I recently noticed that Orient-Express Hotels' has taken over (and refurbished) Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy. I've read that it is far and away the best hotel in the area. I've also heard that I should book a room soon since the prices will most likely double by next summer once everyone knows how great it is. The following is some more information for you if you are interested in visiting.

The city of Ravello is situated on the stunning Sorrento Peninsula and is widely regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful and enchanting coastlines. Picturesque hill-towns cling to the rugged limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically into the crystal waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Narrow alleys are carved between stucco-fronted houses and a deluge of steps, mellowed by the years. These guide you to the Hotel Caruso. The hotel once served as a hideaway for Greta Garbo, Margot Fonteyn, Gina Lollobrigida, Humphrey Bogart and Jackie Kennedy, and has reopenedas Orient-Exress' fourth hotel in Italy.

The property perches on a hilltop, 350m above sea level and encompasses the "Belvedere" garden and a splendid 13th Century Colonnade with 360 degree views. Everything has undergone a $30 million restoration to provide an idyllic setting for the 54 guest rooms with a restaurant, outdoor heated swimming pool and leisure facilities.

The 54 rooms, of which 36 are suites and 18 double rooms, have been splendidly restored and enjoy a stunning sea view or a sunny balcony.

Comfortable and spacious, all standard rooms offer a delightful view. Full of light, spacious and beautifully decorated, deluxe rooms afford a spectacular sea view and a terrace or balcony. Both have bathrooms that are large and feature separate shower cubicle, bathtub, bidet and beautifully furnished double vanity basins. The King-size bed can be exchanged for two single beds on request.

Charming, elegantly furnished and spacious, Superior Junior Suites offer partial sea view from either a terrace or a balcony. The bedroom is furnished with a King-size bed but they can provide two single beds on request. Bathrooms are large and feature separate shower cubicle, bathtub, bidet and beautifully appointed double vanity basins.

Deluxe Junior Suites command a breathtaking view of the sea and of the coast below from terraces equipped with sun-beds, table and chairs. Most feature a private garden as well. The bedroom is furnished with a King-size bed but they can provide two single beds on request. The beautiful living area is the perfect place to relax, equipped with all kind of conforts, fax, PC connection, CD, DVD player and VCR, small kitchenette for tea facilities and flat plasma panel. Bathrooms are large and feature separate shower cubicle, bathtub, bidet and beautifully appointed double vanity basins.

Spacious and luxurious, Superior Suites are beautifully appointed and offer separate living areas and partial sea view from either a balcony or a terrace equipped with sun loungers, table and chairs to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking the Amalfi Coast, an unforgettable experience. Bathrooms are large and feature separate shower cubicle, bathtub, bidet and beautifully appointed double vanity basins.

The Deluxe Suites are the largest and most dramatically situated suites of the Hotel, with separate living areas, breathtaking sea view and magnificent terraces equipped with sun loungers, table and chairs. Bathrooms are very spacious and feature separate shower cubicle, bathtub, bidet and elegant double vanity basins. A beautiful selection of toiletries, soft towels and dressing gowns adds that final touch of luxury. Suites are furnished with a King-size bed which can be replaced by two single beds on request.