Can anyone who has been to Positano compare the merits of these 2 hotels? They both seem wonderful. Views, rooms, service, location, etc. Grazie

Villa Franca has more amenities and is a bit more gracious. There may even be a difference in the number of stars (4 vs. 3). I posted something yesterday about Villa Franca. It was wonderful. A friend of mine stayed at Villa Rosa and it sounded a little more modest. And of course Villa Franca is far more modest than a place like San Pietro.

Yes, I'm wondering about people's experiences as well. I've heard lots of raves about room 18 at the Villa Rosa but not too many people raving about the rooms and views at the Villa Franca. Can anyone share their experiences? Grazie

Can't say anything about Villa Franca, but did spend about six nights at the Villa Rosa in 1999. Yes, the rooms are nice, large and the terraces have the most fabulous views and we enjoyed the warm reception there. BUT, the stairs kill. They just seemed endless and rose staight up. If this poses no problem and you are young and in good shape, go for the Villa Rosa.

you can also stay at L'Ancora which I believe is across a street from Villa Rosa (and therefore, you don't have to climb those steps). The rooms at L'Ancora are very nice and the views are gorgeous.

I have stayed at Villa Franca and loved it. It is more upscale than Villa Rosa with nice finishes in the rooms and nicer amenities. It also has a charming rooftop pool and bar w/food service and a small spa where you can get a massage, manicure, etc. It's not a grand hotel by any means but it has everything you need for a perfect stay. Definitely splurge for the sea view rooms...they are not huge but they are charming with small terraces and 'to die for' views. Villa Franca also has a restaurant and small bar in the lobby. One of the advantages of Villa Rosa is that it is not as high up in the town so you are closer to the water. Personally, I find the views are nicer higher up but it does involve more walking.

We loved the Villa Franca and only wished we had more than our three nights there. We decided to take a chance and did not have reservations when we arrived in Positano. We phoned the day before, but had no luck. We stopped first at the Villa Franca (it had been recommended in Karen Brown's book). They had a cancellation and had one room available in the main hotel with a sea view. It was absolutely wonderful, but we decided to check out Le Sirenuse. Well, believe it or not they also had one cancellation, and also showed us their room. Yes, it was a little more luxurious than Villa Franca(as was the hotel), but definitely not $300 a night more so! The rooms and bathrooms at Villa Franca are large and beautifully decorated. They have small terraces overlooking the sea. The bathrooms are marble and modern and have real showers with real shower heads (not always true in Italy). The staff was very helpful. The roof top pool is beautiful and breakfasts are lavish and served on the terrace overlooking the sea or in a very pretty dining room. I can't wait to return!