Positano Art Hotel Pasitea

Right off the bat, the Pasitea peacocks from the main road. The two-story building is wrapped in fluffy fuchsia from bougainvillea, and the bright color doesn't stop there. Once inside, large blue distressed tiles floor the lobby and offset stark white walls. Furnishings are accented by wrought iron while speckles of in-ceiling lights create a starry effect. In an effort to pay homage to the many artists who have come from, visited, or been inspired by Positano, the hotel is shaped around its own dedicated gallery. Upon entering, guests are immediately greeted with a variety of works from local artists. Wall space is covered with colorful modern works. Large painted canvases are suspended from the ceiling and there’s a station for paintings in progress.

The hotel's overall palette attempts to recall the hues of Amalfi -- blue sea, white Mediterranean architecture, green landscapes, and fuchsia flowers. All together it’s a kind of energy-engaging sensory overload, though art appreciators might be drawn in. Save for a small seated area at the entrance, the only other public area in the hotel is the breakfast room turned cafe.

Perched at the tip-top of central Positano, the Pasitea has views over town and across the sea. A public bus stop out front makes it convenient for guests to dip in and out of town to explore local restaurants, art galleries, shops, and historical attractions. Although there are a few beaches in the area, only Fornillo Beach can be easily reached down a long set of stairs; others are accessible by boat.

Renting a car or taking the SITA bus is necessary to reach other destinations along the coast. The Sorrento Circumvesuviana train stop -- Positano's gateway to Pompeii -- is around nine miles from town. Reaching Naples’ main train station and airport and Salerno Airport all require more than an hour’s drive.

All 30 rooms at the Pasitea have either a private balcony or terrace with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Spaces are rather large and have a simple, quirky style. The lava-stone masonry and wrought-iron materials found in the lobby are also used to decorate the rooms, which has cooler tones of white, beige, and iridescent gray. The vibe is decidedly relaxed.

Guests will find here 27" flat-screen TVs, free wired internet access, comfortable pillows and mattresses, and kettles, the latter being quite a rarity in Italy. Suites also have hot tubs. Bathrooms are beautifully tiled and some have shower-baths, while other just have showers. Rooms close to the lobby can be noisy.

While the Pasitea seems to have a few luxury amenities, mostly in rooms, the hotel itself lacks a variety of expected features. Without a proper restaurant, dining room, spa, pool, or lounge area, guests are left only with the busy lobby or possibly crowded cafe. The only notable luxe feature is the wine bar, nestled in the Bruschetta Cafe/breakfast room where you can taste a variety of Italian vinos. A modest "business center" is set up near the main staircase and consists of a small glass desk, computer, and printer. Because of the overall lack of four-star amenities, the Pasitea is better suited for those looking to spend most of their time outside. Also, guests should know that there is a somewhat hidden charge for breakfast each morning, so be sure to clarify this upon booking.