A review of my stay at the Covo dei Saraceni in Positano. Panoramic views, sensational pizza, rooftop pool – what’s not to love?
The car winds down the Amalfi Coast and stops at the top of Positano. Cars are not welcome down the roads the lead to Spiaggia Grande (Main Beach) and visitors must make their way on foot. Porters are available (at a charge) to carry your bags down the foot paths – I strongly suggest paying the small fee for this. I make my way down the stone steps, passing the beautiful church of Santa Maria Assunta – its colorful majolica-tiled dome glistening in the sun. I arrive at the beach and look to my right and see the Covo dei Saraceni with bright pink and purple flowers hanging from balconies and lining the walkway to the hotel entrance. I have arrived.
The Experience
The Covo dei Saraceni, or commonly referred to as “The Covo,” is perfectly situated at the edge of the main beach overlooking the bay. As you enter the lobby, the bright green vines contrasting against the white walls creep towards the ceiling. The service is impeccable and I am promptly greeted by the hotel receptionist who has informed me that my bags have already arrived and been placed in my room.
The Rooms
Each of the 66 rooms are spacious and all offer sea views of the bay of Positano. Rooms are finely decorated in Mediterranean style featuring ensuite bathrooms with colorful Vietri ceramics. The simple “Classic” rooms are spacious and feature a balcony but I decided to step it up a bit and go for the junior suite – it was worth it. The rooms are slightly larger and the bathrooms feature a Jacuzzi tub. The double bed was comfortable enough for Italian standards. I’m used to the ultra plush mattresses so the notoriously stiff Italian beds take some getting used to for me. As soon as I left my room to head to breakfast, cleaning service was prompt to make the bed and replenish bath towels. There is another step up for a junior suite that comes with a terrace complete with large lounge chairs. This is a great option for couples looking for seclusion who would rather relax on the terrace than head up to the rooftop pool for sunbathing.
The Amenities
The hotel has three restaurants – The Covo Restaurant (formal dining), The Brasserie and the pool restaurant. My favorite was The Brasserie with its laid-back vibe and unforgettable pizza. Complimentary breakfast is served in the bougainvillea room which features a selection of juices, fresh pastries and coffee.
I call it a rooftop pool but it is not necessarily on the roof but on a giant terrace that overlooks the bay of Positano (just as everything else in the hotel does). The pool is beautiful and for an avid sunbather like myself I love the fact that there are no buildings, trees, etc. that cast a shadow over me as the sun makes its way across the sky. For those who wish to avoid direct sunlight, just ask one of the friendly pool attendants to pop open an umbrella for you. Set off to the side is a full-service restaurant covered in bright white canopies create an inviting oasis.
Be sure to take advantage of the hotel concierge who can arrange a boat to take you for a cruise along the coast. The hotel has its own boat which will take you to popular tourist attractions like The Blue Grotto or for a seaside lunch in one of the coves.
One thing to note is that the Covo is located right next to where the boats dock letting off passengers from Capri and Naples. The plus side is it is convenient if you arrive by boat or plan to head to Capri next. The con is the hordes of people flooding the area out front of the hotel.
Final Say
Overall, best hotel in Positano. I never wanted to leave the hotel. The pool was the perfect temperature, the food was sensational and the service was impeccable. I loved the central location, the amenities and the service. I give it a must-stay.
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Find It
Covo dei Saraceni
Via Regina Giovanna, 5
84017 Positano (Salerno)
Tel. +39 089 875 400
Fax +39 089 875 878
www.covodeisaraceni.it
info@covodeisaraceni.it
