You’ve seen the postcards. That white-washed statue of a Roman Emperor pointing out over a sea so blue it looks fake. People call it the most beautiful view in the world. They aren't lying, but they usually get the name wrong. It’s the Hotel Caesar Augustus, and honestly, calling it a "hotel" feels a bit like calling the Mona Lisa a "sketch." It is a cliffside legend hanging 1,000 feet above the Bay of Naples, and if you're planning a trip to Capri, there is a lot more to this place than just a fancy infinity pool.
Most travelers stick to the glitz of Capri Town, but the real ones head up the winding roads to Anacapri. That's where you find the Caesar Augustus. It’s perched on a sheer cliff edge. Basically, if you suffer from vertigo, maybe don't look straight down from the terrace. But for everyone else? It’s pure magic.
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The Russian Prince and the Egyptian King
Let's clear up the history because it’s wild. This wasn't built as a resort. It started as a private mansion in the mid-1800s. Around 1900, a Russian Prince named Emmanuel Bulhak bought it. He’s the guy who put that famous statue of Caesar on the terrace. Fun fact: he specifically pointed the statue's hand toward Villa Jovis, where Emperor Tiberius used to hang out. Bulhak wanted to prove a point that Augustus was the real star of the island.
Then you’ve got King Farouk of Egypt. He loved the place so much he used to book a specific suite for the entire year, even when he wasn't there. That room is now the Farouk Master Suite. It’s still one of the most requested spots in the hotel.
In 1940, the Signorini family took over. They’ve run it for generations, though news broke in early 2025 that Gruppo Statuto (the same folks who own the Four Seasons in Milan) acquired the property for a cool €180 million. That's about €3.2 million per room.
What It’s Actually Like to Stay There
It is intimate. We’re talking 49 rooms and 6 master suites. This isn't a massive Marriott where you’re just a room number.
The Master Suites
The suites are the heavy hitters. You have:
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- The Capri Master Suite: This occupies the entire top floor. It has a 180-square-meter roof garden. It’s basically a private villa on top of a hotel.
- The Caesar Master Suite: Very "Ancient Rome" vibes with arches and columns.
- The Tiberio Suite: You can literally see the sea from the bathtub.
- The Vesuvio Suite: Views of the volcano that are so clear it’s almost intimidating.
The rooms are filled with antiques from the Signorini family’s private collection. No two are the same. Some have hand-painted ceramic tiles; others have marble bathrooms that make yours at home look like a closet.
The Double-Level Infinity Pool
This is the "Instagram" spot. It’s a two-level pool that looks like it flows directly into the Mediterranean. In the spring and autumn, they heat it, which is a lifesaver because the wind on the cliffs can get chilly.
Zero-Mile Dining at La Terrazza di Lucullo
If you’re a foodie, you need to know about La Terrazza di Lucullo. Chef Eduardo Vuolo runs the kitchen. They talk about "zero-mile" cuisine, and they mean it.
The hotel has a massive organic kitchen garden right on the grounds. In a place like Capri, where everything is rocks and cliffs, having a garden is a massive flex. They grow their own basil, rosemary, and those massive Capri lemons. The fish is delivered by local fishermen every morning.
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Pro tip: Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, you can book a table. Ask for "Tiberius’ Table" or the "Pensatoio." They are private tables tucked away for maximum romance.
The Anacapri Vibe
Capri is loud. It’s crowded. It’s full of day-trippers from Naples. Anacapri is where the locals live. It’s quieter. It’s authentic.
From the Hotel Caesar Augustus, you’re just a short walk from:
- Villa San Michele: Axel Munthe’s famous home.
- The Monte Solaro Chairlift: Takes you to the highest point of the island.
- The Phoenician Steps: 921 stone steps that lead down to the harbor. (Do not do this in flip-flops. Seriously.)
The hotel is a Relais & Châteaux property, which means the service is insane. But it’s not "stiff" luxury. It’s Italian luxury—warm, a bit loud, and very welcoming. Francesco Signorini and his team have spent years making people feel like they’re staying in a (very rich) friend’s house.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
- Book Early: With only 55 keys, this place sells out months in advance for the summer season.
- Check the Age Limit: Because of the cliffside location and all the stone steps, they generally don't take kids under 10. It’s a safety thing.
- Sunset is Mandatory: The terrace at sunset, with the piano playing and a Negroni in your hand? That’s the whole reason you come here.
- Transfer Logistics: Don't try to lug your bags up from the port yourself. The hotel has a shuttle. Use it. The roads in Anacapri are tiny and terrifying if you’re driving a rental.
If you want the ultimate Capri experience that avoids the tourist traps of the Marina Grande, this is the spot. It’s expensive. It’s exclusive. But standing on that terrace looking at Vesuvius? It’s worth every cent.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the official website for seasonal opening dates (they usually close for the winter).
- Book a dinner reservation at La Terrazza di Lucullo at least three weeks in advance if you want a sunset slot.
- Compare the "Cliff Side" rooms versus the "Garden View" rooms; the price jump is significant, but if you're there for the view, the Cliff Side is a non-negotiable.