Advice on hotels on Amalfi Coast
 

I'm doing some research on a honeymoon hotel for my son. They will be going next May and staying for 4 or 5 nights. I've been to Positano, but we didn't really travel around when we were there. They want a nice place that also has a pool. I'm looking at Eden Roc in Positano, Marina Riviera in Amalfi and Monastero Santa Rosa 10 minutes outside of Amalfi. Anyone stayed at any of these places? Also how does Almafi compare to Positano. I did think Positano was too touristy (we were there last week of May) and was wondering if Amalfi and Ravello are quieter.

Also forgot to add Hotel Poseidon in Positano.

The AC in general is a touristy area and although Positano and Amalfi are busy during the day, evenings are more civilised once the day trippers and coach parties have gone. I much prefer Positano to Amalfi and always feel that Ravello is a bit too far along the coast.

The Poseidon is nice as is the Eden Roc, but I do like the Palazzo Murat. It has a small pool but is right where I want to be in the town.

Macdogmom, congratulations on your son's upcoming wedding!
I stayed in Amalfi at the Marina Riviera in May 2015 and enjoyed it very much. That said, I was a solo traveler interested in Amalfi's history and its central location for day trips to Positano and Ravello. The MR offered excellent hospitality, great views, and easy access to the the town. It is, however, perched right on the coast road, definitely not a tucked away and secluded feel. For a honeymoon, I might look to one of the hotels with more extensive grounds--e.g. the Santa Caterina or the Grand Hotel Convento--or to dreamy Ravello. You can click on my name for my trip report which has more information about my impressions of the three towns.

Thanks for both replies! They've already tied the knot at a beautiful winery in Northern California this May, but needed to delay honeymoon for a year (wife was finishing residency). I'm trying to find a spot that has a resorty feel but at a more resonable price point. La Sirenuse is around $800 a night, Santa Caterina is already sold out and only room left at Palazzo Murat is $700 a night. My one visit to Amalfi coast was enough and I tried to steer them to Puglia (we loved our visit there a few years ago) but they really want to see Amalfi coast. They're meeting us in Camogli on Ligurian coast after their Amalfi visit so they can get a feel for a less busy spot and an area of Italy I absolutely love.

The Poseidon in Positano is a great location and lovely hotel. It is high enough in the village to have wonderful views, but not so high that it is a hike to get to and from the hotel. We rented an apartment just below the Poseidon and loved sitting on our terrace and taking in the views in the morning and evening.

If you really want a resort feel, Il San Pietro is an absolute dream.

From Positano, it is easy to take day trips via ferry to Capri, Amalfi/Ravello and Salerno/Vietri.

Thanks, I sent them a link to Poseidon although Eden Roc seems to be winning for Positano location hotel. I'm also getting info on Monastero Santa Rosa and Palazzo Avino. Probably higher price point but I like that they are in quieter locations (found Positano pretty touristy when we stayed) and they are 5 star. Anyone have any personal experience with either hotel?

Have you considered any of the hotels in Ravello? Just an idea....

Eden Roc is right on the busy main road which you have to cross to get into Positano's tiny streets. Have you tried the Marincanto?

http://www.marincanto.it/

Marincanto looks lovely. Will check it out. Any rec's for hotels in Ravello, kja?

Does Marincanto have a pool?

We loved the Poseidon. It is a dream to go back someday. Our room was quiet, and the pool was incredible. There were a couple of days when I never left the pool.

Food was delicious. Outdoor dining in the evening was super romantic.

I totally agree with what Rubicund said about Amalfi vs. Positano. I've visited the area 3 times and stayed twice in Positano and once in Sorrento.

Has your son and his future wife considered renting a villa instead? Many of them have pools and they are private. When I was helping my daughter plan her honeymoon, that's what I recommended to her and they loved it. Most of them have wonderful views over the water.

We've rented several times from Summer in Italy and had great service. Check out this villa with a pool. It's pretty much the same price as a room at Eden Roc: http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...334!italy_.htm

Have fun planning!

The place I stayed in Ravello -- the Hotel Parsifal -- doesn't have a pool, but there are other hotels there that do. Ravello isn't as convenient for the coast as Positano or Amalfi, but OMG, it is glorious up there!

We stayed at Le Sirenuse in Positano and also at Monastero Santa Rosa in Conca dei Marini. Both are magnificent properties with a lot to offer.....but totally different.

The views are exquisite at both. Great pools overlooking the great views at both. MSR has fewer rooms and amazing landscaping with lots of spaces and nooks for two to lounge and enjoy the scenery. The pool is an infinity pool at MSR. The spa is incredible at MSR. Free shuttle into Amalfi.

The service and food was better at Le Sirenuse. Positano probably has a bit more to do and LS offers some free excursions including an afternoon or sunset sail on their gorgeous boat. We still miss their amazing breakfast buffet...beyond words.

Read all about both here....would be hard to choose between them.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...the-titans.cfm

Check on the pool with Marincanto....we have friends who love it and it is right by Le Sirenuse...somehow I think they don't have a pool but do confirm that.

The Marincanto does have a pool - it is infinity edge. They also have their own steps down to the beach.

Thanks everyone for your continued input. Denisea, really enjoyed your TR and I'm going to send it to my son. I think they need to decide if they want to spend for a 5 star or do an Eden Roc/Poseidon/Marincanto type 4 star and have some extra money for meals etc. I love the look and ambience of Monastero Santa Rosa, but maybe too remote. I've found that I usually want to get away from hotel food and find smaller restaurants and that might not be doable for that location.

Blueyedcod, you like location of Marincanto better than Eden Roc? I need to look on a map again, but I do love that infinity pool. Decisions, decisions...

Does anyone know how to set my email so I get an update when someone has added to the thread? I get those for CHowhound, but never figured it out for this site.

You can't do that for this site, alas.

Was going to recommend Sirenuse, but at $800, yikes! Location is breathtaking, however. Ravello too far south (or is it east) for convenience. Loved Positano as it is much easier to get back to Sorrento/Capri as well as to Amalfi, should they wish to venture away. How exciting for all of you!

Eden Roc and Marincanto are both lovely. I like the location of Marincanto better than Eden Roc...just my opinion. I doubt you can lose with either. Our friends loved Marincanto and enjoy walking over to Le Sirenuse for drinks or dinner occasionally. There is a pretty new bar right on the street called Franco's (part of Le Sirenuse) that they might enjoy. I am sure they will have a wonderful trip....sure is a gorgeous part of the world!