Best Luxury Hotels in Positano, Amalfi Coast

A member of the Relais & Chateaux luxury fellowship and possibly the most expensive hotel in Positano, Il San Pietro has enormous rooms with spacious terraces overlooking the sea, an elevator with access to a private cove beach, an on-site luxury spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The downside is that it is not within easy walking distance to town, but a free shuttle can take you there 24/7.

The Hotel Buca di Bacco is a historic, upscale property situated right along Positano's most popular beach and close to shops and restaurants. The property features classically elegant decor and Mediterranean accents that can occasionally feel dated, but are nonetheless tasteful and well-maintained. Its 47 guest rooms are individually decorated and come with flat-screen TVs and minibars, and many rooms offer exceptional sea views (some from private terraces or balconies). There's a popular on-site restaurant with beachfront alfresco dining, as well as a small bar and an outdoor terrace. But there's no pool, so travelers seeking a hotel with that feature might want to check out the nearby Covo Dei Saraceni.

This stunning hotel offers guests breathtaking views and personal service in luxurious surroundings. With only seven guest rooms and lots of cozy common areas -- indoors and out -- the hotel has a quiet, exclusive feel. Guests are pampered with delicious made-to-order meals for breakfast and dinner, though none are free. There’s also a small, open-air spa with hot tubs, a massage area, and a fitness room. Elegant, individually decorated rooms have minibars, iPhones, and Nespresso machines, plus options like a giant whirlpool tub, private hammam, or kitchen. The nature of Positano makes steep climbs unavoidable, but the panoramas are a spectacular payoff. For comparison, Hotel Palazzo Murat sits at the base of the cliffs, making the town more accessible, but it lacks the stunning atmosphere of Villa Magia.

The 18-room Albergo Punta Regina is an upscale, family-run hotel in Positano with breathtaking views of the sea and
surrounding mountains from its guest room balconies, rooftop terrace,
and infinity-edge swimming pool. The property is well-maintained: A renovation of the reception area was completed in 2015, and the Standard Rooms are scheduled for refurbishment in 2017. Interiors are charming and classically styled -- though some might find the antique-style furnishings a bit dated -- and rooms offer modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, plus some have indoor or
outdoor hot tubs. There is no restaurant on-site, but the town center is just a five-minute walk away, while the beach can be reached in 10 minutes. Travelers might also want to check out the nearby Hotel Marincanto, which offers more amenities including a restaurant, gym, Turkish bath, and
massage services.

One of the priciest hotels in Positano, this luxury boutique is also perhaps the most beautiful and it lives up to its upscale reputation with pristine grounds, thoughtful free extras (like snacks and boat trips), and a renowned restaurant. Rooms feature antique furniture and modern appliances, but some are small and/or noisy. That said, it's an excellent choice for those who can afford it and seek a central location, gorgeous spa, and spectacular views from all around.

The 12-room Hotel Villa Gabrisa is a small, upper-middle-range, family-run hotel with a scenic cliffside location in Positano. Rooms are decorated in a romantic style and all have furnished balconies or
terraces with spectacular sea views. The views can also be enjoyed from the shady outdoor terrace of the on-site restaurant, open from April to October. A buffet
breakfast is included in the room rate, and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the
property. One nice extra feature is the on-site wine shop. Travelers looking for a hotel with a swimming pool could consider
Hotel Poseidon, which also has an on-site spa and a Turkish bath built right
into the cliff rock.

The four-pearl
Le Agavi Hotel is in a spectacular cliffside location just outside of Positano, with beautiful panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast and
surrounding mountains. Spread over five levels and connected by a
funicular train and elevators, its 55 spacious guest rooms have balconies or terraces overlooking
the sea. The hotel offers a host of notable features like an
outdoor pool with a stunning view, a private beach, two restaurants and three bars, and a large terrace with sea vistas. Decor is classic, but dated, with old-fashioned furniture and
gilded mirrors, and though Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, guests have
complained that the connection is unreliable. It's a bit far from the center of town, though the hotel does provide a free shuttle service. For something directly in Positano, check out Covo Dei Saraceni.

The 38-room Hotel Villa Franca is a four-pearl property scenically set on a cliff in Positano, within walking distance of restaurants and shops. From the pool to the restaurant to guest rooms' balconies, the hotel takes great advantage of its stunning views of the sea and village. There are a few bars on-site, as well as a lovely spa, plus breakfast is included in rates. The pool is small, but its scenic rooftop location affords beautiful views of the surroundings. Rooms feature stylish white and beige decor, and are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and marble bathrooms. The nearest beach is about a 10-minute walk away, but the way back is uphill -- though guests can also make use of the hotel's free beach shuttle. Travelers might want to compare rates with Covo Dei Saraceni, which has a beachside location.

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.