Villa Mary Suites

Located on one of Positano’s famous cliffs a short walk from the city center, Villa Mary Suites is a charming bed-and-breakfast with just four rooms and great attention to detail. The style is classic and elegant throughout, with wooden floors in rooms, wrought-iron patio furniture, wood accents, and lovely details such as terra-cotta painted tiles, high vaulted ceilings, arched doorways, stone statuettes, and antique-style furniture that add local charm. The lobby is small and cute, with terra-cotta tile floors, white wooden furniture, plants, and a bureau with lots of family photos that give the space a homey feel. Off the lobby is the shared kitchen, decorated in traditional regional style with painted tiles, clay artifacts, and garlic cloves and chili peppers hanging from a lamp above the dining table. Outside, several terraces and patios offer stunning panoramic views of Positano and partial sea views. Loungers, patio furniture, billowy curtains, and a small wrought-iron gazebo covered in plants are charming details that make the property feel like a private residence.

Villa Mary Suites is located on a tiny winding street perched on a cliffside right outside central Positano. The area is quiet and residential, but the city center is just a 10- to 15-minute walk away down lots of steep steps. Although not suitable for guests with mobility difficulties, this location allows for panoramic views of Positano and the sea, and is less touristy and busy than areas closer to the beach. There is a cute church a couple of blocks away, and a bus stop with service to the center and to other towns along the Amalfi Coast can be reached in two minutes. Spiaggia Grande -- Positano’s main beach -- is a 15-minute walk away.

This small bed-and-breakfast has four spacious rooms, all named after Greek and Roman mythological characters. Each unit has unique decor in white and earth tones, and all have wooden floors, high vaulted ceilings, and furnished balconies or terraces with panoramic Positano views. Decor style is elegant and classic throughout, with antique-style furniture painted white, lots of cute details such as wooden ornaments and stone statuettes, and wooden accents. All units have a small foyer with a large door opening onto the balcony or terrace, and a bathroom with either a rain shower or a jetted tub and a separate shower. Standard amenities include small flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, electric kettles, safes, and hairdryers. Some rooms have heated towel racks, and Diana Room has a canopy bed.

This tiny bed-and-breakfast has none of the amenities found at larger properties, but it does offer an array of great services and freebies. Hosts Tiziana and Antonio offer free breakfast daily on one of the hotel’s terraces overlooking Positano; guests can also request it to be delivered to their rooms. Fresh breads and pastries, coffee, and juice are all part of the standard menu, but guests can order eggs and other breakfast items at no extra charge. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout and free use of loaner beach towels. The hotel does not offer on-site parking, but there is valet parking available for a fee. Porter services and airport transfers can also be requested at front desk. The hotel has a small wooden boat for private day trips.