2 Best Hotels in Positano, The Amalfi Coast

This tiny, unpretentious hotel on the outskirts of Positano beckons with bougainvillea-laden views, castaway cottages, terraces growing produce, and a turquoise seawater pool—all perched over a private beach where a boat can whisk you away to Capri. Thanks to the wonderful Mandara family, you'll feel right at home in a few minutes—because this is their home. Guest rooms with coved ceilings, whitewashed walls, and native folk art are simple havens of tranquillity and comfort. Some are in a house above the road (a bit noisy if trucks rumble by, but this rarely happens at night); others are in adorable cottages close to the sea. Very steep, arbor-covered walkways zigzag across the hill, linking these little acres of heaven.

Hidden away from the Positano crowds, a short passeggiata away from the hydrofoil port, lovely host Gabriella and her long-serving team run a laid-back but well-run hotel blessed by Spiaggia Fornillo beachside bliss, with 34 tiled suites and practical bathrooms with balconies and facilities galore including restaurant, bar and bathing services. Ground floor standard rooms have traditional tiles and are a little noisier as near the restaurant and path; while first and second floors offer more peace, modern tiled-style with more space and grandstand private terrace views over the sunbeams, waves and coastline.