Which one to stay in for an August honeymoon. We definitely want to me able to walk out of our hotel at night and into some sort of a town with bars, restaurants, cafes etc. Is Praiano too small a village to expect this from?

I've heard Positano is so much busier than Praiano. I'm sure busy is a relative term though, since we are from NYC, therefore I fear Praiano will be too quiet. We are 32 & 39 yrs old.

We'll probably take day trips in the area but most nights want to walk to and from dinner, so where should we be?

Thanks!

We have recently stayed in Positano two times. The first time at the Hotel California (across the street from Le Sirenuse). This part of town only has a few restaurant choices. Our second time (last Sept) we stayed at the Miramare and loved every minute. It's located in the pedestrian area and no cars can drive on the steep walkways so it's very quiet but a short walk (about 150 steps!) up to the street where you can find at least 10 restaurants. Positano is amazing--shops, restaurants and yes, it's popular but that means people like being there. The lady in charge of our hotel lives in Priano and commutes to work. We have driven through Priano and there really isn't much there. On a summers evening, you can stoll the streets of Positano and feel that you never want to leave. There are summer concerts at night on the beach.

Read about the Miramare on www.tripadvisor.com. YOu will be amazed at the 5 star ratings. We were moved during our stay to a deluxe and actually preferred the room on the second floor. Being next to the lobby, although larger, was not as quiet. The balconies, overlooking the port and water is truly breathtaking. It will be very hot in August so make sure you find accommodations with good a/c. Take your mostquito repellent also. If you have more specific questions, write again.

Thanks a million, Richard. Regarding the Miramare, it sounds like we should reserve a deluxe room? Was the balcony / terrace a decent size?

rjb -

I just checked out the Miramare on tripadvisor as Richard suggested. You should do that too. There are photos (taken by guests) showing the balcony - very large. Plus the room (and views from the balcony) look incredible. I'd take it in a heartbeat for my honeymoon - but then I've been married almost 31 years.

KC

You could also check out the lovely Hotel Poseidon. We've stayed there a few times and can't wait to go back! The hotel has beautiful jr. suites with terraces overlooking a spectacular view of town. Also the food and views from the hotel restaurant terrace are unforgettable, as is the staff which makes guests feel more than welcome. It's a really special place!

I've been trying to remember our room number. I think it was 210. There was a room on the end, next to us which would have an even better view of the town than our room. Oddly enough, the two rooms on the other side were VERY small then the super delux room which they call the special room. For the extra money, it's not worth it--a very unusual shower however. Our friends opted for one of the two standard rooms in the annex. Those rooms were one building away and even larger than our superior room. However, their view was compromised by their location--it's definitely worth the extra money to be in the main building. We were told that next visit we should get the deluxe room off the reception to the left as you enter. I am sure the view is unbeatable but I question the noise level. Our deluxe room was the first room on the other side, sharing the wall with the front desk--definitely not a good location. When you book, make sure you ask for a large room away from the front desk. Our balcony was enormous--two lounge chaises and a table and chairs. The bougainvillea wraps around the outside of the balconies.

We parked in front of the Poseidon and the front entrance looked very inviting. The little grocery store is across from the Poseidon where you can buy limoncello, yogurt, snacks etc. The breakfast at the Miramare is more than adequate but not wonderful. They offer dry cereals and sweet pastries. The breakfast room is all glass with a giant bouganvillea vine INSIDE, covering the ceiling.

We stayed 7 nights and loved every minute. We planned mini day trips and were never bored (but then we like to look at pottery). The coast road is not long but it takes hours to get anywhere because of the slow traffic. One day we drove to Sorrento and took a ferry to Ischia (definitely not as interesting as Capri but we toured Capri the prior trip) and one day to see the ruins at Paestum (we took the toll road back to Sorrento--actually faster than the coast road). The restaurant at the entrance looks elegant but was one of our favorite meals and least expensive.

In our opinion, the best pottery can be found in Ravello (and also the most expensive) as Positano--skip Vietri sul mare.

Rosita and the Miramare created the most magical of vacations for us. It was very sad to say goodbye to Rosita and that special hotel. Often when I can't sleep, I imagine myself laying on the lounge chair, on the terrace, listening to the gentle waves lap the shore and gazing out on the town and port....

Sorry I made a mistake. We stayed in room 214 (210 is the "special" room). At the time of booking we were informed that room 214 was booked for our last two days which is why we moved to the deluxe room next to the reception. The deluxe room had a weird little sitting area with a formal sofa and writing desk, a larger bathroom and slightly larger terrace--in our opinion, we preferred the top floor. Each room shape and size is different so make sure you are very specific.

Also, the little grocery store across from the Poseidon makes great sandwiches in the back of the shop.

Our very best meal was in Ravello at Crumpo di Cosimo (spelling?)--we had Sunday lunch along with locals--our finest dining experience. We orderd a pasta sampler and eggplant parmignana--both worth a trip back soon. We had a birthday celebration up in Montepertuso at Dona Rosa--very elegant, wonderful ambiance, very expensive--it was good but not worth the hype. It's easier to walk to the various restaurants on the main road (the one the Poseidon faces). Eating outside at night is so romantic even if the food is mediocre. We had the worst pizza of all time (on that street). I ordered cheese and pancetta--the bacon was raw! Very gross and awful.

If you are interested in staying at the Miramare--don't wait another second. We booked early Feb for the last week in Sept and our choice was limited.

RichardJ - thank you very much for your informative posts. Unfortunately I am a little confused about your room(s) at the Miramare.

Is 214 the good room you liked on the Second (or Top) Floor? Or is 214 the one that was next to reception that you were moved to and did not like?

Then you also said "Our balcony was enormous--two lounge chaises and a table and chairs. The bougainvillea wraps around the outside of the balconies." Was this Room 214 or the other room by reception?

What category was 214? Deluxe? Special? Superior? Thanks so much.

Sorry to confuse you. The first room we had for 5 nights was on the top floor, room 214 (superior) then we moved for the final two nights to the street level in a deluxe room (maybe 107?). If you look at the photo on their home page and you see a reception desk, our room shared that wall to the right. Then there is another room, a few feet to the left as you enter into the lobby-- which would probably have the best view. (Rosita told us that when we return, we should reserve that room--109 I think). I would never get near the reception by choice. It wasn't like a room in New York City, but knowing that some rooms are quieter than others, I always seek the most quiet. I had read on this website before we booked our room, to avoid room 109 (?) because of lobby noise. Otherwise, the hotel is very small and ultra quiet (except when the band plays on the beach and the sounds can be heard throughout the entire city) The photo next to Prices on the homepage is a photo of the shower in the "Special" room. You can decide if that shower is worth extra money to you (Plus the room is huge) Ask Rosita to email you a photo of the hotel taken from the water. You can see each terrace. Some rooms had larger terraces than others. Sorry I can't remember which rooms had more vine than others. I wish I could have seen every room. When you click on View, you see the shot of the best view possible from a terrace (maybe room 216?)--the rooms at the end such as 214 see the most of the town. The little photo next to Hotel is a typical view from a terrace as the rooms move further to other end of the hotel. If you are interested in a large terrace and the best view, do not opt for the standard room--those two rooms are in the annex. Unfortunately August is getting closer and you may not have all room categories available.

There are individual built in a/c but no screen on any windows or doors (probably true of the entire town).

Do post again and let us know what you decide to do. I am sure I am come up with more tips as I keep thinking about our trips. I do know that I didn't mention Pompeii as a side trip--that alone is worth a trip to Italy but it will be unbearably hot too (no water and no shade anywhere)

Richard - how was the view and terrace in your room, #214? This was a superior so I am trying to get a handle on the difference between superior and deluxe. Thenks again!

Our first room 214 (superior) was over the deluxe room 107--the terrace was a slight bit larger in the deluxe but the view was the same. Go to google.com and type in "trip advisor hotel miramare positano". Then click on photos under the hotel name. There are 22 great photos showing you the views from room 210 and also 218. You can also see the hotel from the waterside and the interior of the breakfast room. I do not totally understand what makes a room deluxe--probably a larger room. My best suggestion would be to write (or call) Rosita, tell her you want large room with large terrace but very quiet--not near the reception area. Maybe she will give you choices. If you want to splurge, go for room 210 if it's available.

RIchard - your information is invaluable. Last question. How is the location of the Miramare? Is it a short enough walk to both the town area (restaurants etc.) as well as the ferries for excursions and day trips?

After staying on the other side of town, I am convinced that the Miramare side is unquestionably the best. (The Hotel California, next to the Sirenuse is literally on the only road going through the town, the traffic noise is extreme). The Miramare is located on the only pedestrian walkway--207 steps directly to the beach (and ferry dock)and 150 steps up the street level for parking and restaurants. Only a few local residents walk by the front of the hotel so it is very quiet. This pedestrian "street" is outside the front door of the Miramare. You either go up to the street or down to the beach. It's obviously faster to go down to the beach that up to the hotel--depends on your level of fitness. You need to be in relatively good shape to stay at any hotel in Positano because it's built on a cliff--you are either going up and up or down and down. I am in great shape and found myself puffing on the last steps going up to the street level--my legs felt like lead. It's rather fun to watch other tourists walk by the hotel on their way from the beach to the main street level--some can bearly talk because they are so out of breath. (We live in Denver at high altitude and that really helps) There are other hotels even higher up which are supposed to be great ( such as the Villa Franca) but it's too far away from the town center. The Miramare is directly over the ferry dock but up far enough that you can't hear the boats coming in but close enough to watch the action from your terrace. Parking is a big deal in Positano because there isn't any. The Miramare saves several tight spaces for their clients which makes it ideal for day trips. Are you planning on renting a car? I highly recommend having a car to be able to see the most and not worry about bus schedules. If so, you would need to tell Rosita when you make the reservation so she can hold a parking space. The Miramare also offers a free boat ride in their private motor boat. The Captain doesn't speak much English but he provides fruit and wine during his coastal excursion. We enjoyed the 2 hour trip so much that we signed up to go along the coast in the other direction on a different day. It's fun to talk to other guests to hear about their Positano experiences. I think the boat only holds 12 or so.This tour is offered twice a day and you must sign up at the front desk (it's in conjunction with the sister hotel Palazzo Murat--a hotel stuck in the middle of the pedestrian shopping area--with no views). We found the most amazing pizza at the beach for $2 per slice--almost too much for one person to eat. It's so easy and cheap. It's on the patio, walk up counter by the Buca di Baco outdoor restaurant. It's to the far right of the beach structures with your back to the water. I mentioned the restaurants in Montepertuso before but I was to emphasize that they are not really worth the effort to get to that area (high over Positano up the mountain). La Tagliata and Il Ritrovo both provide a free shuttle bus but the food is no big deal. At La Tagliata we let the waiter suggest our menu which was a HUGE mistake. We ended up with an enormous bill, couldn't eat half of it and overall, didn't like the meal. Il Ritrovo isn't half as good as our neighborhood Italian restaurant in the middle of Denver. Donna Rosa is overpriced and good but not great. It's much easier to stay close to the hotel. Make sure you take a pashmina for evenings when the sun goes down. We never did have a GREAT meal in Positano as we were expecting (except the one in Ravello for lunch). Rosita is very helpful too so take advantage of knowledge.

We love you, Richard - you are a fountain of knowledge! Booking the Miramare today . . . still trying to figure out the hotel situation in Capri though.

We also stayed at the miramare for our honeymoon in june. We stayed in the annex, which was not as nice as the main building...but we honestly didnt spend that much time in our room and were very satisfied. The view from the balcony was gorgeous and really that is what we cared about. The miramare had a good central location, and was quiet and romantic. The best part, (which we almost missed out on by booking to late) was the free boat ride on the hotel boat the "O solo mio". It was fantastic - DONT MISS IT!

Capri is wonderful too. We stayed at the Minerva in Capri town and were very happy with room (#11 I think). It was resonable, quiet and had a very pretty view.

Please post again and let me know what you end up with at the Miramare. I hope there is availability for the room you have decided on.

I wish I could help you with Capri. We did a day trip from Positano and felt very satisfied with our few hours on Capri. It's ultra crowded which you will find very disappointing. A huge long line to buy the funcicular tickets and an even longer line to take the funcicular. At the next level, there are so many people milling around that you can't help but wish they would all leave. I looked at the Minera comments on www.tripadvisor and it tooks like a good deal in a very exclusive market. We took the bus up to Anacapri and the view is amazing up higher, many more gorgeous hotels, shops, restaurants etc. There are limoncello shops everywhere with tastings. You will hate it during the day but will love the evenings when the day trippers go home. The ferry ride is so enjoyable, especially sitting outside on the deck. You should do a search for comments on this site for the Blue Grotto before you go--so many negative ones. Our worst experience: waiting for the ferry to return to Positano, we sat down portside to get drinks as it was really hot in mid June. Lesson learned: Check out prices before you order. This area is one of the few in all of Italy where shorts are acceptable--even for men.