In my opinion, the San Pietro is the more spectacular property since it is set on a cliff dropping down to the beach. However, their pool is pretty small. And it is a bit of a walk, along the main road, to Positano itself, the hotel being located in Laurito, to the east. The hotel does have a car service, though. Their beach area is gorgeous.

Sireneuse offers a close-up view of the town, and their pool is larger and heated. But it is in the thick of the tourist action of Positano.

Both hotels seem to have an abundance of English-speaking guests.

Those are but a few thoughts..others will hopefully have much more to comment. I've not stayed at either property.

Used to be that Le Sirenuse was more old school, the San Pietro more glam. Don't know if this is still the case. We used to stay at the Sirenuse, but haven't been back to the Amalfi coast in over twenty years. In those days the Sirenuse also had the better chef!

We haven't stayed at either property, but did have a few client dinners at San Pietro. I think both posters above are absolutely right. It does have the more spectacular setting and it is more glam, but-dare I say this- it also seemed pretentious, and the food was mediocre.

Some of our friends have stayed at Sirenuse and complained that the rooms were quite small and disappointing for that kind of money.

It's been 16 years since we last stayed at the San Pietro but I remember the setting and rooms as lovely. Transport to and from Positano was gratis in a little sports car. I believe the restaurant now boasts a Michelin star, whatever that's worth. Dinner on the small balcony overlooking the sea was lovely. Would I stay there now? No. But at that time in our lives it was heavenly.

For what it's worth, here is Mario Batali's take on both hotels:

"The restaurant in the Hotel le Sirenuse is quite tasty, if slightly Americanized. (Skip the San Pietro at all costs, where American faux heiresses and trust fund travelers abound.)"