Echo Point Travel

Instagram: @echopoint_travel

Capri had been on our travel bucket list for years. When the time finally came to plan the trip, we were after something special—something truly luxurious. After scouring reviews and drooling over Instagram photos, we landed on Jumeirah Capri Palace. A five-star resort perched at the top of Anacapri, overlooking a coastline dotted with multi-million dollar yachts—it looked like the dream.

We expected the full luxury experience. We were booking a presidential suite, spending upwards of €50,000 for just three nights, and coordinating private transfers, boat rentals, and fine dining. Naturally, we turned to the hotel concierge to help. That’s where the trouble started.

The Booking Process: More Like a Waiting Game

Before we even arrived, communicating with the concierge was… painfully slow. If we were lucky, we’d get one email response every 24 hours—and often, our original questions weren’t fully answered. We’d follow up, then wait another day. When you’re booking an eight-hour private yacht and planning dinners across the island, this kind of delay is not just annoying—it’s unacceptable at this level of supposed service.

Eventually, out of sheer frustration, we called the hotel directly. It felt absurd to have to chase basic responses for a stay of this caliber.

Arrival: Glamorous on the Surface, but…

Once we arrived, things seemed to look up—at first. The welcome was warm, with multiple staff members checking us in while we sat down for lunch. A nice touch. But what was meant to be a quick lunch turned into a nearly two-hour ordeal before we were finally shown to our room. After a long day of travel, we were eager to settle in—only to wait anotherhour for our luggage to arrive. At that point, we just wanted to grab our own bags and be done with it.

The Room: Not What You’d Expect for €50,000

The biggest letdown? The room. It was dated, with furniture that looked like it came from a college dorm circa 2001—IKEA vibes, chipped edges, broken drawers, and a general sense of “hasn’t been refreshed in years.” For a resort billing itself as the pinnacle of five-star luxury, it was a major disappointment.

Now, to be fair, we weren’t in the presidential suite ourselves—but our business travel partner was. That suite, by the way, is affectionately (and bafflingly) called The Gwyneth Paltrow Suite. And once you walk in, it becomes glaringly obvious why: Gwyneth is everywhere. Framed photos, oversized paintings, decorative shrines to Goop herself—it felt less like a luxury suite and more like a celebrity-themed Airbnb. It honestly makes you wonder if she has any idea this over-the-top homage exists… and if so, whether she’s okay with it.

Saving Grace: Zuma Rooftop

One shining star in the whole experience was Zuma, the rooftop restaurant. The concierge pulled through with a reservation for our group of eight, and we were blown away. The atmosphere was electric—a total contrast to the hotel itself. Great music, stylish crowd, excellent sushi and wagyu. We loved it so much we came back the next night. If you’re headed to Capri, this place is a must.

Night One: Sauna Sleep & Loud Beats

Our “upgraded” room turned out to be right next to the rooftop DJ—awesome for Zuma, not so much for sleep. The AC was broken (and it was 101°F that day), making the room uncomfortably hot and impossible to rest in. We raised the issue, and to their credit, the hotel did move us to a better room the next day. But even then, they refused to comp the first night. For the price we were paying, that felt petty and deeply disappointing.

Final Thoughts

Capri is undeniably beautiful, but also shockingly overpriced. If you’re expecting pristine luxury accommodations and seamless service, be prepared for a reality check. That said, do not miss Zuma. It’s the vibe, the view, and the food you’ll actually remember.

Would we return to Jumeirah Capri Palace? Honestly—no. But would we fly back to Capri just for that rooftop sushi and a killer sunset at Zuma? Maybe.

Oh, and last thing… Don’t get duped by the 2-star Michelin restaurant there, unless you like raw lamb, strawberry spaghetti for dessert, and 75 EUR sparkling water.