My husband and I will be staying in Positano the nights of October 5th & 6th...

I am trying to decide between Villa Rosa (double - 140Euro)and Albergo California (double w/ Jacuzzi - 165 Euro)
I have the impression these are next door to each other, so same view?

Are balconies bigger/better at Villa Rosa?

What are differences between hotels?

Where is the jacuzzi at hotel california - is it in bathroom next to a big picture window w/ a great view? (as in my imagination) - or just in a little bathroom w/ no view... if i can't sit in the jacuzzi sipping wine while looking at a fantastic view, then probably not worth the extra money - would just get a double...

How is breakfast at each hotel?

Thanks for the help!

We stayed at VR in May of '01, and we thought it was great; cannot compare it to AC. The view was spectacular; cannot imagine a better one of both sea and mountains. The balcony is more of a patio (or terrace, as they refer to them); it was not tiny, and the breakfast was of a continental type, as I remember. I have only good things to say about the VR.

We have only stayed at the Villa Rosa, so I cannot give a comparison. However, I would describe the views as good to very good, depending on the room. Le Sirenuse sits in front of Villa Rosa and partially blocks the view from the lower floor rooms. The view from the top floor is generally very good.
The balconies are large and have comfortable chairs and a dining table. The continental breakfast is brought to your room/balcony each morning and was quite nice.
The staff at Villa Rosa is curteous and speak very good english. As you are probably aware, there is a considerable staircase to ascend to the hotel from street level. But, what the heck, if you don't like a little strenuous walking you shouldn't be visiting Positano.
You could request a room on the top floor but, as I recall, they told us when we reserved that they couldn't promise.

Hey... We're staying at Villa Rosa October 5th to the 8th! So maybe we'll see you there.

In my research, I've discovered that one difference between the two is that Albergo California has fewer steps to reach the hotel. VR is higher, with 63 steps. Don't know if that's a concern for the two of you, but thought I'd mention it.

And here's a couple quotes from past VR guests regarding room preferences:

<i>&quot;We stayed in room 32- on the 3rd floor. Room 32 is on the corner with the largest terrace and a huge glass window and sliding door with a great view of the sea and town. Breakfast on your private terrace each morning was exquisite! Any room on the 2nd or 3rd floors will give you an unobstructed view.

We loved it there. . . despite the small shower. The terrace is what makes the place -- what a view! And it is in a good location for getting down to the main piazza and the beach.

We just came back from Italy. Stayed in Villa Rosa- rm 38. The view was spectacular!!! We slept with the doors open, listening to nothing but the ocean waves. This is the room at the top, along with Room 37.

If you need a large room/terrace, take room 37. The terrace was huge, compared to ours and it sticks out further than ours- which is only a double room. Room 37 is a suite I believe. </i>

Hope this helps.

Lulu

We stayed at AC in October of 2003 and loved it. The previous poster is correct about VR being set up much higher and the views being partially blocked by LS. AC has a huge main balcony which looks directly over the water. We stayed in a huge double by Italian standards at the end of the first floor. The room wa all tile with a huge full tub-shower and separate tub. I can't speak to the jacuzzi room-sorry.

P.S. from what I recall the breakfast at AC was adequate, nothing special but not bad.

After 4 days, Villa Rosa finally responded to my e-mail. It looks like I will have to upgrade to suite to get an ocean view - the only doubles available do not have ocean view. so for money, i'm leaning towards Albergo california - but not completely decided... [ LuluG did you get my ocean view room?! - how funny that you'll be there the same time as we will be! ]

Does anyone know if Albergo California has obstructed views from some of the rooms?

I read several posts about AC with comments such as &quot;cozy balcony&quot; etc. Are balconies big enough to sit outside in chairs sipping wine - or tiny so you can only stand?

Since Villa Rosa is set up higher than Albergo California, are the views going to be a lot better?

Thanks so much for the responses and opinions!!

Lunaluna: Yes, isn't it cool to find someone else on fodors who'll be at the same hotel or next door on the same nights?

There's 5 in my group, and we've booked a VR 2-room family suite on one of the top floors.

From everything you can read on these 2 spots (California vs. VR), it doesn't seem like you can go wrong at either one, really.

Where are you headed after Positano, or is that the end of your Italy trip? It'll be just the beginning of ours, (flying in from in Paris).


Lulu

Lulu,
Positano is almost our last stop before heading home... from there we'll go to Capri, then be heading home...
the first part of our trip we'll be doing florence/tuscany, then to sorrento for 2 nights, positano for 2 nights, 1 night in capri, then our last night in naples since such an early flight out the next morning.

have had so much help from folks like you at fodors!
thanks!

We stayed at the AC and loved it. Be sure to ask for a room with a balcony above the terrace level. The balconies are small but have two chairs on them. The rooms on the terrace level open onto the terrace. Maria and her son and husband are very helpful. Breakfast each morning on the terrace is wonderful. It is across the street from Le Sirenuese and the views are the very same!

marty,

right now i have a double standard room on the second floor with a terrace (ocean view)... are there 3 floors in the hotel? why do you recommend the 3rd floor (i'm assuming this) with a small balcony vs a room on the 2nd floor with a roomy terrace?

would love a reply from you so i can change my room if i need to...

thanks!
lunaluna

No, I wasn't recommending a room with a small balcony. That is what the rooms have, not a terrace. The terrace is on the first floor and it is the one you see in the pictures. It goes the entire length of the hotel, and the rooms on that level have little areas in front of them, but they are actually on that terrace level. We were on the 2nd floor, and we had a balcony big enough for two chairs. Double glass doors opened onto it. go here: http://www.hotelcaliforniapositano.it
and when you enter the site, enlarge the picture of the hotel at the top left, and you can get a good look at what the balconies are like.Enlarging the room pictures will allow you to see the size of the balconies. We were on the left side which is three stories high. I think it is called the annex. You can see the terrace but not the room on either side that opens onto it. Our room was very nice, and we loved it there. It is where I will stay when I return.