Hotel Snapshot

Positano is the crown jewel of the Amalfi Coast. The charming cliffside town, with its breathtaking Tyrrhenian Sea views, volcanic pebble-laden Spiaggia Grande, and countless shops and cafes, attracts throngs of visitors every summer. While many tourists set their sights on Le Sirenuse, the world-renowned, instantly recognizable red-and-white seaside resort, it’s easy to overlook the apricot-colored boutique hotel right next door, but there’s ample reason not to.

Like the famous Le Sirenuse, Hotel L’Ancora is a family-run boutique hotel in the Sponda area boasting unbeatable panoramic Positano views. The main difference? The 18-room property welcomes guests to enjoy its prime location, top-notch amenities, and stunning bathrooms, a standout feature at the property, for a fraction of the price.

Design & Character

When guests enter Hotel L’Ancora, they’re met with a bright whitewashed stone lobby, cheerful front desk concierge, and the most precious tasseled room key. While there’s an elevator for luggage and people who need it, the walk down to the rooms is a can’t-miss moment at the five-story property. A few steps down from the lobby, there’s a landing with a panoramic Positano view so spectacular it looks more like a doctored Pinterest photo than real life. Moving throughout the property, guests can expect a classic Mediterranean aesthetic, with majolica tile floors, statement columns, sweeping arches, and spacious terraces with sea views you won’t soon forget.

The Rooms

Part of Hotel L’Ancora’s allure lies in its intimate scale. With just 18 rooms to choose from, the property feels like an exclusive respite overlooking Amalfi’s most famous cove.

Notably, each of the boutique hotel rooms and suites features a private balcony or terrace, a few of which even have private hot tubs, allowing guests to enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air without so much as leaving their room. While most of the accommodations boast jaw-dropping sea views, the Standard Room and Mediterranean Room are more private and feature partial views of the houses of Positano instead.

Inside each bright and airy room, guests will find understated Mediterranean elegance in the form of crisp bedding, hand-painted tiles, teak sun loungers with cream cushions, and pops of coastal color that tie the property to the place. The cobalt and teal-green bathroom tiles are especially eye-catching.

The Food & Drink

The Taste of Hotel L’Ancora, the property’s on-site restaurant, dishes up traditional Campanian cuisine for lunch and dinner, including light bites, homemade pasta, risotto, fresh seafood, and a variety of seasonal veggies. The open-air terrace restaurant also serves complimentary breakfast to guests, offering a spread of fresh pastries, fruit, eggs, coffee, and juice. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the terrace or in-room on the balcony. Speaking of which, room service is also available, should guests crave a Hugo Spritz while getting ready for an enchanting Italian evening out.

The Amenities

Hotel L’Ancora might be nestled high above the Spiaggia Grande and the many eateries, shops, and local tour opportunities that line the stone paths down, but it’s just a short, yet steep, walk and concierge call away. The property offers 24-hour assistance to arrange reservations, private cars, Vespas, boats, excursions, and more.

Given Hotel L’Ancora’s bite-sized footprint, the property doesn’t have an on-site pool, fitness center, or spa. That said, in-room massages are available for booking, and guests are granted passes for the property’s sister hotel, Covo dei Saraceni, where a picturesque terrace pool and bar await.

Location & Neighborhood Recs

The boutique property is located within the Sponda area of Positano, positioning it toward the upper-middle portion of the cliff. Due to its location, Hotel L’Ancora offers some of the best views in Positano, showcasing both the warm pastel cliffside homes and sparkling blue sea below. The Mother Church is also visible from the property.

Sights aside, this Amalfi hideaway is within steps of Franco’s Bar, one of the most popular terraces in all of Positano, as well as the Michelin-recommended La Sponda. Plenty of other hidden gems are just a short walk away, from Italian leather sandal shops and famous pottery and ceramic studios to highly rated restaurants and dessert destinations, though you’ll want to watch your step while reaching them.

Fast Facts

Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 36, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

Neighborhood: Sponda area

Nearest Airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)

Star Rating: 4-star

Starting Rate: From $227 off-season; from $547 peak season

Room Count: 18

Vibe: A bright and airy boutique property with stunning views and simple rooms

Best For: Girls' trips and couples craving an unforgettable cliffside, seafront stay

Amenities: 24-hour concierge, complimentary in-room or terrace breakfast, The Taste of Hotel L'Ancora, access to sister property's pools, Acqua dell’Elba toiletries

Nearby: Franco’s Bar, Le Sirenuse, La Sponda, CB Positano, Ceramica Assunta Positano, Collina Positano Bakery, Mastro Sandali Positano, Chez Black, Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Arienzo Beach Club

Our Favorite Thing: Enjoying a spectacular sunrise on the spacious balcony, curled up on a lounger with coffee in hand