Hotel California - Positano

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Apr 2008

This was our first time at Hotel California. Having stayed at hotels in Rome and Athens previously on the trip this was a pleasant surprise. Our room was clean, roomy and had an excellent view. I was there with my wife and two teen childeren and the accomodations were perfect for us. 10 minite walk to the beach and access to boats for trips to Amalphi, Capri and Sorrento. Shopping and restaurants in Positano a short walk. Breakfast was not spectacular, but was satisfactory. The hotel has a family run feel to it, with freindly staff and a welcoming host in Maria. The cost is high due to the dollar conversion, but relative to the cost of other hotels in the area I think it was a reasonable value.

Guest name: Ronald Merrill, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Oct 2007

We loved this hotel. Its in a great location and has a beautiful terrace area where you can relax and chat to other guests if you want to. The people were incredibly friendly and accommodating. Everything was great

Guest name: JB, Australia

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Hotel California was absolutely amazing! We expected a great stay after reading all the comments in Trip Advisor and we were not disappointed. Maria runs an outstanding hotel. She is friendly, professional, and an expert in everything about the Amalfi Coast. We had room 58 for a week and woke up every morning to see the bay from our balcony. The room was spotless and the service was the best we have seen in Italy. Breakfast was more than we could eat and was of high quality. We took Maria's recommendations for dinner and particularly liked La Cambusa and the restaurant on the hill (can't remember the name). We will be returning to Positano again and will only stay at the Hotel California. If anyone is even considering staying in Positano, the Hotel California is a MUST!

Guest name: FB, USA

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2007

hotel was worth every cent great location walking distance to main areas whereas other hotels local bus needed. however if arriving by ferry (best way to take in sites) do take the porter option 3euro a luggage as those stairs up hill are bad enough without them.We had the best view room no.66 a very large room with great character. Breakfast was nice. hotel staff are very friendly but female owner can be a bit pushy as they do get kick backs. restaruant next door was lovely and not badly price with great view worth trying. If needing to get to naples airport via taxi or driver too expensive expect approx 110 euro however cheaper option take a bus to sorrento and then another connecting bus direct to airport for a total 14 euro just get details from tourist info.

Guest name: Giuseppe Canturi, Australia

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: 

stayed in Sep 2007

We requested a balcony with a view, which we got, however, our balcony literally opened to the entrance to the hotel on the first floor. If we opened our patio door (which was the only source of light) people literally tried to walk into our room, thinking it was the front door to the hotel. It was a little disturbing especially since we were two women staying alone. Other than that Maria was friendly, the breakfast was good and our room was big. No shower curtain made bathing interesting to say the least. I would stay here again, I would just be sure to ask for a "private" patio.

Guest name: JL, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2007

Maria es inigualable, Sincera y directa hara todo lo posible para hacer tu estadia lo mejor, sin ella dejar al lado su negocio y su beneficio economico. Te sientes como un invitado. Debe de haber hoteles mas lujosos en el area, pero ninguno te permitira vivir esta experiencia, es como quedarse en casa de un Italiano. El desayuno es pobre. La primera noche nos toco una habitacion en la primera planta cuya terraza era la terraza del hotel, es decir cero privacidad y mucho ruido, al hacerlo notar a Maria se encargo de hacernos cambiar de habitacion el dia siguiente. Un edificio viejo en buen estado, nada de diseno moderno, muebles rusticos. Bien ubicado,con estacionamiento incluido, no necesitaras el carro en Positano. Maria, su esposo Antonio y su hijo y empleados te ayudaran en cada detalle de tu estadia.

Guest name: Sergio Velasquez, Mexico

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Aug 2007

This was a very comfortable hotel, staff were friendly and helpful,views were breathtaking, rooms clean and spacious. I think this hotel was actually nicer than we expected. Breakfast is served on the terrace and we found this excellent. Unfortunately our luggage did not arrive at the airport and this put the dampers on the first part of our holiday. Apparently luggage not arriving is quite common in Naples so I would advise people to go prepared with some essential items as shops in Positano do not really cater for things like t-shirts and shorts. Back to the hotel, I would recommend the California and would definitely stay there again.

Guest name: MARK RICHARDSON, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Aug 2007

My wife and I stayed with our 2 teenage boys in a magnificent 2 room suite, with 2 bathrooms. The view is magnificent. Positano is one of the most beautiful places we've visited. Marie and her family were very accomodating. This hotel is the best balue in Positano!

Guest name: RK, USA

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Aug 2007

Our first encounter with Maria wasn't very positive as she wanted to move our room after we had unpacked, and then wanted us to pay extra for the room they had put us in, however when we suggested that we would move to a different hotel she became a lot more accomodating. The rest of the holiday was great. Maria organised for us to eat in a family hotel higher up on the hill which was fantastic & she give you towels to take to the beach. If you are catching the bus from Sorrento, don't get out at the Positano stop, as it is an extremely long and hilly trip - we had to go into another hotel and ask them to book us a taxi. Get out at the next bus stop.

Guest name: KW, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Aug 2007

A stay at Hotel California is like a stay with my grandmother. Maria, the hotel owner is an unbelieveable hostess. She reminded me of my "Nanny"...she couldn't do enough to make you feel at home. The Hotel has many advantages: it had underground free parking, it was close to the beach and the Piazza where everything was going on, the rooms were huge, the sheets were lovely ( I like a nice thread count!), the view was fabulous ( we had a sea view from our room) and in general, her recommendations for food were great. She recommended that we go to La Cambusa at the beach the first night. It was close by ( 5 minute walk) and although on the expensive side, really delicious. We had the Zuppa di Pesce..it's big enough for 3. ( and I'm a big eater) The 2nd night she recommended that we take a free taxi that picked us up at the hotel to a restaurant up the mountain. The food was served family style and we all agreed that it was the 'food highlight' of our trip to Italy. Although not gourmet, it was extremely delicious and plentiful...you sit down and they start to bring out the dishes: antipasti, primi, secondi ( which was this awesome mixed grill of steak, pork, sausage, veal, lamb..it was super yummy with olive oil and lemon squeezed all over it) and typical south Italy desert tray. We loved it. The 3rd night was a fixed price fish dinner...not so good...can't even remember the restaurant's name...but not so good. Stay away from the 3rd night's recommendation (we assume she recommends these places over and over because many hotel guests were at the restaurants when we arrived.) Anyway, it was great value for our money. Would highly recommend this place and its lovely owners.

Guest name: Adrienne Morea, USA

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jul 2007

Our room was fantastic, couldn't have wished for a better view. Spacious room, with nice decor. Balcony and view were perfect. This was a cheap hotel for positano and really don't think a more expensive one would have given us anything else we wanted. Easy walk to centre/beach.

Guest name: IG, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jul 2007

We stayed at Albergo California for our honeymoon. Maria and her staff were so helpful and kind to us during our entire stay. We were given the room with the view that we requested and were treated so well by everyone during our 5 nights. Maria even set us up with a free taxi service to 2 incredible restaurants in Montepertuso. For the price, the view, the very spacious rooms, and the service, this has to be the best place to stay in Positano. Make sure you request a room with a balcony! Very important!

Guest name: John Zeanah, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: small group of young students

stayed in May 2007

What a WONDERFUL experience! Maria, the owner of the hotel, made our stay an such an excellent experience. She went out of her way to find whatever we needed and always had suggestions for what to do. She took care of every detail and tied all the loose ends together for us while we were there. She made reservations for us to take a boat to capri, and found a hotel and a driver to take us there one night. She even took into consideration our financial situation as all of us are the epitome of poor college students! What a wonderful experience. I would recommend the Hotel California to ANYONE and I can't wait to go back! The rooms were lovely and Maria gave us a beautiful view as we requested before we arrived. Breakfast was satisfying and for other meals Maria and the other employees always had wonderful suggestions. Positano is difficult to get to, and the hotels are even more difficult to find, so I suggest just hiring a taxi. We stopped at the first hotel we found and he was more than happy to call a cab for us and wouldn't even accept a tip! The locals are such friendly people!

Guest name: Nancy McGill, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2007

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Albergo California. Maria and her family really go out of their way to make you feel welcome and to run a fine establishment. The location was excellent -- just a short walk to the beach, shopping and ferries. If you're planning on flaking in the sun, ask for a room with a balcony on the upper floors.

Guest name: Andrea Ecklein, New Zealand

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Apr 2007

Sadly only stayed for two days. Perfect location with stunning views and very friendly staff. Would definitely go back.

Guest name: Joanna Birchall, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.6

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Mar 2007

The room was nice and clean; the staff had excellent English capabilities and were very helpful and accommodating; the breakfast was quite spartan, the weakest of all of the places we stayed during our trip (out of six hotels); the view was spectacular; not related to the hotel, but driving in and around Positano is hair-raising, get the smallest possible vehicle if you are renting. I would recommend them and also stay there again.

Guest name: Douglas Stevens, Canada

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Oct 2006

A very nice hotel, clean, good location. However, the owner is somewhat of a wheeler and dealer, and whilst she organised an amazing dinner for us one night above Positano, she is somewhat over bearing and did not always deliver on her promises, for example over priced laundry service. In the end though it wouldn't stop me from returning to this nice hotel.

Guest name: Jason Lenzo, Australia

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in May 2006

Maria was SUCH a wonderful hostess! She provided us with fantastic places to eat, along with rides to and from the restaurants. The Hotel California was great (especially for the price) and they have complementary PARKING! The breakfast was the only thing that needed to be 'upgraded'-but there were always enough croissants for everyone. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a comfortable, clean room with fantastic views and a very accommodating staff.

Guest name: Kevin Hulett, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2006

A wonderful experience. The owner, Maria, made us feel at home. She was very good at giving advice as to what to do and arranging dinner reservations with transportation, excellent food, and good prices. The rooms were spacious and quiet and the view from the terace or individual balconies magnificent.

Guest name: Edward Rose, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in May 2006

This was a lovely hotel. The staff, especially Maria, were very helpful. The room was large and very nice with a second floor balcony. The breakfast was okay but we had to pay for extras but that was okay given the terrace that we ate on was beautiful. Take the fast boat to Capri and don't go to the emerald or the blue grotto.

Guest name: MB, USA

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in May 2006

This property is located about 5 minutes from "the beach" which is the main area of town. It is easy to find, the people were nice. The view spectacular. I would definitely stay here again. The staff good english and was able to help us out with questions and further travel arrangement.

Guest name: Scott Miller, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

Hotel California was like a home away from home! A short walking distance to the best of Positano. Signora Maria was a gracious hostess with lots of recommendations and help to get to where you want to go. The view from our room was wonderful...it was the best hotel on our trip!

Guest name: AV, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Sep 2005

Great place and absolutely beautiful! Only issue was breakfast. For what you pay, breakfast was terrible. Coffee and toast, that's it! However you may ask for more, but at a fee. Other than that, it was great!

Guest name: SS, USA

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Aug 2005

Beautiful hotel! Great people!

Guest name: MM, Canada

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Aug 2005

The hotel owner and her family were very warm and helpful during the stay. Maria offers many extras at a decent price (i.e. wine, snacks, extra breakfast items). However, our room was not available the first night & we had to stay in a windowless and tiny room. Over the course of our stay, we heard a number of travelers that were in this same predicament. Maria seemed to rotate guests through the rooms. On our last night we arrived back to the room to find the bathroom covered in ants & the staff / owners didn't seem that anxious to clean them up, which was a little frustrating. Positano is a very beautiful and expensive town, so Hotel California offers an affordable setting within a very comfortable walking distance to the beach but there are some compromises.

Guest name: KA, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Group

stayed in Aug 2005

Its a great little hotel in Positano. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The rooms are nice - don't expect the Ritz - but they are clean, have a nice bathroom. Breakfast is OK - coffee and croissants. However, if you are arriving by boat, be sure to consider the steep treck to the hotel - hire a porter to help you with your bags. The hotel is about a 10-15 min walk from the beach, but its full of shops and markets on the way up so its bearable. Overall, great value!

Guest name: DB, USA

Average rating:  7.0

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Aug 2005

very nice place, expecially the terrace! rooms a bit noisy because of the road just beside, but really nice and big! don't expect too much about the breakfast, really poor!

Guest name: LP, Italy

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

A lovely hotel very well situated with easy acess to the center of town. The room was spacious and clean with a very comfortable bed and a great view of the sea. The staff was helpful and welcoming, and the breakfast on the terrace overlooking the ocean was especially wonderful..also--the best coffee we had in all of italy..a great place to stay...

Guest name: Eugene Ruffolo, USA

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

Warm wellcome, very friendly. Breakfast wihout buffet.

Guest name: JD, Austria

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in May 2005

I apparently lucked out by reserving the largest size room, and my room was located on the top floor with a balcony facing the beach. The room and view were fabulous and the price was very reasonable given the quality of the hotel and its central location right next to the main shopping area and beach. I stayed in a smaller room the next night (I didn't have a reservation this time) and it was small with no windows, but clean and comfortable. The owner was a fantastic host, very friendly and helpful with any questions I had, including restaurant recommendations. I highly recommend this hotel!

Guest name: Brandie Bartos, Italy

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in May 2005

An excellent place to stay while visiting Positano. Very nice rooms. We had room 58 (with spa) and two balconies and a lovely outlook. The staff are very friendly and can willing to give advice on tours and restaurants.

Guest name: Darron Proctor, Australia

Average rating:  5.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2005

We enjoyed our stay but decided to cut it short from 4 nights to 3 nights due to poor weather. We gave the management 24 hours notice and they insisted on full payment for the 4th night. We felt this unfair and would like Venere to take this up with management and if possible retrieve some payment for us. We understand paying a penalty for late cancellation but 100% is unreasonable in the off season. Our other disappointment was that we became aware that off the street clients were paying a much lower rate for the same quality room.

Guest name: RA, Australia