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.
With beautiful sea views, the cliffside Hotel Marincanto scores plenty of points for ambiance. Rooms and suites have king beds and balconies, many with sea-facing views. Suites also have whirlpool hot tubs, but overall room decor is bland. On-site features include a restaurant serving an expansive (and free) buffet breakfast, as well as a small infinity pool with ocean views. There's a beach area as well, but it's only accessible via a long flight of stairs and it's technically not private.
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.
Located right on a quiet pebble beach a 15-minute walk away from the main town of Positano, the three-pearl Hotel Pupetto is a great choice for vacationers looking to get away from it all. Traditionally decorated -- think patterned tile and wrought-iron headboards in the 34 rooms -- the furnishings are growing dated in a less-picturesque way, but they're comfortable. The on-site restaurant offers up a great free breakfast as well as stunning views, while colorful sun loungers on the beach await visitors (for a fee). For those with children, the kid-friendly, three-pearl Hotel Poseidon is closer to the center of town and still carries a romantic-getaway vibe.
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.