Via Regina Giovanna, 5, Positano, Italy | (888) 905-8267
Two large pools, including a rooftop pool with a bar
Rooms have balconies with fantastic views
Private hot tubs and outdoor showers in some rooms
Central beachside location
Great on-site restaurants
Prosecco upon arrival
Very expensive
Major sites are uphill from the hotel
Noise from nearby ferry dock
Of the three high-end hotels in the vicinity, the Covo Dei Saraceni is the only one on the beach with a pool overlooking Positano Bay and the spectacular Amalfi coastline. Crowds on the beach and boats headed to and from the nearby ferry dock can be a bit noisy, but rooms overall are pretty quiet and many are equipped with private hot tubs and two balconies. Exploring the ancient cliffside town involves a walk uphill, but the return trip is always downhill. There are three restaurants (including a brasserie with delicious pizza), and a gelateria, and though the Covo may be the most expensive hotel in the area, many guests feel it’s worth it.
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Scene
A colorful, unpretentious, and immaculate mini-resort
Like the surrounding buildings along the Amalfi Coast, the five-level, 66-room Covo Dei Saraceni is built directly into cliff walls. Ferries load and unload just steps from the entrance and the beach promenade is right outside. While the exterior bustle can feel chaotic, the ambiance inside is airy, clean, and comfortable, with plenty of places to sit down and enjoy the view or people-watch through open windows. There are fresh flowers, potted palms, and lemon trees throughout the hotel.
Location
Built into cliff walls, directly on the main beach at Positano Bay
The pastel-hued Covo Dei Saraceni is located right on the beach and is surrounded by Positano Bay, with views of Li Galli and islands in the distance. There's a lot of action right outside, with fishing boats, ferries, and small water vessels of all sorts lining the shore. The hotel stairway leads directly to the promenade, with its many shops and restaurants. The town continues into the cliff up narrow stairways. As a result, exploring can be a bit of a workout, but at least the walk back to the property is downhill.
Rooms
Large and airy rooms, with gorgeous views
Each of the Covo’s 66 rooms has a sea-facing balcony, but the view is naturally more spectacular from the fifth floor than the first. Designed in classic Mediterranean style with stone tile floors, light linen curtains, and plush duvets, the décor is somewhat stark, but rooms are spacious, with intricately cut doorways and curved ceilings. All come equipped with flat-screen TVs. The tiled bathrooms have towel warmers and showers with good water pressure. While the rooms are generally quiet, sounds from neighbors can be heard from some bathrooms. As is typical in Italy and throughout Europe, there are no coffeemakers in the room, but the Covo do furnish plush robes and slippers. Some suites have lounge chairs and outdoor showers.
Features
Beachside and rooftop pools, a gelateria, and cooking classes
The lobby has several lounge areas with soft, comfortable white sofas, a “take one, leave one” bookshelf, and a computer for guest use. There's free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, but it can be slow and the connection is weak in places. The restaurant is pricey, but offers excellent local specialties (as well as classes in classic Italian cooking) and the brasserie makes phenomenal pizza. There's also a gelateria and poolside bar. The Covo has two pools: a large one at beach level and a second on the rooftop, with views of surrounding islands in the distance.
