La Caravella Residence

With just 12 rooms and little else to speak of, La Caravella is a simple hotel that lures guests with its sensational beachfront location. Its lack of a restaurant, bar, and pool isn't much of an issue given the ocean, and numerous eateries and shops are just steps away. Unfortunately, its high rates mean it has poor value, particularly when accounting for the numerous reports of maintenance problems, not receiving the specific room booked, and uncomfortable beds. Additionally, because there's no lobby or front desk here, guests must schedule arrivals in advance, though many have said they ended up roaming the property until they came across a staff member. Rooms with sea-view terraces, and apartment-style units with kitchenettes are certainly pros, but overall, there are better picks in the area. 

Although requiring stairs, Hotel Miramare is a charming boutique with fantastic views and free boat trips. For somewhere with a pool or spa, consider Hotel Poseidon.

La Caravella's crowning feature is its central location adjacent to the beach in Positano. Travelers are a five-minute walk from the port for ferries to Naples, Sorrento, Capri, and Amalfi. Numerous restaurants, bars, and shops are within a five-minute stroll, including popular spots such as Chez Black and Music on the Rocks. As cars are prohibited from certain areas, most of the travel through the town is done via steep steps and pedestrian alleys. Note for those arriving by car, guests are dropped off about a 10-minute walk from the property; they'll either need to pay a porter to haul luggage to the hotel or carry it themselves.

The 12 rooms here include both standard hotel rooms and apartment-style units with kitchenettes. The simple rooms are attractive, albeit on the dated side, with old-fashioned wood furniture and bedding -- including floral-patterned bedding and upholstered headboards in some. Others are more charming with wrought-iron bed frames and lovely elaborate tiling. Artwork, armoires, and wicker chairs add charm. Some units have big furnished terraces with pretty sea views. Ground-floor units can use a sandy lounger-equipped space overlooking the beach. On the downside, some units have poor views and many guests have complained of uncomfortable beds and maintenance issues. Additionally, some people have reported not getting the room they initially reserved.

Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, fridges, flat-screen TVs, safes, and desks. Apartments add kitchenettes with stovetops and dining tables. Bathrooms have bright teal or yellow mosaic tiling, small showers with plastic curtains, bidets, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Wi-Fi requires a daily fee (10 euros during our visit). 

This hotel lacks any real features, as there are no restaurant, bar, pool, or wellness facilities. Unlike many hotels in the area, breakfast is not offered. Ground-floor rooms can use a sandy lounger-equipped space overlooking the beach. Guests can also rent loungers and umbrellas along the beach. Wi-Fi is available for a daily charge, and the hotel can organize airport transfers. Pets are allowed.