See if you can get room #18. Here is a photo I took of the balcony when I stayed in room 18 last year. There are also some other photos of the views from that room posted on my site.

http://photos.youwer.com/p687714.html

We stayed at the Villa Franca for 8 nights on our honeymoon in October. The hotel was lovely, but all the rooms are fairly small, and the restaurant is nothing to rave about... beautiful, but the food is adequate. Trust me, you'll be walking to local places every night. Find a simple hotel with a beautiful view, if possible. We had a water view and it was everything! The town view is the street.

Also, take a long hike to a restaurant called Santa Croce in Nocelle and get their homemade ravioli.

Another place that looked amazing, but has not accomodations like tv/modern appliances but with beautiful views is La/Le Fenice.

good luck

We have decided on Villa Rosa.

Room #18 is on our list

Has anyone stayed on the 3rd floor? That is what is being recommended to us by the Villa Rosa.

Wanderer, when are you planning to go to Positano? Most of these hotels are already booked up through the end of Fall.

We are not going until May of 2005. Just trying to get the plans in place, as we need to book airline in a few weeks since it is frequent flyer miles.

I have just booked a room at the Villa Rosa for September, and the family said the room has a "partial sea view". Does this probably mean La Sirenuse is the object in the way? Is this still probably a good room? I have emailed asking for clarification for which room it is.

A question about the Villa Rosa (or Positano in general): Does the Villa Rosa have beach access? Is beach access common in Positano? Is it important? Thanks.

Villa Rosa does not have direct beach access. You have to cross the street (Via Columbo, I think) and walk down several flights thru Positano to reach water. I don't know how else to describe Positano, other than it's built vertically --- and because of that the best views are in higher sections versus having a hotel that's lower to the water.

Just stayed at Villa Franca (7/5 through 7/10). I think this hotel had the best views in all of Positano. Did not eat at the restaurant but had no problem either walking or using the hotel shuttle van (every 30 minutes to and from town).

Yes the hotel is high up from the beach but, the beach is usually crowded and it's made up of rocks, not sand (very hot). In the water the rocks are larger, be sure to bring water sox for getting out of the water pain free.

The best thing about the Villa Franca is that it has a swimming pool & bar on the roof. Great to spend the day staying cool/tanning while looking at the 360 dergree views!

Best,

John

the miramare only has one standard room they told me.......