

This claims to be a four star hotel but would be intrigued to know when and by whom this was rated as it is shabby, the rooms are poorly equipped and in general the hotel represents very poor value for money. The breakfast was non existant save for some croissants and left over pastries from the day before (at Euro 285 per night you would have thought they could have kept some toast or yoghurt or fresh fruit in stock but apparently not...). The only redeeming feature was the friendly staff and the views but to appreciate the Ravello views but I would strongly recommend finding accomodation elsewhere (Amalfi, Capri etc) and spend half a day visiting Ravello. Put simply they are taking advantage of limited number of hotels available to jack up price and avoid investment in upkeep and quality service.

We went to Ravello and the Villa Maria, on the recommendation of a friend who had stayed previously. We were not disappointed. The hotel is magnificent.

Run by the Columbo family who own a number of hotels in Ravello, the atmosphere was almost like living a very special house rather than a hotel. Our room was stunning and one of the cleanest rooms I've ever had at a hotel. All furniture in the hotel is of an antique style and the entire establishment is finished to an excellent quality.

The hotel has an organic vegetable garden. As we went out of season to Ravello, there were not many alternative places open so we ate at the restaurant most nights. We went through the winter menu - and every time the food was very very good. I have high standards when it comes to food so do not say that lightly.

The best thing about Villa Maria was the superior quality of service. All staff were friendly, professional and bent over backwards to make our stay very enjoyable.

The one piece of advice I would give it to go in season, as even though the Villa Maria is wonderful, it would be even nicer to sit out and use the beautiful terrace garden on the evenings with warmth and sun.

We are definately going to return.