Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast: The Best Hotels by Town
Last Updated on March 15, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
When most people picture the Amalfi Coast, they’re already imagining Positano — colorful houses tumbling down the cliffside into the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. And while Positano is absolutely iconic (I’ve been twice now, and it never gets old), the Amalfi Coast is actually a string of distinct towns, each with its own personality, its own pace, and its own incredible hotels.
If you’re planning a trip, one of the biggest questions is: where should you stay? The honest answer is that it depends entirely on what kind of trip you want. Positano is the most glamorous and most expensive. Amalfi town is the most central, with the best transport connections. Ravello sits high above everything — quieter, more romantic, and home to some of the most extraordinary luxury hotels on the entire coast. And Praiano, tucked in between, offers that same coastal magic with far fewer crowds.
This guide breaks down the best boutique and luxury hotels on the Amalfi Coast, town by town, so you can find the base that actually fits your trip.
A quick note: While I haven’t personally stayed at every hotel on this list, each one was hand-picked for its dreamy décor, thoughtful amenities, incredible location, and consistently glowing reviews. The ones I’ve stayed at or visited personally are noted.
The Best Hotels in Positano
Let’s start with the obvious: Positano. This cliffside town is the Amalfi Coast’s superstar — glamorous, photogenic, and home to some of the most famous hotels on the coast. It’s also one of the most expensive places to stay, which is why I always recommend weighing it against the other towns rather than defaulting to it automatically. That said, if you can swing it, there is nothing quite like waking up in Positano.
For a deeper dive into everything Positano has to offer, including where to eat and what to do while you’re there, visit my full range of Positano guides on the blog.
Le Sirenuse
Le Sirenuse is quite possibly the most iconic hotel in Positano — known for its chic interiors, Michelin-starred dining at La Sponda, and those world-famous views over the rooftops to the sea. The interiors are a love letter to the Amalfi Coast itself: hand-painted tiles, antique furnishings, and every room feeling like it was composed rather than decorated. It’s the kind of hotel that makes Positano feel like a film set — and honestly, earns every bit of its legendary status.
Hotel Buca di Bacco
Hotel Buca di Bacco is a boutique hotel perched right above Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach, which means you can step out of your room and be on the sand within minutes. We stayed here on our honeymoon and loved every moment of it: the staff were warm and genuinely wonderful, the bar and restaurant are lovely, and the views from the terrace are the kind you could sit with all afternoon. You can read my full review of our stay at Hotel Buca di Bacco, or check current rates on Expedia or Booking.com.
Planning a dinner reservation while you’re there? Don’t miss my guide to the best restaurants in Positano, from Michelin-starred splurges to the spots the locals actually love.
For a deeper dive into all of Positano’s best stays, visit my full guide: Where to Stay in Positano: Boutique Hotels & Luxury Stays.
The Best Hotels in Amalfi
If you want a central base with historic charm, Amalfi town is a wonderful choice. It’s walkable, lively, and home to the striking Duomo di Sant’Andrea — and with ferry and bus connections running in both directions along the coast, it’s arguably the best base for exploring beyond the town of your stay, if that’s something you’re prioritizing on your trip. And, the luxury properties here are truly special.
Hotel Santa Caterina
A legendary 5-star retreat just outside Amalfi, Hotel Santa Caterina is like stepping into an elegant Mediterranean dream. Perched dramatically on the cliffs, the property winds down through terraced lemon groves to its own private beach club — a rarity on the Amalfi Coast. While I have not personally stayed at Santa Caterina, I’ve heard nothing but amazing things: the service is impeccable, the gardens are lush, and the views stretch endlessly across the sea. If you’re looking for timeless Amalfi luxury, this is it.
Hotel Miramalfi
Built directly into the cliffs with panoramic terraces that seem to float over the water, Hotel Miramalfi is pure Amalfi drama. The hotel has a stunning infinity pool carved into the rocks, multiple restaurants serving fresh local seafood, and interiors that blend classic coastal style with a more contemporary comforts. What sets it apart is the feeling of being completely immersed in the landscape — the sea is everywhere, framed through every window and terrace. It’s a hotel that rewards slowing down: long lunches, afternoon swims, and evenings watching the light change over the beautiful blue water.
The Best Hotels in Ravello
Perched high above the coastline, Ravello is often called the most romantic town on the Amalfi Coast — and I couldn’t agree more. When I visited, I was struck by how different it felt from Amalfi or Positano: quieter, calmer, and yet effortlessly elegant. The town is known for its views (arguably the best on the entire coast), world-class concerts at Villa Rufolo, and elegant hotels that feel like they belong in another era.
In my opinion, Ravello is where you’ll find the best luxury hotels on the Amalfi Coast. The town is home to legendary properties — historic palaces turned 5-star icons, cliffside infinity pools that defy gravity, and Michelin-starred dining with panoramas you’ll never forget. If you’re looking for indulgence, romance, and timeless glamour, Ravello is truly unmatched.
Palazzo Avino
Palazzo Avino is known as the “Pink Palace.” This 12th-century villa turned 5-star hotel is the epitome of Ravello glamour. Perched on a cliff high above the Amalfi Coast, it offers incredible views of the sea, Michelin-star dining, and interiors that balance old-world elegance with coastal charm. Palazzo Avino has been on my must-stay list for years, the definition of a bucket-list Amalfi Coast stay.
Caruso, a Belmond Hotel
Set in an 11th-century palace perched at the very top of Ravello, Belmond Hotel Caruso is the epitome of luxury on the Amalfi Coast. As part of the world-renowned Belmond collection, it delivers a level of service, style, and timeless elegance that few hotels can match. The infinity pool is nothing short of iconic — seemingly suspended between sky and sea — and the terraced gardens feel like something out of a Renaissance painting. Inside, vaulted ceilings, frescoed salons, and airy suites transport you to another era, while modern comforts blend seamlessly with historic grandeur. Every corner of the property whispers sophistication, making it not just a hotel, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Best Hotels in Praiano
If you want the views of and similar to Positano without the constant crowds, Praiano is a lovely alternative. Tucked just between Positano and Amalfi, this fishing village-turned-hideaway is slower, more local, and a bit less chaotic — yet it’s still perfectly located for exploring the rest of the coast. Praiano is ideal for travelers who want to soak up the romance of the Amalfi Coast while enjoying a more peaceful (and slightly more affordable) base. It’s also home to some of the most charming boutique hotels!
Casa Angelina
A design lover’s dream, Casa Angelina is a minimalist, all-white boutique hotel carved into the cliffs. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame endless sea views, and everything here feels chic, modern, and artful. With a rooftop pool, fine dining, and sleek rooms, it’s one of the most stylish hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
Hotel Onda Verde
For our most recent trip, we almost booked Hotel Onda Verde in Praiano before deciding to stay in the action in Positano. Family-run for generations, Onda Verde is perched over the rocks with direct beach access to the crystal-clear water below, with quick access to water taxis that will take you to the main beach in Positano. This hotel embodies the warmth of Italian hospitality, with terraces draped in bougainvillea and cozy rooms overlooking the sea. It’s a place where you can slow down and enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
While You’re There: Things to Do on The Amalfi Coast
The towns are beautiful on their own, but some of the best experiences on the Amalfi Coast happen on the water. A private boat tour from Positano — whether you’re headed to Capri, the Blue Grotto, or just drifting along the coastline with a bottle of something cold — is one of those days you’ll talk about for years. I can speak to this personally: we did a boat day to Capri on our honeymoon and it was one of the highlights of our entire Italy trip.
You can also find Amalfi Coast cooking classes, wine tastings in the hills above Ravello, and guided hikes along the Path of the Gods — one of the most breathtaking coastal walks in the world. Browse Amalfi Coast experiences on Viator to build out your days beyond the hotel.
Choosing where to stay on the Amalfi Coast is about more than finding a beautiful room. It’s about choosing the backdrop for some of your most unforgettable memories. Every town offers something different — the glamour of Positano, the historic heart of Amalfi, the quiet elegance of Ravello, the unhurried charm of Praiano. In my own view, the luxury hotels of Positano and Ravello are the most extraordinary on the coast; properties like Le Sirenuse, Belmond Caruso and Palazzo Avino are the kind of stays that stay with you long after you’ve left. But wherever you choose to anchor yourself, your hotel will become a part of your Amalfi Coast story.
Still planning the broader Italy leg of your trip? I have a full 12-day Italy honeymoon itinerary covering Puglia, Positano, Florence, and Rome — and if you’re deciding between Italy’s southern coastlines, my Puglia guides are a wonderful starting point for the Adriatic Coast.