I learnt about Ischia and its castle and monastery through a movie and was keen to stay on the island during our trip to Italy. I found Albergo Il Monastero, and honestly, it looked too good to be true. From the moment we booked, to the moment we departed Ischia, our stay at Albergo II Monastero was fantastic, maybe even one of my most memorable stays for me. The rooms are quite minimalist, but that's very much in keeping with the style and history of the location. You wouldn't want anything else here. Rooms are comfortable, clean and offer stunning views of Ischia and the castle. The staff were brilliant and most welcoming. We had the best hotel breakfast I've ever had with the most perfect and romantic view outside on the terrace. We visited the castle too, which I really recommend, given how interesting the history of Ischia and the castle is. The garden, for hotel guests only, had a quiet and relaxed vibe. The bistro offered a lovely view of Ischia and was a great place for a refreshing drink as the sun was setting. In the summer evening, returning to our hotel, empty of the castle's many day tourists, the mood was magical, mysterious and charming. Thanks so much to Albergo Il Monastero for a fantastic stay. Highly recommended!

The WiFi was a little patchy - but, in many ways, I was so glad to get off my phone and enjoy this magical setting.

Everything…it is a very Special place. It has a calming and relaxing atmosphere that allows you to immerse yourself in. It’s charm and extraordinary history is a surreal experience.

We absolutely loved our stay - we stayed four nights as part of our honeymoon on the island. We lucked out with an extra night being available. When we arrived to the port we hopped in a taxi, our luggage was dealt with and we took the lift up to the accomodation. The staff are just incredible… the best service we have ever received. The rooms are simple and in keeping with the history. You shouldn’t be staying here for the room itself. The family have done an incredible job of restoring the grounds… walk around d the garden and take the complimentary ticket and tour the castle at your leisure. I urge you to grab a spritz and watch the boats go by, seagulls fly past and foot traffic pass across the bridge from the bistro. The breakfast is incredible, healthy and nutritious. I would highly recommend this stay. Lastly, to have a gallery on site is just magical… you can pick up a treasure of gift.

Nothing.

This is truly the best hotel I have ever stayed in. The monastery had a tremendous air of mystery, dignity, and high art, yet all of the staff were so kind and helpful, almost like family, and I felt so welcome and at home. Every breakfast was a special occasion, and I will never forget our dinner at the restaurant - I hoped to experience Italian food at its best during my trip, which I realize is ridiculously ambitious, but I really feel like that was accomplished here. The location is so impressive it's hard to believe you can actually stay here! I went in October and I do recommend that time of year - it was relatively quiet (tail-end of the season) and the weather was perfect. Also it was no problem to speak 100% English.

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Just WOW! If I could give 11/10 I would ! 3 night stay was reduced to 2 nights due to storms and my partner and I really didn’t want to leave. This is an utterly unique place to stay and everything has been perfectly curated- incredible food grown in the garden and a delicious breakfast with a view to art and sculptures around every corner. There is grace and style in its simplicity in the bedroom but very comfortable with lovely bath products. Yes there are steps, but the kind and courteous staff will help. If you do want to have dinner in the restaurant, make sure you book ahead. A magical experience at night walking across the causeway with our own key to get into the castle at night. We will be back!

Faultless stay

Absolutely outstanding. This is the most beautiful hotel, in the most extraordinary location - I’ve never seen views like it. The room was clean and beautiful. The bed was comfortable and the breakfast was fantastic. We had dinner in the restaurant one night and they gave us dinner on the terrace, which was beyond romantic, and the food was great! The staff were so helpful and friendly, they gave us lots of good advice and help and even organised a taxi and packed breakfast for us on the day we left. We loved visiting the beaches at Negombo and St Angelo and had a lovey time wandering in the beautiful streets near the hotel. Highly recommended.

Nothing - it was perfect!

The most important thing about Il Monastero is its location, perched atop the Castello Aragonese, a huge Gibraltar-like former fortress and sometimes nunnery that is connected to the rest of the island by a short causeway. It is simply spectacular. The staff are unfailingly friendly and helpful. Everything is simple and in impeccable taste, making mere luxury seem showy and empty by comparison.

Not their fault, but it is a former nunnery, and most of the rooms are small (there are a few exceptions.) The shower is tiny. Also, there are a lot of stairs, which could be a problem for some. The rooms have plastic cups but they’ll let you bring glasses from the restaurant. None of this bothered me personally.

One of the best accommodations I have stayed in my life. It was not easy to get here, as the transportation in Italy was definitely not the best and enjoyable on earth; However, the overall experience we had in this hotel was unique and was really worth everything. The room was not particularly big, and the amenities were very basic—no TV, no fridge—just a bed, a wardrobe, a desk, and a shelf. However, it maintained the quiet and peaceful vibe of an old monastery. The view from the window was absolutely stunning. Every guest could visit the Monastery at no extra charge, which I think is a big plus to our stay. The breakfast provided was all-you-can-eat, very deliciated prepared and presented and all well seasoned. The complimentary welcome drink also tasted very nice. The staffs were all very friendly and helpful.

There is only one lift between the ground level and the hill, so regular visitors share it with hotel guests. This may result in longer wait times.

From arrival the staff were friendly and helpful. the location is beautiful however if you have mobility issues it could be an issue. While there is a lift to the castle there are still numerous stairs to climb. The views are amazing. We were given free access to the castle and monastery due to staying which was lovely . They also provided free towels and a discount voucher when we went to the thermal spa at Negombo. This is worth a visit even in the rain. The food is excellent . We had a 5 course tasting menu which was spectacular. breakfast was fresh and local produce .

Not a lot .

Everything. This is a once in a lifetime kind of place to stay. My fondest memory was sitting on the terrace at sunset with a glass of wine overlooking the island. The staff couldn't have been nicer - made us feel incredibly welcome every single day. The breakfast is the best I've ever had in a hotel. Tables and tables of delicious freshly prepared food.

We were very happy with the room, but it may be considered basic. You have to understand that you're staying in an old monastery - not a resort hotel!