Il San Pietro di Positano

Il San Pietro di Positano is a luxurious and romantic hotel that draws many repeat guests, due in part to the Cinque family who owns and runs it. Opened in 1970, it still evokes a bit of that era's glamour, most notably in the lobby where there are terra-cotta tiling, statues from plays put on by Italian director Franco Zeffirelli, cream couches and chairs, and gilded accents. Holes in the frontal wall allow for bougainvillea to grow inside along the ceiling, and seamlessly connect this area with one of the hotel's standouts -- its terrace. The huge stone terrace with grass for grout is topped by painted benches, citrus trees, planters, and colorful bougainvillea, and it has sensational views of both Positano and Praiano.These jaw-dropping vistas and lovely greenery are found throughout -- including all rooms, the gourmet restaurant, and the pool -- creating a serene atmosphere. A private beach area can be reached by an elevator, which is a rarity for Positano, or visitors can walk down the property's 402 steps for a more scenic (and physical) journey. The sky-high rates draw a crowd of well-heeled guests, from Hollywood stars to royalty such as the King of Jordan, and service is consistently top-notch. Travelers looking to explore Positano will find themselves a bit isolated here, so it's worth considering the more central Le Sirenuse. For something with similarly impressive views at a lower cost, compare rates with Hotel Poseidon.

Given Positano’s unique location within the green cliffs lining the Amalfi Coast, you are unlikely to find a more magical vantage point than Il San Pietro at the cliff summit. Plan on at least 20 minutes of travel time to get to the city center or ferry dock on foot. Walking in the area around the hotel is not easy due to its cliff-edge location, as the busy main road is the only route into town; fortunately, shuttle vans are available to take guests to and from Positano's center 24/7. Additionally, guests heading to the port, beach, or beachside restaurants in Positano may want to opt for the private five-minute water taxi that drops off at the port for a fee. Getting to Positano isn't the easiest feat. Travelers arriving to Rome will need to either drive to the hotel directly, take a speedy train to either Salerno or Naples and then catch a ferry or bus, or fly to Naples and then take a ferry or bus to Positano. 

All of the 57 rooms are individually decorated in upscale, yet charming decor. Local flair such as patterned tiling, ceramic vases, and pops of sea-inspired blue in fabrics are lovely. Rooms are a decent size, and beds are reportedly comfy. The highlight, however, is the furnished terrace -- some huge -- with stellar sea views off each room. Also standard are free minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, desks, air-conditioning, and closets with safes, plus sitting areas in upgraded units. Italian marble bathrooms have bidets, rainfall showers, and bathtubs, as well as hairdryers, bathrobes, and quality toiletries. However, be aware that some rooms requiring climbing up and down several steps. Those with mobility issues should request rooms near reception.

The San Pietro has two restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Zass, which serves gourmet Italian fare with some ingredients from the on-site garden. Located near the lobby, the dining room features tables topped with pink cloth, ceramic plates hung on the wall, and a wall of windows that allows for sensational coast views. A long outdoor terrace also has seating. Lunch and dinner are both available here, as is the free breakfast buffet, which offers a wide variety of tasty fare and coffee beverages. Guests can also have breakfast served in their room. The other eatery is the lunch spot Carlino, a cove-side restaurant with shaded seating and a more casual menu of fish, salads, and sandwiches. The lobby bar is open throughout the day and serves drinks on the outdoor terrace, plus there's another bar down by the beach. Other amenities are geared toward relaxation, such as the small infinity pool with cushioned loungers and sea vistas. A small spa has a Turkish bath that's free for guest use, plus two treatment rooms. Also in this area is an indoor/outdoor gym with a good variety of equipment. Guests can take an elevator or 402 steps down to reach a tennis court and adjacent lawn where yoga and Pilates are occasionally held. Next to this is a small dark-sand beach with a few kayaks for borrow. Farther out is a stone platform lined with cushioned loungers and umbrellas. A big perk is the free two-hour boat cruise that's available from June through September, depending on weather.Wi-Fi and on-site parking are both free, as are 24-hour shuttles to and from Positano center.