The Amalfi Coast may be the most beautiful 34-mile stretch of coastline anywhere in the world. Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno, its small hillside towns, and postcard-perfect hotels make it a global hotspot during the warm summer months. For those thinking about an Amalfi vacation, here are the 12 top hotels and their best suites.
1. Le Sirenuse
2. Monastero Santa Rosa
3. Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel
4. Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast
5. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
6. Hotel Santa Caterina
7. Il San Pietro di Positano
8. Casa Angelina
9. Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi
10. Palazzo Avino
11. Hotel Villa Cimbrone
12. Hotel Eden Roc Positano
1. Le Sirenuse
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Its cherry-red façade bright among the cliffs, Le Sirenuse is one of the most luxurious places to stay along the Amalfi Coast. It originally was built as a private summer home for the Sersale family, and the property was converted into a boutique hotel shortly after World War II, opening its doors to the public in 1951. Starting with only eight guest rooms, the hotel has since expanded with the acquisition of two neighboring properties. Almost 60 years later, Le Sirenuse now consists of 58 accommodations, four high-end bars and restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a stylish spa. But even though it has gained popularity as the place to stay in Positano, Le Sirenuse still prides itself on being family-run and making every guest feel at home. In addition to the stunning views and elegant décor, Le Sirenuse boasts a coveted location. It sits high on Positano hill and is right in the middle of the bustling historic town.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “Most bedrooms are not huge, but are lovely, with traditional tiled floors, antique chests, and balconies with tables and chairs overlooking the steep climb through the village down to the beach. La Sponda, the hotel’s main restaurant, with its 400 candles and bougainvillea-strewn dining room, is one of the coast’s top dinner spots, as much for the atmosphere as for food.”
Two Bedroom Suite Sea View
The hotel’s largest suite combines a Junior Suite Superior Sea View and a separate living room with a Sea View room, with three bathrooms. There is 1,184 sq ft. of interior space with terraces ranging from 287 sq. ft. to 458 sq. ft.
More suites at Le Sirenuse.
2. Monastero Santa Rosa
According to the Telegraph, “One of the most exclusive and luxurious of all the hotels in this most-exclusive chunk of Italy, the Santa Rosa’s creation is down to one woman, Bianca Sharma, an American who bought the vast, clifftop building after spying it from a boat. She spared no expense in transforming the 17th-century monastery into a stylish and cocooning hotel, while fully respecting the building’s origins. There’s everything you are likely to need on site: fabulous, terraced gardens with a heated infinity pool that seems suspended over the water; a huge spa (one of the biggest and best on the costiera); an outdoor gym with a view; excellent food; even a shuttle bus service to and from Amalfi.”
Sea View Rosa Suite
The Sea View Rosa Suite sprawls over 1,450 sq. ft. over two levels. Downstairs, the open-plan dining and living room with fireplace features a separate bar area. A curved staircase leads upstairs to the bedroom, which is suspended over the living room with a glass railing, giving it a modern, loft-like feel, and features a king-size bed. The bathroom with a soaking bathtub, a separate oversized shower with a glass wall, a dressing area, and a walk-in wardrobe.
More suites at Monastero Santa Rosa.
3. Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “From this cliffside-carved eyrie 80 meters above the sea, the whole of picturesque, rollicking Amalfi and the glistening waters of the Gulf of Salerno are laid out in panorama. But up here on the terraces of the Anantara Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, the shrieks of day-tripping cruise passengers, zipping back and forth in Tango-orange tenders, are pleasantly faint. All is peaceful under the long, lazy loggia laden with vibrant fuchsia bougainvillea – the Passeggiata dei Monaci – and in the neat orchards low-hanging with fat, bobbly Amalfi lemons. While the spirit of this hotel speaks more to the pleasure-seeking days of the Belle Époque (when the building first became a hotel), the shell it occupies has a certain austere yet spiritually powerful identity that cannot be eradicated.
Suite Dell’Eremita
This one-bedroom suite is situated in a lemon grove and comes with your own private Jacuzzi with a view.
Mores suites at Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel.
4. Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say, “Commanding attention atop the hillside town of Ravello, Caruso offers a luxurious escape surrounded by Old World charm. The origins of this remarkable property date to the 11th century when it was built as a noble family palazzo. Two medieval stone lions guarding the entrance emulate the historic atmosphere that has long made this a sought-after haunt. The attractions that helped build Ravello’s reputation as a peaceful oasis on the Amalfi Coast are only moments away. Stroll through the Villa Rufolo gardens that inspired 19th-century composer Richard Wagner and gaze across the sea from the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone. Set off for mountain hikes nearby or spend a day hopping along the nearby coastal villages. Yet with an infinity pool that is a dream come true, finely landscaped gardens, and a tempting array of dining options, you might just find it hard to leave the property at all.”
Villa Margherita
This two-floor villa spans nearly 2,500 sq. ft. with two bedrooms and your own private garden, all on the hotel’s grounds.
More suites at Caruso, a Belmond Hotel.
5. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a hotel of tantalizing contradictions. The picturesque property enjoys a prime position on Sorrento’s bustling central square — Piazza Tasso — with its enviable people-watching and pleasant after-dark buzz. Though the retreat also stands in splendid isolation on five acres of lush parkland, boasting some of the best sunset views in Sorrento from its clifftop perch. This grande dame of the Sorrento shore recently celebrated its 180th birthday, but legend has it that the hotel stands on an ancient site where Roman emperor Augustus built his summer villa.”
Caruso Two-Bedroom Suite
The 1,022 sq. ft. Caruso Two-Bedroom Suite features two marble bathrooms.
More suites at Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.
6. Hotel Santa Caterina
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “With a coveted cliffside perch overlooking the Amalfi Coast’s picturesque harbor, Hotel Santa Caterina balances a convenient location near the historic town center with a secluded seaside setting. Housed within a late-19th-century liberty-style (Italy’s equivalent to art nouveau) estate sprawling down the rocky cliffside to the sea, the property affords picturesque views of lush gardens and azure waters, whether you’re relaxing on the elegant wisteria-covered terrace or lounging on a private balcony. One of the only luxury hotels in the area with direct ocean access, Hotel Santa Caterina has a private Beach Club — among its finest perks. Elevators carved into the cliff make it easy to reach the venue’s heated saltwater pool, solarium, fitness center, restaurant, and bar. Take your relaxation to the next level with a visit to the spa for treatments inspired by the coast’s natural citrus scents.”
Follia Amalfitana
Enjoy your only private pool in one of the hotel’s two signature suites.
More suites at Hotel Santa Caterina.
7. Il San Pietro di Positano
Forbes Travel Guide notes, “Cascading down the rugged Amalfi Coast mountainside, Il San Pietro di Positano was made for dreaming. Inspired by its landscape, this luxury Positano hotel was built on the idea of being invisible. With lush garden terraces and architecture blending organically into the rugged cliffs, the property achieves a remarkable balance and respect for the Amalfi Coast. A love of place is evident in every detail, from the locally sourced ceramic tiles from Vietri sul Mare to the beautifully framed coastal views to the organic produce grown on the steep garden terraces used in Il San Pietro’s excellent restaurants.”
The Virginia Suite
The 1,320-sq. ft. Virgina Suite includes a living room with a fireplace, two toilets, an open shower overlooking the sea, and a large Japanese-styled bath.
More suites at Il San Pietro di Positano.
8. Casa Angelina
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Carved in the cliffs in the charming Italian village of Praiano, Casa Angelina offers a luxury boutique retreat. The property is a respite from the bustling towns nearby, affording breathtaking views of Positano and Capri’s Faraglioni rock formations. The minimalistic design allows the panoramic scenery of the Mediterranean to take center stage. Plush white-on-white aesthetics provide a stunning contrast to the surrounding cobalt-blue sea and vibrant contemporary art displayed throughout the hotel. Large windows, terraces, and even a glass elevator offer gorgeous vistas at every turn. The 39 guest rooms exude modern minimalism and continue an effortless balance of contemporary architecture and stunning visions of the lush Italian coast.
You do not have to leave the property to enjoy a taste of fresh Italian cuisine, relax on a serene pool deck or experience a lively beach club — you’ll find it all here. But if you do feel compelled to explore the storied surrounding area, Casa Angelina is ideally situated for an afternoon excursion.”
Angelina Suite
The 645 sq. ft. Angelina Suite is located on the top floor, an all-white refuge. Guests can bask in the sun or dine al fresco on their private 323-sq. ft. terrace and unwind in the oversized, Phillip Starck-designed bathroom, complete with a separate shower and bathtub.
More suites at Casa Angelina.
9. Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Featured on our 2022 Hot List of the best new hotels in the world if you wanted to land the most plum address on the Amalfi, this would be it — perched high in the cliffs, built into the rock face overlooking the sea, and within view of the sweet fishing village of Conca dei Marini. The property’s original 1960s bones have been enhanced by a magical crew of local Amalfitano artisans, with details like landscaped gardens and museum-worthy vintage pieces making it one of the most exciting Italian arrivals in years. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and sea views, but ask for an infinity-pool option if you don’t want to have to go to the private beach or communal pool to cool off.”
Premium Suite with Pool
The 1,475 sq. ft. Premium Suite with Pool includes a private terrace or garden with heated infinity plunge pool.
More suites at Borgo Santandrea.
10. Palazzo Avino
Conde Nast Traveler reports, “In any other setting, it would be impossible to miss the lashings of marble, vaulted hallways and antique busts, yet all eyes point in one direction: to the horizon. Palazzo Avino, first built as a private home in the 12th century, has a fairy-tale vista across the Monte Avvocata valley and the yacht-speckled Bay of Salerno. Known as the pink palace of Ravello, it is run by sisters Mariella and Attilia Avino, who have infused the place with buckets of personality and style – right down to the hand-painted tableware designed by Mariella and the Mar-a-viglia white wine from their vineyard, La Cascinetta, served at the glam Lobster & Martini Bar. The decor is Poseidon’s palace by way of Moda Operandi, with pink shell tiles, glossy sea-foam-blue bathrooms, and chic scalloped headboards. Palazzo Avino doesn’t do straight lines: doorways are arched, ceilings domed, mirrors wavy, all mimicking the raggedly vertiginous coastline. Baroque terraces bursting with bubblegum-pink dipladenias lead down to the pool, where candy-striped parasols shade Dolce sliders and homemade Sorrento lemonade arrives in colorful Marino glassware. The hotel’s beach club, 20 minutes away, is a sprawling cliffside hang-out, in 2023 taken over by Valentino, complete with red loungers and retro changing booths. The main restaurant, Michelin-starred Rossellini’s, is one of the most spectacular dining rooms on the Amalfi Coast, where waistcoated waiters serve plates of lemon ravioli by candlelight, and all is well with the world.”
Infinito Suite
The 1,026 sq. ft. duplex Infinito Suite is located on the top floor with a large living room that includes a dining area and a fully equipped guest bathroom, one bedroom, and one large master bathroom with both bath and a separate large shower. The second floor features a relaxing living area with an expansive private terrace with views of the Amalfi Coast, a private infinity pool, and a large outdoor dining area.
More suites at Palazzo Avino.
11. Hotel Villa Cimbrone
The Telegraph writes, “Villa Cimbrone comprises beautiful gardens, open to the public during the day, and rooms full of antiques, paintings and frescoes – all in one of the most romantic locations in the world. This is a hotspot for anyone wanting to enjoy the special magic of Ravello. The 19 bedrooms are all different, with antique furnishings and wonderful views, original Vietri majolica floors and stone or majolica fireplaces. There are two stand-out suites: romantic Greta Garbo and Camelia, each with superb, frescoed ceiling. There is also a solarium, a small fitness center and a beautiful swimming pool.”
Ernest William Beckett Suite
More suites at Hotel Villa Cimbrone.
12. Hotel Eden Roc Positano
Conde Nast Traveler says, “Despite the prestigious name and desirable location near the center of Positano, Hotel Eden Roc is intimate, charming, and warm. It is the project of the Casola family, who take care of guests as if they were friends. Or as they put it, they create an atmosphere that will make you feel like the main actor of your Italian movie. There are 25 rooms and suites in the main building, three “annex suites” out front, plus three apartments and two lavish villas beyond the grounds. Everything has been recently renovated in a way that combines the traditional with the contemporary style, and all the rooms are full of light with views of the sea.”
Villa Dominick
This 2,500 sq. ft. villa offers four bedrooms, four bathroom and an equal amount of outdoor space.
More suites at Hotel Eden Roc Positano.