Last Updated on 12/30/2021
Positano is absolutely my favorite place to visit along the Amalfi Coast. After living just a short drive away, I have stayed at some real gems in the idyllic town. In this detailed guide on where to stay in Positano, I’ll share my top picks for hotels and apartment rentals, plus a few travel tips to keep in mind.
*Updated in March 2021. This post 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. As a general note, hotels will be less expensive as they get further away from the main beach and town center (read: more stairs).
Parking is typically not included and usually costs around 20 euro per night at a nearby garage. While there are certainly deals to be found, expect to spend around 200 euros a night in Positano for accommodation with breakfast included.
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.
Where to Stay in Positano: Best Hotels
Hotels and luxury properties are listed starting with the most budget friendly moving towards the most expensive (based on the cost of three nights in high season of 2021).
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.
$$ – breakfast included, pet-friendly, ocean views & balcony rooms available. Check pricing and availability.
Dimora del Podesta
Dimora del Podesta is one of my favorite places to stay in Positano. It’s family operated and you truly feel at home there. The location is perfect for visiting Fornillo Beach and top quality restaurants. The rooms are spacious with authentic details and a partial ocean view. Only 3 rooms available and all have a private balcony that they serve breakfast on each morning.
$$ – breakfast included, pet-friendly, balcony and ocean view rooms. 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.
$$ – breakfast included, rooms with ocean views & terrace available. Check pricing and availability.
Casa Albertina
My husband surprised me on my birthday and we spent the night at Casa Albertina. Situated on the left hand side of Positano as you approach by boat, the rooms have a nice terrace with incredible views of Positano. The rooms could use a bit of refresh, but it’s a good value compared to nearby properties with a similar view.
$$- breakfast included, pet-friendly, rooms with ocean views & terrace 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 a fraction of the cost with rooms starting around 240 euro.
$$$ – central location, breakfast included, pet-friendly, ocean views & terrace rooms available. Check pricing and availability.
Hotel Poseidon
With a central location, stylish rooms and an outdoor ivy covered terrace, what’s not to like? Hotel Poseidon also boasts a pool overlooking the ocean, a rarity in Positano. They always have a cute vintage car or vespa parked out front too. Hotel Poseidon is in a prime location right around the corner from Da Vincenzo, the perfect place for dinner (more on where to eat in Positano in my travel guide).
$$$ – pool, restaurant, breakfast included, pet-friendly, ocean views & balcony rooms available. 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. With rooms starting around $1,000 a night, it’s a little out of my personal price range (a girl can dream, right?). If you can’t swing a room for the night, I highly recommend getting a cocktail at their bar next door, Franco’s.
$$$$- pool, restaurant & bar, central location, breakfast included, rooms with terrace with ocean views. Check pricing and availability.
Il San Pietro di Positano
For another level of luxury a little outside the center of Positano, check into Il San Pietro di Positano. Enjoy five star luxury, a 24/7 shuttle and a private beach.
$$$$- private beach, pool, restaurant & bars, breakfast included, pet-friendly, rooms with terrace & ocean views, free parking, free shuttle to town center. Check pricing and availability.
Villa Treville
Former home to Franco Zeffirelli, director of Italian operas and film, Villa Treville is a five star hotel full of history and character. The 5-acre property has direct access to the beach via an elevator built into the cliff.
$$$$- 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.
Apartments and Vacation Rentals
Depending on how long you’ll be staying in Positano, you might want to consider renting an apartment. You might prefer a small kitchenette, a washing machine and a little more space. Apartment rentals are also a great idea if you are traveling as a group.
Tiny House with a View
You might not know Nicki and Carlo also welcome guests to their tiny house for two on Airbnb. With over 400 steps, you’ll get a true taste of what it is like to live in Positano.
Unique Stay in a Tower
Walking from the main beach in Positano to Fornillo Beach, you’ll pass one of several towers along the Amalfi Coast. You might not even notice that the 16th century tower is actually several apartments available for rent. Not only would this be a unique stay with a gorgeous ocean view from the patio, it would also be an easy walk from the ferry port.
Book a suite or double room from the B&B or rent out a three bedroom apartment.
Two bedroom with a terrace
This two bedroom apartment rental has a multi level terrace complete with a small outdoor kitchen and charming tiles.
More Positano Travel Tips:
Nina Rodenroth says
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
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
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!
Brooklyn says
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?
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
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.
Christine Watson says
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
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
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!
Pratip says
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.
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
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!
Melissa Holtzer says
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!
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
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!
Blerim Norja says
Positano seems amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
It is truly incredible!
Rebecca says
So, I could VERY easily see myself staying at any and all of these beautiful places!! Is that your dog??
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
Yes, that’s my rescue dog Alfie. She goes everywhere with us!
Agness of eTramping says
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?
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
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!