La Dolce Vita on the Amalfi Coast: The Best Luxury Stays
When travelers come to us to plan a trip to Italy, many dream of visiting the Amalfi Coast. They've seen pictures of the pastel-colored buildings perched on the dramatic coastline and the fabulous beach clubs on beautiful beaches serving their guests Aperol spritzes in sun loungers and they want a piece of that dolce vita. As John Steinbeck wrote famously after visiting in 1953, "Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone."
The Amalfi Coast is located on the Southern coast of Italy, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. It is home to a 34-mile stretch of coastline that is a UNESCO world heritage site and also one of the most visited destinations in Italy. It’s not surprising that visitors flock to the Amalfi Coast to see its postcard-perfect cliffside towns and the cobalt hues of the Mediterranean Sea, however any local will tell you that with the five million visitors the Amalfi Coast sees on average per year, it becomes more expensive to stay and harder to find that old world charm amidst the tour groups, travel guides and cameras flashing.
We worked with some of our local tastemakers and partners on the ground on the Amalfi Coast to put together a guide to some of our favourite hotels with the best views, incredible service and the wow factor that you deserve when you visit the Amalfi Coast. Keep in mind that the hotels along the Amalfi Coast have a high price tag but we're highlighting hotels that have the service (and spectacular views) to back it up. Get to ready to pop a bottle of prosecco, order room service in your robe and live like royalty when you stay at one of these chic hotels, all with The Citrine Compass stamp of approval.
OUR TOP LUXURY HOTELS ON THE AMALFI COAST
Le Sirenuse
Ah, Le Sirenuse. With its red and white facade set dramatically against the azure sea, Le Sirenuse is easily one of the most recognizable hotels on the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is right in the mix with the glitz, glam and action of Positano and has an exclusive ambience that feels reminiscent of old world glamour of the Amalfi Coast.
Family-owned and operated, Le Sirenuse was a well-to-do family's summer home in Positano before it became a resort in the 1950s. The hotel has wooed visitors to the Amalfi ever since with its lush greenery, gorgeous interior and tasteful decor.
In high season, rooms can go for $4k per night and will still sell out completely; even if you don't stay at Le Sirenuse, it's worthwhile to pop in to Aldo, Le Sirenuse's rooftop champagne and oyster bar.
Le Sirenuse is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Belmond Hotel Caruso
The Belmond Caruso is a sophisticated stay in Ravello, a medieval hilltop village high above the coastal town of Amalfi. In our opinion, the Belmond is one of the best luxury hotels on the coast; it was once a nobleman's 11th-century palace and still has original mosaics on the floor, gorgeous woodwork, marble arches and frescoes on the ceiling. It has a timeless, refined vibe and being surrounded by lush gardens gives a distinctly different feel than many of the beach resorts on the Amalfi Coast.
This luxurious 5-star hotel features a drool-worthy infinity pool, a lovely bar and two gorgeous dining options. It has also notably received a One Key recognition by The Michelin Guide's first ever hotel distinction, which recognizes the most outstanding hotels across the world.
If you choose to stay in Ravello, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast as well as a reprieve from the tourist chaos but it does require a 20-minute drive via taxi or the hotel's complimentary shuttle to get down to the coast and isn't the best option if you're looking to stay right on the water.
The Belmond Caruso is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Maison La Minervetta
While Maison La Minervetta is considered a 4-star stay, it has two Michelin keys and a whimsical charm that has earned it great reviews and a spot on our list. This boutique hotel is situated in Sorrento with gorgeous views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. The aesthetic is bold with a nautical quirkiness but stylish for sure and each of the hotel’s 12 rooms faces the sea and has floor-to-ceiling windows to let in the ocean breeze.
The staff is lovely and this hotel is a gem however it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of some of the other accommodations; breakfast is served daily but there is no restaurant on property and while they have a pool, it’s a small, seasonal outdoor swimming pool that is mostly shaded during the day so not ideal for sunbathing. That said, there is a staircase that leads directly from La Minervetta to La Tonnarella Beach Club, which can be reserved upon request.
Maison Minervetta is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such a complimentary room upgrades, glasses of prosecco, a limoncello tasting, a welcome gift and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Hotel Santa Caterina
Hotel Santa Caterina is another stay that is the crème de la crème on the Amalfi. This property has been run by the same family for four generations; it originally opened with six rooms in 1904 and now has 67 rooms done in classic Italian decor, all with a partial or full sea view.
The hotel is built into the cliffside overlooking the sea so the views throughout are phenomenal and the hotel boasts a 5-star rating, two Michelin Keys and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Their beach club is quintessentially Italian, with sun beds lining the rocky seawall and stairs you can descend for a dip in the sea. The beach club is open from April to October and has a cute bar and a saltwater pool overlooking the ocean. While this hotel is on the coast, there is no direct access to a sandy beach (for that you’ll have to head to Spiaggia di Castiglione).
Hotel Santa Caterina feels very old world and classic to us and guests will most likely find themselves rubbing elbows with other Europeans on holiday.
Hotel Santa Caterina is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Casa Angelina
Located in the quiet town of Praiano, Casa Angelina is an intimate 36-room stay on the Amalfi Coast. The hotel design feels modern and minimalist compared to other hotels on the coast, with white decor and furniture everywhere you look and a feel of laid back luxury.
Perched high up and into the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the hotel has panoramic sea views and guests will feel a bit more off the beaten track and out of Positano's hustle and bustle in Praiano, although the hotel does have a shuttle that takes guests to and from Positano whenever they're in the mood to explore.
For those that love themselves a good beach club, Casa Angelina connects to Praiano's La Gavitella Beach Club by a secret set of stairs where hotel guests can relax in the VIP area with sunbeds and umbrellas. The staff, views, locations and Michelin restaurant all get rave reviews from our clients so this is a solid overall pick those that want something that enjoy contemporary design.
Casa Angelina is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Il San Pietro di Positano
Located less than 10 minutes outside of Positano in the neighboring town of Praiano is Il San Pietro, a 5-star and three Michelin key stay on the coast. Formerly a private villa, Il San Pietro now has 55 rooms, each uniquely decorated with a private balcony and sea view. Guests can admire gorgeous vistas of Positano from the hotel and get to the heart of Positano quickly via the hotel's complimentary shuttle or water taxi.
The decor is colorful and charming, with terracotta floors and frescoes throughout, giving a nod to classic Italian style. Il San Pietro is the only hotel in Positano with direct access to a private beach where guests can enjoy cocktails and light bites at the beach club. If you're feeling active, Il San Pietro also has a regulation-size tennis court with views of the ocean. Above all else, Il San Pietro is known for it's level of service and staff so this is the place to stay if great hospitality is of the utmost importance to you.
Il San Pietro di Positano is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Borgo Santandrea
Newly built in 2021 and in a quiet stretch outside of Amalfi town is Borgo Santandrea, an ultra chic stay with 52 rooms and suites, almost all boasting sea views. While their standard and deluxe rooms are fabulous, each of the hotel's nine suites offer incredible private terraces and a private pool for guests to plunge at their leisure. We absolutely adore how they have combined classic Italian style with midcentury touches in the way of furniture and ceramics crafted by local artisans.
One of the best features of Borgo Santandrea is the free private beach guests have access to by way of elevator, which goes down through the cliffside. The beach club offers guests beach loungers, umbrellas, canoes and stand-up paddle boards. The hotel has a fitness centre (unusual in Italy overall and highly unusual on the Amalfi where space is tight!), spa, sauna and free yoga offered daily in their garden. They also have some amazing restaurant and bar options onsite, including Alici, which has a Michelin star.. Overall this is an amazing pick for couples, small groups and families with older children who are looking for luxury and amenities on the Amalfi.
Borgo Santandrea is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Villa TreVille
Villa TreVille is an elegant property with major personality. The hotel has 16 rooms spread across four villas and every room is a suite that has a sea view, with many rooms boasting a private terrace, balcony and/or plunge pool.
Villa TreVille is situated just outside of Positano with panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and is one of the top boutique hotels on the Amalfi Coast. The hotel layout allows guests to slip into privacy, which has led musicians, actors and artists to visit Villa TreVille year over year and art aficionados and design nerds will love the hotel's quirky style aesthetic.
Guests are able to lay on sunbeds by the sea at On The Rocks, Villa TreVille's beach club, or work out at the hotel's outdoor gym overlooking the sea. Their spa is also gorgeous and situated inside of a vintage greenhouse on their property. One thing to note is that Villa TreVille does not have any communal outdoor pools (just the beach club), which may not be ideal for some guests.
Villa TreVille is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Palazzo Avino
Palazzo Avino is located in the cliffside town of Ravello in a magical 12th century villa originally built for a noble Italian family. It has maintained its medieval and baroque charm (as well as its fabulous pink exterior) but has been tastefully refurbished to woo even the most discerning traveler and guests rave about the staff, service, food, views and overall ambience.
Palazzo Avino is home to Rossellini's, a romantic one-star Michelin restaurant, a spa, an outdoor fitness center and a private beach club which has a casual restaurant and swimming pool and is open from May to October in the nearby town of Marmorata. They also have over 80 different martinis that they can make at the Lobster and Martini Bar and who can be mad about that?
The hotel size is intimate with 33 rooms and 10 suites, many of which have a private hot tub or plunge pool on their sea-view terraces. We love this option for posh couples who appreciate style and the details.
Palazzo Avino is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa
Monastero Santa Rosa is a dreamy stay in a former monastery from the 17th century, now beautifully restored with simple, elegant furniture and lavish touches. This luxurious adult-only hotel only has 20 rooms but the grounds are sweeping; there are four levels of tiered gardens, a spa with all the bells and whistles like a sauna, steam room and hydropool and panoramic views of the Gulf of Salerno everywhere you look.
This secluded getaway is in the quiet hilltop town of Conca dei Marini and is a beautiful historic stay that has a classic Italian feel to it.
Monastero Santa Rosa is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Anantara Convento Di Amalfi Grand Hotel
If you're all about that new new, Anantara was completely renovated in 2023 and is only 10 minutes walking from the main piazza in Amalfi town. The hotel has been converted from a 13th century monastery but has kept the original cloister and church intact, creating a striking balance between its original, historic style and the modern amenities we love when staying in a hotel.
There are 52 airy rooms in this boutique hotel (many of which are former monk’s quarters) and they have a killer spa and some delicious restaurant options, including a high end pizzeria.
Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
We thought it would be helpful to include some high end hotels that tend to be a bit less pricey than the typical five-star hotels the Amalfi is known for, just in case you’re not balling on a budget on this particular Amalfi trip.
These hotels will still be a great stay, just not necessarily a 5-star experience on all levels.
VILLA MAGIA | If you're itching to stay in the heart of Positano and are working with a smaller budget for your trip, Villa Magia could be a good option. This high end boutique hotels has two outdoor pools, 24/7 concierge services and an intimate spa with treatments and a few amenities. The hotel is walking distance to restaurants and shops although the hotel does have a shuttle as well if you want to avoid any steep climbing.
HOTEL POSEIDON | Hotel Poseidon is a historic villa turned hotel that has a classic Positano feel to it. It has a stunning view, great service, a delightful pool and a palatable average price per night.
HOTEL EDEN ROC | This is a fabulous, family-run boutique hotel right in Positano that tends to be a bit less expensive than some of the other high end hotels nearby. There are only 25 rooms and the lead concierge, Pasqualle, is a fan favorite.
HOTEL MIRAMARE | Hotel Albergo Miramare is a 4-star hotel that is a (steep) walk to Spiaggia Grande in Positano; the staff is great, the rooms are large with spacious bathrooms and some of the rooms have fabulous balconies. If the price is right, we recommend upgrading to a junior suite.
PALAZZO PASCAL | Palazzo Pascal is a family-run hotel stay in Scala above the town of Amalfi with one Michelin key. The hotel was formerly a palace and one of the oldest buildings on the Amalfi Coast; there are only seven rooms tastefully done in classic Italian style but the hotel still packs a lot of punch with a small pool, a restaurant and poolside bar.