Hotel Villa Franca

With a whitewashed exterior accented by blue tiles and wrought-iron balconies, Hotel Villa Franca is about as Mediterranean as it gets. Built in 1940 as a hotel, it hosted some of the first English travelers to southern Italy, as well as many Allied and American troops in WWII. The hotel underwent a huge modernization in 1990 and was partially renovated in the winter of 2015-2016. It will begin the second half of its refurbishment at the end of 2016. Today, the hotel remains in the hands of the third generation of the original owner. Interiors are classy, with a predominately white-and-blue color scheme, arched ceilings, Vietri tiled floors, and watercolor paintings by local artists. Its superb cliffside location means that stunning views of the sea and village are a constant backdrop. The hotel is geared toward couples on romantic getaways, many of whom can be found sharing champagne or wine in the restaurant or bar in the evenings. 

Hotel Villa Franca has a fantastic cliffside location in Positano, with stunning views of the sea and surroundings. This charming seaside village is best suited for those on a relaxing getaway. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the closest beach, but it's a hike back up many steps to the hotel -- though a free beach shuttle is provided. There are lots of restaurants and shops within walking distance. Positano is a great base for exploring the Amalfi coast, and the towns of Amalfi and Ravello are 50 minutes and an hour away by car, respectively. Other attractions include Pompeii, which is an hour's drive from here, and Mount Vesuvius, which is an hour-and-a-half away by car. Sorrento is about a 45-minute drive, while Naples and its airport is about an hour-and-a-half by car.

The rooms at Hotel Villa Franca have a bright, Mediterranean aesthetic, done almost entirely in white and finished with brown or cream accents seen on pillows, bed runners, or canopies. Some rooms have elements of blue and gold thanks to elegant and colorful Vietri tiles. Tiled floors and contemporary furnishings add a sophisticated touch to the spaces, while canopied beds, Italian busts, and pillars in some rooms provide Romanesque grandeur. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safes, and minibars. Some rooms have furnished balconies offering lovely views. Suites provide more space to stretch out with living rooms, plus extra perks like Nespresso machines, iPads, and hydro-massage tubs. The spacious white marble bathrooms are sleek and stylish, with premium bath products, shower/tub combos with waterfall showerheads, and hairdryers. Note that complaints have been made about spotty Wi-Fi connections and bothersome noise due to thin walls.

Hotel Villa Franca’s standout feature is its rooftop, which has a small pool and sprawling, stunning views. The pool area includes comfortable padded sun loungers and umbrellas on a terra-cotta tile sundeck. Other relaxation areas include the hotel’s small spa, which offers beauty treatments and massages, as well as a Turkish bath. There’s a small fitness area as well. Dining options are superb, with a Mediterranean rooftop restaurant, Li Galli Grill, that has panoramic views of the sea and village. For casual dining, the poolside La Galli Grill serves food and drinks. The hotel also has multiple bars, including the Champagne Bar and Galli Sky Bar with great rooftop views. Gallis Bar offers a relaxing lounge setting with a grand piano, chess, cards, and public computers. Beyond drinks, it also serves a small pre-dinner buffet in the lounge. A free basic breakfast buffet is served in the mornings. Room service is available for limited hours. Other features include a small boutique filled with home-type goods, a free beach shuttle, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property -- though the connection can be spotty. Valet parking incurs a daily fee.