Grand Dames & The Ghosts of Jackie O: A Retro-Luxe Guide to Capri

Last updated: July 23, 2026

Capri is less a destination and more a state of mind—specifically, a mindset forged in the 1960s when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis walked the cobblestones of the Piazzetta in handmade sandals. Our curated collection, 'Grand Dames & The Ghosts of Jackie O,' pays homage to this golden era of travel. We explore the island's most historic properties, from the iconic Grand Hotel Quisisana in the heart of Capri Town to the secluded elegance of Capri Palace Jumeirah in Anacapri. These aren't just hotels; they are the stage sets of the Dolce Vita, where the scent of lemon blossoms meets the salt air of Marina Piccola.

No. 01

The airy lobby of Hotel La Palma Capri designed by Francis Sultana, featuring white vaulted ceilings painted with Roberto Ruspoli frescoes and chic rattan furniture.

39 Via Vittorio Emanuele Capri Italy

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Why Choose Capri for Grand Dames & The Ghosts of Jackie O?

To visit Capri is to step into a living museum of jet-set glamour. The 'Grand Dames' refer to the island's historic hotels that have hosted royalty, Hollywood stars, and literary giants for over a century. Choosing this collection means you aren't just booking a room; you are securing a place in history. Whether it is the Le Corbusier-inspired lines of Hotel Punta Tragara or the bustling social scene at Hotel La Palma, these properties embody the spirit of Jackie O: effortless chic, privacy, and impeccable taste. The island offers a unique blend of rugged natural beauty and high-end sophistication that is unmatched in the Mediterranean.

Top Areas to Stay: Capri Town vs. Anacapri

When channeling the spirit of the 1960s, location is everything. The island is divided into two main personalities:

Capri Town (The Social Hub): This is where the action is. Hotels like Grand Hotel Quisisana and Pazziella Garden & Suites place you steps away from the Piazzetta. This is the area for shopping, seeing and being seen, and enjoying the nightlife. It is where Jackie would have sipped her coffee while people-watching.
Anacapri (The Secluded Retreat): Higher up the mountain lies Anacapri, home to Capri Palace Jumeirah and Caesar Augustus. This area is quieter, more authentic, and offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples. It is perfect for travelers seeking the privacy that celebrities often craved after the paparazzi flashes faded.
Marina Piccola: For those who prioritize the sea, staying near Marina Piccola allows for easy access to the famous Faraglioni rocks and exclusive beach clubs.

What to Expect: The Retro-Luxe Lifestyle

Expect a world where time slows down. The aesthetic is defined by white linen, oversized sunglasses, and the scent of Caprisius (the local fragrance). Service in these Grand Dames is old-school and attentive—think concierges who know your name before you check in. Be prepared for a walking culture; Capri is largely pedestrian, requiring comfortable yet stylish footwear. Dining is a major event, often alfresco, featuring fresh seafood and local Campanian wines. While the price point is premium, the experience of living the 'Dolce Vita' in the exact spots where legends once roamed is priceless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Which hotel in Capri is famous for Jackie Kennedy's visits?

Jackie Kennedy Onassis is most closely associated with the Grand Hotel Quisisana, located near the Piazzetta, where she was often seen during her visits in the 1960s and 70s.

Q.What is the difference between staying in Capri Town and Anacapri?

Capri Town is the social hub, perfect for shopping, nightlife, and luxury hotels like Hotel La Palma. Anacapri is quieter, located at a higher elevation, offering seclusion and resorts like Capri Palace Jumeirah.

Q.What is the best time of year to visit Capri for a luxury experience?

The best time for a luxury experience is late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September), when the weather is perfect, but the peak summer crowds have thinned, allowing for a more exclusive atmosphere.

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Explore our complete curated list of luxury accommodations, from boutique hideaways to grand dames.

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Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco

If the Piazzetta is the island’s thumping heart, Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco is its elegant, hushed conscience. Constructed in 1906 on the footprint of an ancient Roman villa, this Art Nouveau ('Liberty style') residence captures the intellectual bohemianism that defined Capri before the superyachts arrived. With only 11 rooms, it rejects the industrial scale of tourism for something far more domestic and aristocratic. The design is a deliberate time capsule: floral majolica tiles, wrought-iron balustrades, and a preserved Roman column greeting you at the entrance staircase. Yet, the nostalgia is tempered by razor-sharp modern comforts. In the 'Deluxe 1906 Suite,' the terrace is the main event, featuring a private Jacuzzi that frames the Bay of Naples in a way that feels exclusively yours. Dining here avoids the tourist-trap clichés. At 'The Restaurant (Teritoria),' the morning ritual centers on their signature organic Nutella crepes and protein omelettes, served with a reverence usually reserved for fine dining. Come evening, the Perrier-Jouët Champagne Garden Bar offers a sophisticated retreat where guests sip Dom Pérignon under the scent of jasmine, far removed from the clamor of the port. The hotel’s genius, however, lies in its logistics. The complimentary shuttle service is not just a perk; it is a lifeline, bridging the gap between the Marina Grande and the town center with effortless precision. While the lack of a massive swimming pool might deter the influencer crowd, the intimate relaxation pool and infinity-edge Jacuzzis suit the hotel's mood perfectly. **Verdict**: Ideally suited for the traveler who finds luxury in silence and history, rather than spectacle.

“Skip the crowded public taxis. The hotel's shuttle runs between the port and the Piazzetta—call the concierge 15 minutes ahead for a seamless pickup.”

Insider Tip

If the Grand Hotel Quisisana is Capri’s bustling town hall, Pazziella Garden & Suites is its private confessional. Situated a mere breath from the Piazzetta—close enough to hear the clink of Aperol Spritz glasses at rush hour—this property performs a magic trick rare on the island: absolute silence. Instead of relying on the ubiquitous cliffside bravado of its competitors, Pazziella plays a more confident hand, doubling down on an enchanting, overgrown botanical soul. The draw here isn't a Faraglioni view (there isn't one), but the scent of ancient lemon groves and the shade of a colossal magnolia tree that anchors the intimate pool area. Inside, recent updates have banished the dust of the former pension, introducing a breezy, Caprese residential aesthetic with ceramic tiles and crisp linens. Dining is a serious affair at ‘Campanella by Quattro Passi,’ where the signature Squid Flower—calamari petals atop langoustine tartare—demands a pause in conversation. While the pool is more 'plunge' than 'Olympic,' and breakfast service can occasionally suffer from the island’s notorious 'piano piano' pacing, the trade-off is undeniable. You are earning Marriott Bonvoy points in one of the most expensive zip codes on earth, ensconced in a garden that feels entirely your own. For the traveler who prefers a secret gate to a crowded lobby, this is the island’s most sophisticated retreat.

Curating the next chapter

Grand Dames & The Ghosts of Jackie O: A Retro-Luxe Guide to Capri

Why Choose Capri for Grand Dames & The Ghosts of Jackie O?

Top Areas to Stay: Capri Town vs. Anacapri

What to Expect: The Retro-Luxe Lifestyle

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Which hotel in Capri is famous for Jackie Kennedy's visits?

Q.What is the difference between staying in Capri Town and Anacapri?

Q.What is the best time of year to visit Capri for a luxury experience?

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Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco

Capri Palace Jumeirah

Hotel Caesar Augustus

Pazziella Garden & Suites

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