My wife and I spent a week staying at Villa Sarah this June. We did not read any reviews up front, but booked based solely on the basis of what we could figure out from the hotel's website. By coincidence, I came to read the reviews of Villa Sarah on tripadvisor. It is quite surprising to see some of the negative reviews this hotel has been getting, so I figured I'd add some words about my own experience.
Location: Yes it is outside the Capri city center. It is not 2 miles/3,2 km like some reviewers have written. It is around 400 meters. (If you go 3,2 km in almost any direction from the Piazetta, you will fall off the island, check any map you'd like.) It is true that the last 150 meters is uphill. It is a great location for exploring the eastern part of the island, including the Villa Jovis.
There entire eastern part of the island is car-free, so the location of the hotel has the benefit of being very calm and quiet. Thankfully, you can not even hear the almost comically kitsch music from the bar at the JW Marriott just down the road.
Beaches: Capri has only one traditional beach, in Marina Piccola. Apart from that, hanging out by the sea means either renting a boat or going to one of the seaside bathing establishments. We spent every day at Fontellina (expect to spend around €100/day incl lunch), which is a 15-20 minute walk downhill (very steep) from Villa Sarah. Walking back up is exercise, but if you are not so inclined they run a boat service to Marina Piccola, from where you can grab a cab or the bus. Villa Sarah has a very nice small pool area, but if you're looking for a poolside vacation, you should look elsewhere.
Hotel standard: The hotel is simply furnished but is kept immaculately clean and well maintained. Our upper floor sea view room (€200) was OK sized, had TV and minibar and a nice outdoor space. If you're looking for posh surroundings and expensive fittings, you are probably better off elsewhere.
Be advised that almost any hotel located near Marina Piccolo will lie in the shade from around 3-4PM, due to the steep hill to the west. This is not a problem for hotels located on the top of the island, like Villa Sarah.
Hotel service: The breakfast is served poolside or indoors, and is quite alright. They also have a limited menu during the daytime, which in our experience offered simple but well made food at OK prices.
In our experience, the criticism about the hotel staff is totally uncalled for. We relied on the staff for almost everything from laundry, ironing, restaurant reservations and advise on what to do and where to go. They were always 100% helpful and polite.
- Sarah Hotel Capri
