Le Sirenuse

Le Sirenuse Review

As legendary as its namesake sirens, this exquisite, in-town 18th-century palazzo has long set the standard for superluxury in Italian hotels. Opened in 1951 with just eight rooms, when then-mayor Paolo Sersale converted the family home into a guesthouse (this is where John Steinbeck stayed while writing his famous essay, "Positano," for Harper's Bazaar in 1953), it now boasts 63 luxurious rooms sprawled over eight floors. Winner of countless awards, the hotel is still run by Baron Sersale and seduces all guests with Venetian and Neapolitan museum-quality antiques and artwork, stunning vine-entwined terraces that overlook town, and the coast's most beautiful pool terrace (the place to have lunch in Positano). Add in a private yacht for free boating excursions, an iPod for the duration of your stay, the in-house spa (designed by Gae Aulenti), and extravagantly stylish guest rooms——each one special and many with whirlpool tubs, with all accented with elegant antiques (such as antique bedsteads or refectory tables) and the finest in hotel luxuries (such as the linen bedding)—and little wonder the price tags here are some of the highest in Italy. Enjoy some of the most luxurious cuisine in Campania either poolside or in the vine-draped La Sponda restaurant. Later, repair to the aristocratic reading room or the Champagne and Oyster bar, where contented patrons swap experiences and toast their good luck at being here—and here.