If Hotels Exist In Heaven....

One look at this view to the Mediterranean from my room
at Le Sirenuse and I was in love!

The breakfasts are a smorgasbord of fresh pastries, nuts, olives...

...fruits, cheeses, tomatoes, and eggs.  What a great way
to start my day!

The red building at the top of the photo is the Le Sirenuse.

Beautiful tiles guide you to the Le Sirenuse.

Check out this view from the terrace where you dine.

You just can't imagine how good this was!

Another view of the hillside of Positano
from the dining terrace.

Mosaic tile work at the hotel.

The pool is on the same level as the dining terrace.

Another view to the Mediterranean Sea from Le Sirenuse.

The front entry from the street.

Beautiful parlors await you during those rare times you feel
 like not looking at the views outside.

I just never got tired of this terrace nor did I
tire of taking photos of it!

Need a lemon?  

And yet another view from the terrace.

The beach scene is so charming and looking
at it all while on my balcony at Le Sirenuse
couldn't be nicer!

Beautiful antiques in all of the rooms.  I
unfortunately didn't get a photo from the
angle looking out to my balcony.  I'm
just sick about that!  You'll just have to
trust me when I say it was stunning!

I did manage to leave the hotel to enjoy other wonderful
parts of Positano.  The city is incredibly beautiful
and full of warm and hospitable people.  

One of my favorite photos ever!  And, guess
where I took it?? Yep, from the terrace of
Le Sirenuse!

Yes, if hotels exist in Heaven then they must look like Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy!  Known as the "Red Siren", Le Sirenuse is the centerpiece of Positano but so tucked away you might miss it.  A very quiet 72-room boutique with spectacular views of the sea and the village that is tucked into the steep hills and cliffs that make up Positano.  Its modest entrance gives way to one of the most glamorous and distinctive hotels in all of Europe and is consistently named as one of Europe's top hotels.  I would go as far as to say it is one of the top hotels in the world.

Le Sirenuse is a former summer home owned by the Sersale family who came to Positano to escape the bombings taking place in Naples during World War II.  The Sersale family still owns it today and in 1951 they opened it to paying guests.  From all of the dining venues, terraces and choicest rooms, you are captivated by the magnificent views of the ocean as well as the baroque and pastel-colored buildings that are stacked up on top of each other from the ocean to the top of the cliffs.  It is a grand private home with a beautiful collection of antique furnishings and paintings.

The best of the 72 rooms can be found of the higher floors (especially the 7th floor).  Superior rooms lack balconies so be sure to ask for a Deluxe Room or a Junior Suite.  The outdoor mosaic pool is on the same floor as the terrace and dining area that offers the panoramic views as well.

In the evening, the indoor/outdoor dining area, La Sponda, is illuminated by 400 candles that take a staff member two hours to light.  The first-class food along with the candles and sweeping views make for a very romantic evening.  Before dinner, watch the sunset at the flower-scented terrace where the 19th-century wine bar is located.  What's not to love?!

The hotel has their own gonzo ( a wooden fishing boat that is much more than just a "fishing" boat, it's a beautiful vessel ).  Le Sirenuse can arrange for their guests to spend a leisurely afternoon sailing along the Amalfi Coast.  And it is exhilarating to jump off the boat into the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea!  The captain offered us wonderful drinks and appetizers along our way.  It was just a perfect way to spend the day.

The hotel is located within walking distance to the harbor, shops and trattorias.  One of the best shops is their own called "Emporio" which is located across the street from the hotel.  There you will find textiles, tableware, fragrances, designer fashions, ceramics, home accessories and all of the beautiful toiletries that they have in each of their guest rooms.  I think I brought home a case of their soaps and lotions!

The hotel is open year round but the restaurant is not open during winter months so I would advice you to hold up going until you can experience La Sponda as well.  It is part of the Positano experience that is not to be missed!

Another hotel I almost considered staying at was the Hotel San Pietro.  It is also considered one of the top hotels in Europe.  Situated just on the outskirts of town, it is miraculously terraced into the face of a solitary cliff.  You enter this beautiful sanctuary of a hotel through the concealed elevator that descends through the rock to the lobby and 60 guest rooms.  The elevator initially opens to a series of airy lobby lounges trimmed by vaulted ceilings, graceful archways and white-washed walls.  A romantic indoor/outdoor dining area overlooking the Mediterranean and a beautiful terrace provides breathtaking views of Positano and the rigged coastline.  Try to reserve rooms #13, #33, #49, #55 and #59 and avoid reserving a "Standard Room" as they are smaller and have the least of the captivating views.

A pool and sun deck are on the upper level along with a panoramic fitness and massage center.  Access the lower deck via an elevator that passes through the center of the cliff to a waterside bar, tennis court and the ocean.

Hotel San Pietro is closed January through March.


Other noteworthy hotels to check into in Positano are:

Poseidon Hotel, www.hotelposeidonpositano.it
Punta Regina, puntaregina.com
Hotel Villa Franca, www.villafrancahotel.it/en
Palazzo Murat Hotel, www.palazzomurat.it
Palazzo Marzoli Resort, www.palazzomarzoli.it
Hotel Villa Gabrisa, www.villagabrisa.com
Hotel Buca di Bacco, www.bucadibacco.it
Miramare Hotel, www.miramarepositano.it