brubenow

Traveling in June 2018 with husband and 2 kids (10 and 13) to Rome and Amalfi Coast. Would like to base in Positano for 4-5 days while on the AC.

I know it is very early to be looking at hotels, but I'm a planner, and in my past experience traveling to Europe with kids, there are limited options for families that are affordable, renovated, don't have minimum night requirements, are in a great location, and not already booked! So that's why I'm so early.

I've never had as much trouble finding the right accommodations for my family as I have had in Positano! Most of the rental villas require a 7 night minimum, which is too long. Others are too far out of town, and I don't want to drive, - only walk, ferry or bus.

As for hotels, we want something in town, but up high enough for a great sea view, and far enough away from the main beach to avoid the day tripper crowds, which I'm hearing are huge. Want a 4 to 5 star hotel that is renovated, allows kids over 10, and has either a family suite or connecting rooms. The Sirenuse and Santa Catarina are out of our price range unfortunately. Everyone recommends the Poseidon, but for the money, it looks really tired and in need of renovation to me. Punta Regina says no connecting rooms. Piazza Murat too close to crowds. Bucca di Bacca too close to crowds.

Narrowing it down to the Marincanto or Il San Pietro.

I realize Il San Pietro is technically out of town, but they have free shuttle service every 15 minutes, and it's only a mile away. They also have that private beach and lido deck, which appeal to me because I hate crowds. Also the elevator down to the beach! They only have a few connecting rooms, which are their most basic room. The price is not that much more than the Marincanto. But I keep reading reviews about how the service can be snooty and stuffy, and also that the hotel is in need of major renovation, and not what it used to be.

The Marincanto looks pretty good, I believe they have some renovated suites. They also have access to that private lido deck, but are still high enough for great views, and I've read that it's less crowded on that side of town. True? Downside is lots of steps, and I'm worried the room will not be a fully renovated one. The junior suites are renovated, but not big enough for 4 people. So it would be the largest suites. I don't want the apartment because I've read the apartment has a ton of steps and is a little tired?

Anybody have recent experiences with either of these hotels? With or without kids?

Many thanks!

brubenow

Anyone?

ekc

Although I usually rent an apartment in Positano (Casa Caldiero - Apt. 1), we stayed at ISP last October and absolutely loved it. We had a basic room overlooking the terrace. Just this morning my husband was talked about how much he loved laying on the sun deck all morning, wandering over to Carlinos for lunch (fabulous food) and then spending the rest of the afternoon on the sun deck. We never found the service snooty - just the opposite. You can also reach Positano by water taxi. We would return in a heartbeat.

brubenow

Ok thanks EKC!

denisea

There is a poster here "weekender" who loves Marincanto. I trust his taste. We stayed at Le Sirenuse but I believe Marincanto is close by and the views are similar. We liked being high up in Positano and would not have liked the hotels down on the water in Positano.

brubenow

Thanks Denisea. I'll look into weekender's posts.

Just curious- how long did it take you to walk from the beach to the Sirenuse?

Surfergirl

It's about 15 minutes to walk from the beach to the Sirenuse. Depending on age, crowds, and family members traveling at the same or different paces.

ekc

Depending on the crowds it can take longer - and add another 10 minutes if you want to go to Fornillo.

brubenow

Thanks ekc and surfer girl.

One other option beside the 2 hotels I mentioned, is an apartment in town called Villa Gaia. It's a 7 day minimum is the downside. But maybe we might end up doing 7 days if the hotel thing doesn't pan out. Can anyone look at the location in this link and tell me how long the walk would be from the beach? It's near Punta Regina. There is a bus stop right by it, but I've read that buses are often full?

https://carringtonitalia.com/en/prop...zwUaAqWl8P8HAQ

Any input much appreciated.

Weekender

brubenow:

Thanks to Denise!

Yes, I have stayed at the Marincanto and thought it was a great place and would stay there again without hesitation.

I found the location to be wonderful and the views from the hotel are stupendous. You can take the steps directly down from the hotel to the beach and from there an easy walk into town. Nice pool and sundeck as well. Family owned and a great staff.

While the rooms were very nice, I would not put the hotel into the same league as the ISP and certainly not the Sirenuse which is fantastic in every way. No comparison.

That said, the location of both the Marincanto and the Sirenuse (which is very close-just minutes away) cannot be beaten for views and proximity to town, restaurants and the ferry docks.

Denise: Just a heads up. The Odeon St. Germain was very nice and will stay there again later this year. Going back next month but will be at my go to, the Hotel de l'Abbaye.

brubenow

Thanks weekender!

denisea

Thanks weekender. One of these days I am gonna catch you in Paris!

ekc

Much too high in the village for my taste. I would not want to have to rely on the bus to get around and it is quite a hike to get to the beach. Are you only looking at places with a pool?

Weadles

We've stayed at The Poseidon many times with our kids. Here's my take on it: Yes, it's probably in need of renovation. But it's hard to beat the proximity to town, the killer views from the restaurant terrace, and the amazing buffet breakfast.

Yes, it's not as fancy as some other hotels, and the pool is about the size of a bathtub, but do you really want to count on a shuttle from San Pietro every time you want to get to Positano, go shopping, or eat out?

Almost everything is within fifteen minutes of The Poseidon. And because it's so high up, you can easily escape the heavy summer crowds in the middle of the day whenever you feel like it.

You can also walk to the town dock and Fornillo Beach, which is far less hectric than the beach in town.

IF you're at all interested in particular rooms at The Poseidon, check out the one we last stayed in. The so-called FUNNY SUITE, a small one bedroom that has private use of a rooftop terrace that runs almost the entire length of the hotel.
Heaven, and yes, there's room service!!

Weadles

A last note from me: Also, keep in mind that these are seaside hotels. Think Cape Cod and The Hamptons. Sometimes lots of money for not such great rooms unless you're spending insane amounts. Why? Because they can. The tourists keep coming, some guests every year.

brubenow

Thank you Weadles and ekc! Sorry- just now saw your responses.

Yes, we are only looking at villas with pools. I really like Villa Gaia... just not sure about the location. They claim it is right by the bus stop or a 15 min. walk. But that could get old doing it twice per day.

Thanks for the details on Poseidon... maybe I will reconsider.

It's funny... I was looking at Lake Como last year, but we decided to go to Paris instead. Anyway, we could get 2 connecting rooms at the luxurious Grand Tremezzo hotel for about half the cost of comparable hotels in Positano! Can't figute that one out. I guess like Weadles said, because they can!