One of the priciest hotels in Positano, this 58-room luxury boutique is also perhaps the most beautiful and it lives up to its upscale reputation with pristine grounds, thoughtful free extras (like snacks and boat trips), and a renowned restaurant. Rooms feature antique furniture and modern appliances, but some are small and/or noisy. That said, it's an excellent choice for those who can afford it and seek a central location, gorgeous spa, and spectacular views from all around.

The Belmond Caruso has all the features of a resort, but with only 50 rooms, it still qualifies as an intimate boutique. The most spectacular aspect of this property is its ultra-exclusive setting: at the highest point in Ravello on a lush hillside overlooking the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea. Despite its haute location, the Belmond has a relaxed, Mediterranean vibe, from the open-air poolside bar with clay tile floors to the Loggiato Bar furnished with wicker chairs and mosaic-tile tables. Elsewhere, such as in the lobby, a more elegant feel is achieved with antique-style artwork and furnishings and soaring frescoed ceilings. 

While most of the Amalfi hotels can claim excellent sea views, the 66-room Santa Caterina Hotel has five-star features, harmonious antique style, and fragrant gardens. Guests can take advantage of the wellness center, pool, and gym. This is a fantastically decorated property that has tons of upscale charm. Somehow the owners have maintained a personal, boutique residence vibe while providing full resort services.

Luxurious and romantic, the Monastero Santa Rosa is a luxury boutique property with spectacular sea views, a high-end spa, a beautiful pool, a small outdoor gym, and fine and casual dining on-site. All rooms and suites look out onto the sea and some have spacious terraces. Although some past guests have mentioned wishing for more variety at the restaurant, the hotel overall does an excellent job of creating an enchanting experience for guests, so long as they can afford the high room rates. 

Unlike most hotels in the cliffside town of Positano that require a steep walk to reach the beach and town center, the 17th-century Palazzo Murat is located smack in the town center’s pedestrian zone. The property is immaculate and equipped with a highly acclaimed-restaurant and its own citrus and botanical garden; rooms have antique furnishings (that can nonetheless seem a tad bland) and modern amenities, but bathrooms are small. With a pristine pool and some nice freebies, Palazzo is ideal for travelers who want to stay in historic lodgings in the heart of the action, but it lacks the gorgeous ocean views of nearby cliffside hotels.

Although the Miramare could use a little updating, its location — within a 10-minute walk to the beach and the center of Positano — is hard to beat. The Mediterranean décor is warm and welcoming, and rooms have amazing views of the Gulf of Salerno. Given its location on a cliff, guests should expect to do a lot of walking up and down stairs, but this is the norm in the area. Although there's no pool and the property lacks the newness and luxury of hotels such as the Villa Fiorentino or Il San Pietro up the road, the Miramare’s convenient central location make it a great value.

This multi-level family-run guesthouse is made up of only nine rooms, each offering the sprawling coastal views the area is famous for. The quaint, idyllic grounds are covered in ivy and flowering vines, and the pride the family takes in their cuisine is reflected in the on-site restaurant’s exceptional offerings. Hotel Pellegrino is ideal for those seeking an affordable and romantic stay along the coastal cliffs. However, those wishing for an immediately accessible on-site pool or dedicated sunbathing area may be disappointed, though these amenities are available for use at a nearby hotel.

The Salerno Centro Bed and Breakfast is a solid budget choice for travelers who want a convenient, central location at a low price. This family-run bed and breakfast has only three rooms, each of which has a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom. Wi-Fi is free, and breakfast, cooked to order, is included in the room rate. A covered outdoor patio is decorated with a plethora of flowers and plants. While there is no kitchen for guests to use, a microwave and a coffeemaker are available. All in all, this B&B is a great value, especially considering its central location.

A small 30-room Best Western-affiliated hotel resting on Positano's highest point, the Art Hotel Pasitea may have seasoned travelers questioning the hotel's advertised four-star status. While it has deluxe bedding, trendy artistic decor and design, a few in-room luxe items, and room service, the property lacks expected features like a pool, fitness center, spa services, and full-service restaurant. However, for those looking for a uniquely styled place to stay with excellent views and stairway access to the beach, it is still a great bet.

Centrally located in Positano, the 52-room Hotel Poseidon offers breathtaking views of the coast and of the bay in a chic, cozy boutique environment. Quaint, basic rooms vary in size and style, but all have patios and terraces with panoramic views. The on-site spa offers massages and has a Turkish bath built right into the cliff rock. Just be prepared to do a lot of walking—exploring Positano requires a lot of going up and down steps.