During our recent three-night trip to Positano, we stayed at Hotel Marincanto, and we are so glad we did! Perched along Positano’s famous cliffside, the property offers sweeping terraces, private beach access, and an infinity pool that seems to float above the sea. With a blend of boutique charm and classic Positano romance, it’s easy to see why this hotel remains a favorite for couples, honeymooners, and return visitors alike.
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Arrival & First Impressions of Hotel Marincanto
We arrived at Hotel Marincanto in the early afternoon after hiring a private transfer from the Naples airport. From the moment we walked into the open-air lobby, we were struck by the view. Looking out over the colorful houses, steep cliffs, and deep blue water felt surreal. It was exactly what we had hoped for when picturing our perfect Positano vacation.
The front desk staff was warm and welcoming. They offered us a glass of champagne as a welcome amenity, helped us with our bags, and offered a quick overview of the hotel layout. Unlike the larger hotels in town, Marincanto felt more relaxed and intimate. That balance of elegance and comfort set the tone for the rest of our stay.
Our Room
We booked one of Hotel Marincanto’s junior suites with a private terrace and sea view. The room was spacious, with traditional Positano tile floors, whitewashed walls, and classic Mediterranean touches. It wasn’t the most modern room we’ve ever stayed in, but it had character and charm.
The room also had strong air conditioning, reliable Wi-Fi, and plenty of space for unpacking. One small downside was the wall-mounted hair dryer, which wasn’t very powerful. Ally was frustrated with how long it took to dry her hair after a shower. What we loved most though was the room’s private terrace. Watching the sun rise over the sea in the morning and seeing fireworks over the city at night were some of our favorite moments from our trip.
The Pool and Outdoor Spaces
The infinity pool at Hotel Marincanto was a major selling point for us. Set on a wide terrace with loungers and umbrellas, it offered unobstructed views of the coast and town. We spent every afternoon here, swimming, sunbathing, and soaking it all in.
Another unique feature of Hotel Marincanto is its private pathway down to the sea. A long staircase winds through gardens and stone walls, eventually leading to a small private beach area located just to the East of Spiaggia Grande. It’s quieter than the main beach and felt like a hidden gem, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Dining at Hotel Marincanto
Breakfast was included in our stay and was served each morning on Hotel Marincanto’s scenic terrace overlooking the sea. The spread was generous, with fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, meats, cheeses, and strong Italian coffee. There was even champagne available at breakfast, perfect for mixing your own mimosa and starting the day in a vacation mindset.
For lunch and dinner, Hotel Marincanto has its own full-service restaurant, Terrazza Celè. The restaurant offers elevated Italian cuisine and beautiful views of the sea. Although we chose to explore other dining options in town, it was nice to have a high-quality on-site option available. The hotel is also home to RED Cocktail & Champagne Terrace, a champagne bar with stunning views of Positano. We found this to be the perfect place to grab an early evening drink before heading out for dinner.
Location and Accessibility
Located mid-way up the cliff, Hotel Marincanto provides convenient access to many of Positano’s best restaurants. Walk just one minute around the corner to ROC Pizza & Steak for a delicious dinner. Or, walk one minute down the street to Angelo Cafe for a lemon sorbet served out of a frozen lemon. Aldo’s and Franco’s, two of Positano’s best cocktail bars, are also only a three minute walk down the street.
We didn’t have a car during our stay in Positano, and we didn’t miss it. We arrived by car service, explored on foot, and used a private boat tour to explore the coast. Hotel Marincanto is located just off Via Cristoforo Colombo, one of the main pedestrian roads through Positano. While Positano is known for its stairs, the hotel’s location helped minimize how many we had to climb each day. With that being said, any Positano stay is going to require a lot of walking and a lot of steps. Regardless of where you stay, it is a difficult place to visit for those with mobility issues.
Final Thoughts on Hotel Marincanto
Staying at Hotel Marincanto made our time in Positano feel truly special. The views were breathtaking, the service was thoughtful, and the location made it easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a romantic spot with just the right amount of polish, and we would absolutely stay here again. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or just a dreamy escape to the Amalfi Coast, Hotel Marincanto is one of the best hotels in Positano!
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