Domina Royal has terrible reviews and is too high in the village for my liking (think many, many stairs). Reviewers also say the pool rules demand the wearing of a swimming cap which really strikes me as odd although I have heard some hotels in Sorrento demand the same. I would not stay there.

Conca D'Oro has far too many stairs and its location is somewhat remote.

However...if I had to choose..I would choose Conca

Villa Rosa, already mentioned by Bob, is next to California. The best view but killer stairs. We loved it.

As I mentioned above, pools can be chily in mid-September. Rain is possible but chances are weather will be great. Sea should till be warm for swimming.

I think that you just need to accept that your budget doesn't cover 4* hotels in Positano in any reasonable season. Also you are late to be reserving so options are limited.

Have you considered splurging in Positano to get something you really want and reducing your hotel budget in other places where there might be more options.

As you can see from Bob's list above you may not find what you want/are expecting in a 3* (location, pool, amenities).

We stay in Sorrento (prefer May but the pools are open and we are used to north atlantic - so like cold water) and the hotel is charming with a lovely pool - but not near your budget. The AC/Bay of Naples is just expensive in season.

Just checked the hotel we usually use and they are booked almost solid for all of Sept - there are a few nights open, but only suites available - no regular double rooms.

nytraveler, agree with you regarding difficulty booking at this point. We booked the house I mention above last September for our trip this September.

Hotel, not house.

Check VILLA LA SIRENE on Via Di Gladioli, which is just off Via Pasitea, one of the main streets to town. It's a small apartment hotel with lovely rooms and views. The only downside is that there is quite a set of stairs to get to and from the property, but if you are in decent shape, you should be fine.


You could also consider HOTEL LE SIRENE in Praiano, though it's a few miles away from Positano.

Just in case anyone reads this thread later, Hotel Le Sirene (on Laurito Beach) recently sold (to the owner of Villa Tre Ville), is being renovated and will reopen soon as Treville Beach Club. No word yet on the facilities or services offered.