When I lived in Naples, Positano was my favorite place to visit on the weekends for its picturesque views, beaches, boutique shops and wonderful hotels. After staying at a number of hotels, this detailed guide will share where to stay in Positano and some travel tips to keep in mind when visiting the idyllic town on the Amalfi Coast.
I’ve personally stayed at several of these hotels, while some are on my wishlist for next time. I’ve also share a few travel tips to keep in mind.
*This post was first written back in 2018 and updated with the latest information. It also contains affiliate links, which means I earn if you book through these links at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Tips for Staying in Positano
The Amalfi Coast is a luxury destination and you’ll see accommodation prices reflect that when you begin your search for where to stay in Positano. The price of a “mid-range” hotel in Positano would easily be in the luxury category in most other cities in Italy.
With its explosion in popularity and changing global economy, prices of hotels in Positano have skyrocketed. With such demand, you’ll need to book months in advance. Positano has long been a luxury destination and hotels were always high, but a good deal is near impossible these days. Rooms that once were about $150 a few years ago are now easily $400.
Overnight parking is typically not included, but sometimes your hotel will have an arrangement where you can get a discount at a nearby garage.
How to get to Positano
You can get to Positano by car, ferry, bus, train, or private driver. I have gone into detail for each method in a separate post exclusively on how to get to Positano from Naples, but hiring a private driver is by far the fastest, most convenient option. Book your transfer in advance.
Is it worth staying the night in Positano?
Positano is truly magical at night with its twinkling lights and the reflection on the water. There are less people around in the evening because all of the day trippers have left.
However, if these price ranges are not in budget, consider staying at a hotel in Sorrento and take the ferry for the day.
Where to Stay in Positano: Best Hotels
Hotels and luxury properties are listed in star order staring with 5 star hotels down to a great “budget” find. I’ve also suggested a few wonderful guesthouses and those types of properties typically do not have star ratings.
Il San Pietro di Positano
For another level of luxury a little outside the center of Positano, check into Il San Pietro di Positano. Enjoy five star luxury, a 24/7 shuttle and a private beach.
5 star, private beach, pool, restaurant & bars, breakfast included, pet-friendly, rooms with terrace & ocean views, free parking, free shuttle to town center. Check pricing and availability.
Le Sirenuse
You’ve probably heard of Le Sirenuse with its famous red building, pool lined with lemon trees and an ivy-filled breakfast room. The family home turned boutique hotel is the most luxurious choice in the heart of Positano.
If you can’t swing a room for the night, I highly recommend getting a cocktail at their bar next door, Franco’s or booking a table at their restaurant.
5 star, pool, restaurant & bar, central location, breakfast included, rooms with terrace with ocean views. Check pricing and availability.
Villa Treville
Former home to Franco Zeffirelli, director of Italian operas and film, Villa Treville is a five star hotel full of history and character. The 5-acre property has direct access to the beach via an elevator built into the cliff.
5 star, private beach, restaurant & bars, breakfast included, pet-friendly, rooms with terrace & ocean views, free parking. Check pricing and availability.
Photo above of Villa Treville is from a local in Positano, Nicki of @NickiPositano. Following her on Instagram is a must if you are interested in Positano.
Hotel Poseidon
With a central location, stylish rooms and an outdoor ivy covered terrace, what’s not to like? Hotel Poseidon also boasts a pool overlooking the ocean, a rarity in Positano. They always have a cute vintage car or vespa parked out front too. Hotel Poseidon is in a prime location right around the corner from Da Vincenzo, the perfect place for dinner (more on where to eat in Positano in my travel guide).
4 star, pool, restaurant, breakfast included, pet-friendly, ocean views & balcony rooms available. Check pricing and availability.
Buca Di Bacco
I’ve only eaten at this hotel’s restaurant for dinner (which was perfect for its location and quality), but Hotel Buca di Bacco is also a top pick for where to stay in Positano. It is located near Le Sirenuse with almost the same views, but rooms are not quite as expensive.
4 star, central location, breakfast included, pet-friendly, ocean views & terrace rooms available. Check pricing and availability.
Casa Buonocore
I’ve walked by the sign for Casa Buonocore no fewer than a dozen times and I take a photo each time. I’ve always wanted to stay here. Be sure to check out the junior suite with a balcony and view. Considering location and decor, this guesthouse is a top choice for its price range.
Luxury guesthouse, breakfast included, rooms with ocean views & terrace available. Check pricing and availability.
Dimora del Podesta
Dimora del Podesta is one of my favorite places to stay in Positano. It’s family operated and you truly feel at home there. The location is perfect for visiting Fornillo Beach and top quality restaurants. The rooms are spacious with authentic details and a partial ocean view. Only 3 rooms available and all have a private balcony that they serve breakfast on each morning.
Mid-range B&B, breakfast included, pet-friendly, balcony and ocean view rooms. Check pricing and availability.
Casa Albertina
My husband surprised me on my birthday and we spent the night at Casa Albertina. Situated on the left hand side of Positano as you approach by boat, the rooms have a nice terrace with incredible views of Positano. Some rooms could use a bit of refresh, but it’s a good value compared to nearby properties with a similar view.
3 star, breakfast included, pet-friendly, rooms with ocean views & terrace available. Check pricing and availability.
Hotel Dimora Fornillo
I scored the last room at Hotel Dimora Fornillo via phone call on a Saturday night in late May. I felt like I won the jackpot. We were meeting friends last minute and most places were booked. While the rooms are simple, they are spacious and open up right to a beautiful garden patio overlooking the ocean.
Hotel Dimora Fornillo is right along the stairway path that leads to Fornillo Beach, and from there you can walk along the oceanside until you reach the main beach and ferry dock.
3 star, breakfast included, pet-friendly, ocean views & balcony rooms available. Check pricing and availability.
Hotel Pupetto
One of the downsides of Positano is the stairs. Hotel Pupetto is located on Fornillo beach, so you would’t have to climb as many stairs to get down to the water that other properties in Positano. Now, you’d still have to walk along the cliffside pathway with stairs to get to the town center, but it is worth considering at a mid-range price and beachfront.
3 star, beachfront, breakfast included.
Villa Palumbo
If you are on a budget, but are set on staying in Postiano for the night. Check availability for Villa Palumbo. While the rooms are simple, you might be able to score one with a view of the valley.
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Is it better to stay down by the beach/town or further up on the hill in Positano?
Up the hill offers better views, but more stairs. Down by the beach is great for accessibility, but often more expensive. I’d say somewhere in the middle is best!
Scarlett,
I love your site. It is very informative, especially when you have never been to Positano. We are planning a trip next June for our 50th anniversary. I’ve been looking at hotel and VRBO options. While part of the beauty is the amazing landscape, the stairs to climb several times a day at 70 will be a challenge even if at our fittest. Is there a certain area that is more friendly with access than others? Or maybe we stay in Amalfi or Praiano and visit Positano for the day. We will be flying in from Naples. Any thoughts you have will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Nina
Hi Nina,
First of all, congratulations on 50 years!
The stairs in Positano are a challenge for almost everyone! You can walk along the main driving road that is just very slanted (no stairs). I have done this to take the scenic route or give my legs a break. I would recommend staying as close to the beach as possible or along that main driving road to avoid some stairs. Somewhere like Casa Buonocore or Hotel Buca di Bacco.
Praiano has just as many stairs… and I can’t remember very well for Amalfi honestly. Sorrento is pretty flat along the main town, but you would have to climb a lot of stairs to get down to the beaches and the ferry.
Have a wonderful trip and congrats, again!
Hi! I love your blog so much. I’m planning a trip to Italy for next year and would love to stay in a small town similar to Positano, but minus the luxury price tag. Any suggestions?
That is understandable… Positano does come with a price tag (especially with the increase in demand for travel). I would recommend staying in Sorrento for its easy transportation and more accommodation options. If you want a smaller coastal town more like Positano though, you might want to look into Praiano.
Hi there
I’m helping my brother plan a stay in Positano area, two months this July and August. 2 bedrooms – wondering if you could offer some suggestions
How wonderful to stay in Positano for two months in the summer! For a long term rental, I would check some of the Airbnbs I’ve listed in this post. Booking.com also has apartment rentals that would be worth checking out. Sorrento might also have a larger selection. Good luck in your search!
Hi Scarlett,
Need some advice here. If I am planning to go to Positano in mid May,then how much time in advance do I need to book the hotels/guesthouses, I especially liked the Dimora del Podesta.
Hi Pratip,
If you know you have your heart set on a place, I would book as early as possible. Hotels in Positano can fill up fast under normal circumstances. Considering most people postponed their vacations to 2021 due to COVID, I would bet some are already full! I really loved Dimora del Podesta. Enjoy!
This was such a helpful write-up! I just booked Hotel Poseidon for my upcoming trip and this helped solidify my decision (ultimately, I decided to spring for one of the few pools in town). Thank you from a fellow San Diegan!
Glad it helped make your decision, Melissa! If a pool is a must have for you, then it definitely narrows down your choices. I think you’ll love Hotel Poseidon. Enjoy!
Positano seems amazing! Thanks for sharing!
It is truly incredible!
So, I could VERY easily see myself staying at any and all of these beautiful places!! Is that your dog??
Yes, that’s my rescue dog Alfie. She goes everywhere with us!
I haven’t been to Positano yet, but the place looks like a piece of paradise, Scarlett. This is an exceptional accommodation guide which I am definitely saving to reread! How many days would you recommend staying there?
Thank you, Agness! Positano is certainly a little slice of paradise. As far as how long you should stay, that depends on what else you want to see in the area and budget. If you are also planning day trips to Capri, Amalfi and Sorrento, you’d probably need at least three or four days. Positano can be seen in a day or two, but I like to stay as long as possible!