Most Romantic Hotels in the Amalfi Coast

The Belmond Hotel Caruso is one of the top luxury hotels not only on the Amalfi Coast, but in Italy. Situated in an 11th-century palace and surrounded by fragrant terraced gardens, it is perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea at Ravello's highest point and offers full-on views of the sea and village. The 50 rooms and suites have beautifully tiled floors and marble bathrooms, and many offer terraces or balconies overlooking the water. Amenities include a truly jaw-dropping infinity pool, a small spa and gym, a piano bar, and a fine-dining Italian restaurant serving a free buffet breakfast. Though its Ravello location isn't quite as popular as Positano or Amalfi, its hilltop setting, history, and sweeping views help it edge out its competitors when it comes to romance.

One of the priciest hotels in Positano, this luxury boutique is also perhaps the most beautiful and it lives up to its upscale reputation with pristine grounds, thoughtful free extras (like snacks and boat trips), and a renowned restaurant. Rooms feature antique furniture and modern appliances, but some are small and/or noisy. That said, it's an excellent choice for those who can afford it and seek a central location, gorgeous spa, and spectacular views from all around.

While most of the Amalfi hotels can claim excellent views across the coast, the 66 room-and-suite Santa Caterina Hotel has got five-star features, harmonious antique style, and fragrant gardens. Guests can take advantage of the wellness center, exclusive swimming pool access, and gym. Dining options range from the elegant Restaurant Santa Caterina to the more casual Al Mare eatery, along with an expansive wine cellar.

A member of the Relais & Chateaux luxury fellowship and possibly the most expensive hotel in Positano, Il San Pietro has enormous rooms with spacious terraces overlooking the sea, an elevator with access to a private cove beach, an on-site luxury spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The downside is that it is not within easy walking distance to town, but a free shuttle can take you there 24/7.

Luxurious and romantic, the Monastero Santa Rosa is a luxury boutique property with spectacular sea views, a high-end spa, a beautiful pool, a small outdoor gym, and fine and casual dining on-site. All rooms and suites look out onto the sea and some have spacious terraces. Although some past guests have mentioned wishing for more variety at the restaurant, the hotel overall does an excellent job of creating an enchanting experience for guests, so long as they can afford the high room rates.

Part of the NH Collection chain, the Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi is housed in a stunning, gorgeously restored medieval monastery dramatically situated on the Amalfi Coast, just minutes from the harbor and the town of Amalfi. The 53 rooms all have panoramic views of the sea, modern design, free Wi-Fi, minibars, terra-cotta floors, and lovely marble bathrooms, but they can be small. An infinity pool is carved into the natural cliff. Features include a spa, a restaurant, and a poolside bar.

Of the three high-end hotels in the vicinity, the Covo Dei Saraceni is the only one on the beach with a pool overlooking Positano Bay and the spectacular Amalfi coastline. Crowds on the beach and boats headed to and from the nearby ferry dock can be a bit noisy, but rooms overall are pretty quiet and many are equipped with private hot tubs and two balconies. Exploring the ancient cliffside town involves a walk uphill, but the return trip is always downhill. There are three restaurants (including a brasserie with delicious pizza), and a gelateria, and though the Covo may be the most expensive hotel in the area, many guests feel it’s worth it.

A well-respected hotel on Italy's Amalfi Coast, the 77-room Hotel Raito is a romantic and exclusive getaway high up on a coastal cliff. Most rooms have balconies overlooking the sea and some of the suites have whirlpool hot tubs; decor here isn't as luxe as what one may expect at an upscale property. There's also a spa on-site as well as a beautiful pool area with fantastic views of the Gulf of Salerno. Because of its romantic ambiance, the Raito is a popular wedding spot, and some guests have complained of noisy post-nuptial parties.

Unlike most hotels in the cliffside town of Positano that require a steep walk to reach the beach and town center, the 17th-century Palazzo Murat is located smack in the town center’s pedestrian zone. The property is immaculate and equipped with a highly acclaimed-restaurant and its own citrus and botanical garden; rooms have antique furnishings (that can nonetheless seem a tad bland) and modern amenities, but bathrooms are small. With a pristine pool and some nice freebies, Palazzo is ideal for travelers who want to stay in historic lodgings in the heart of the action, but it lacks the gorgeous ocean views of nearby cliffside hotels.

Centrally located in Positano, the 52-room Hotel Poseidon offers breathtaking views of the coast and of the bay in a chic, cozy boutique environment. Quaint, basic rooms vary in size and style, but all have patios and terraces with panoramic views. The on-site spa offers massages and has a Turkish bath built right into the cliff rock. Just be prepared to do a lot of walking—exploring Positano requires a lot of going up and down steps.

This multi-level family-run guesthouse is made up of only nine rooms, each offering the sprawling coastal views the area is famous for. The quaint, idyllic grounds are covered in ivy and flowering vines, and the pride the family takes in their cuisine is reflected in the on-site restaurant’s exceptional offerings. Hotel Pellegrino is ideal for those seeking an affordable and romantic stay along the coastal cliffs. However, those wishing for an immediately accessible on-site pool or dedicated sunbathing area may be disappointed, though these amenities are available for use at a nearby hotel.

With beatiful sea views, the cliffside Hotel Marincanto scores plenty of points for ambiance. Rooms and suites have king beds and balconies, many with sea-facing views. Suites also have whirlpool hot tubs, but overall room decor is bland. On-site features include a restaurant serving an expansive (and free) buffet breakfast, as well as a small infinity pool with ocean views. There's a beach area as well, but it's only accessible via a long flight of stairs and it's technically not private.

Although the Miramare could use a little updating, its location — within a 10-minute walk to the beach and the center of Positano — is hard to beat. The Mediterranean décor is warm and welcoming, and rooms have amazing views of the Gulf of Salerno. Given its location on a cliff, guests should expect to do a lot of walking up and down stairs, but this is the norm in the area. Although there's no pool and the property lacks the newness and luxury of hotels such as the Villa Fiorentino or Il San Pietro up the road, the Miramare’s convenient central location make it a great value.