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 25-room Eden Roc is a family-run boutique with classic decor located a short walk from the beach and central Positano attractions, including lovely Santa Maria Assunta church and the harbor. This upper-middle-range hotel has a rooftop pool with panoramic sea views, a cute bar offering a short food menu and wine tastings for a fee, and a tiny fitness center with a handful of cardio machines. There is also a small spa complete with a treatment room, but use of the steam room is an extra charge. All rooms are spacious and light, with balconies or terraces offering expansive sea views, and modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and jetted tubs. Decor is classic throughout, but some may find the style a little dated.

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.

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.

The 20-room Casa Albertina goes beyond its three-pearl rating with perks such as turn-down service, bathrobes, and family owners, which gives the property a bed-and-breakfast vibe. Its location high up on the hillside above the bay means lots of stairs, but for those who are able and don't mind, the views from the balconies and terraces are glorious. Rooms are quaint and dated -- think lots of dusty-rose linens and pleated chairs -- but that's typical of the area and arguably part of the charm. Plenty of restaurants and shops are within walking distance, and the beach is a 10-minute walk (and lots of steps) away. For a historic hotel with a bit more on offer, plus far fewer stairs and a pool, visitors might look to the Hotel Palazzo Murat.

Completely renovated in 2014, this historic, 19th-century hotel is a well-decorated, three-pearl property with seven apartment-style units. Room are beautiful and equipped with kitchens, but the best part are the views from furnished terraces of the sea and colorful buildings of Positano. Unfortunately, there are no restaurant, pool, or wellness facilities on-site. Overall, it's a great base for exploring Positano and the Amalfi Coast, though the number of stairs, or, alternatively, long walks, involved might be challenging for those with mobility issues and without cars. Those who are looking to spend most of their time on the beach might find a waterfront property more convenient -- the Covo Dei Saraceni is along the beach and has more amenities.

One of the cheapest hotels in Positano, at Hotel Royal Positano, what you pay for is what you get. The mid-range, 77-room property is crying out for a renovation, and the on-site restaurant varies in quality, but if you can look past threadbare carpets and dated rooms, then it's worth it to put the money elsewhere (like restaurants in town). However, it's well suited for families, and a bus to and from town lets guests easily escape the 400-step stair to and from the town. Those looking for a bit more elegance (and fewer stairs) should consider the four-pearl Hotel Buca di Bacco, which is close to the town's shopping and dining.