9 Best Hotels in The Amalfi Coast, Italy

This tiny, unpretentious hotel on the outskirts of Positano beckons with bougainvillea-laden views, castaway cottages, terraces growing produce, and a turquoise seawater pool—all perched over a private beach where a boat can whisk you away to Capri. Thanks to the wonderful Mandara family, you'll feel right at home in a few minutes—because this is their home. Guest rooms with coved ceilings, whitewashed walls, and native folk art are simple havens of tranquillity and comfort. Some are in a house above the road (a bit noisy if trucks rumble by, but this rarely happens at night); others are in adorable cottages close to the sea. Very steep, arbor-covered walkways zigzag across the hill, linking these little acres of heaven.

Just across from the magnificent steps leading to Amalfi's cathedral, this tiny, family-run pensione has a cute "Room with a View" lobby that's as big as a Victorian closet and guest rooms (most overlooking the Duomo) that range from cozy to a family-friendly triple, plus a mini-apartment.   

Up a tiny side street not far from the Piazza Duomo, the unassuming Hotel Amalfi offers decent value in the heart of Amalfi; though rooms are standard and somewhat characterless, expect a friendly welcome and a roof terrace where you can breakfast in the warm morning sun.

The one-time residence of Pisani (in the 12th century) has simple and comfortable rooms with historical touches—look for the frescoed ceiling in the former ballroom, now the dining room. The owners, Agnese and Maria Rosa Marino, are extremely helpful and friendly, making you feel right at home in the heart of Amalfi.

In 1288, this diminutive property overlooking the coastline housed an order of Augustinian friars; today the intact cloister hosts travelers intent on enjoying themselves under the coved ceilings of the former eremitani scalzi (shaved hermit) cells. Ancient, ivy-covered stone arches and a tiled walkway lead to a cozy interior that still feels like a retreat. In the garden, sun loungers, a fishpond, and alfresco dining all share the vista.

Hidden away from the Positano crowds, a short passeggiata away from the hydrofoil port, lovely host Gabriella and her long-serving team run a laid-back but well-run hotel blessed by Spiaggia Fornillo beachside bliss, with 34 tiled suites and practical bathrooms with balconies and facilities galore including restaurant, bar and bathing services. Ground floor standard rooms have traditional tiles and are a little noisier as near the restaurant and path; while first and second floors offer more peace, modern tiled-style with more space and grandstand private terrace views over the sunbeams, waves and coastline.   

The quarters might be snug and simply furnished, but many have balconies with gorgeous sea and sky vistas framed by the palm trees of the Villa Rufolo, just below the hotel. D.H. Lawrence worked on Lady Chatterley's Lover during his 1926 visit (in Room 423), so it might be fun to revisit the novel's groundbreaking love scenes while at this hotel run for generations by the Schiavo family. Author Gore Vidal could often be seen strolling along the path beside the hotel—he owned La Rondinaia, the villa at the end of the path, and lodged here after selling to a private investor in 2006.

Two minutes from the Duomo, this good-value, relaxing, little place with a garden, antiques, and a history that includes stays by some illustrious artistic guests (e.g., the composer Edvard Grieg and the artist M.C. Escher) has been family-run for three generations. Grieg wrote in the guest book that he was "molto contento," and Escher's celebrated prints of spiraling staircases were inspired by those he saw in Ravello and Atrani.

A 10-minute walk from the Piazza Duomo, this secluded hotel with a garden is family-run and shares the same exhilarating view of the Bay of Salerno as Ravello's most expensive hotels. Rooms are generally small (some feature an outside space with a table for two) and have modern furnishing; suites are in a different league.