Hotel Covo dei Saraceni — Hotel in Positano

As we walked through the crowds of people in Positano from the car to the hotel we were seriously questioning what we had gotten ourselves into and if we wanted to stay, it was insanely crowded and overwhelming. I am so glad we booked this hotel, it completely changed our views on Positano and we ended up having a wonderful few days there. This is all about location and the pool, let's be honest. It's so nice being right next to the beach, no climbing millions of stairs to get to it and then having to hike back uphill just to get back to where you're staying. It's right there out the front door. Next, the pool. 10/10 perfection, could not have been happier. It's gorgeous and the view is insane. The loungers are so comfortable and pool attendants are extremely on top of everything, even going as far as to move the umbrella for you when the sun moves and you need more shade. We were there in the middle of July, crazy tourist season, and there were always loungers at the pool deck open and available. There is a deeper main pool for swimming, a smaller one right next to it that's shallower for sitting on the ledge and relaxing, and then across the bar is a warmer pool with jets, I wouldn't call it a hot tub as it isn't quite that hot but it's definitely warm and the perfect temperature for the hot days if you get a bit chilly in the main pools. We found ourselves posted up at the pool all 3 days we were there, and the one afternoon we left to shop and climbed the hill, I looked back down where I could see the Covo pool and just wished we were back there.

On to the room, ours was gorgeous. I admit I booked the cheapest one they had and their partial sea view was still an incredible view, full on ocean from the balcony. The room was huge, it had a long hallway connecting the bedroom and the bathroom which was back by the door, and the separation of space was really cool. The bathroom was gorgeous with green tiling, and the shower had body spraying heads and was massive - best hotel shower I've ever stepped foot into. The bed was comfortable, everything was clean, just absolutely gorgeous room. The only complaint I have on that end was the noise. I'm not sure if maybe our room backed up to the kitchen of the hotel or some working area, but early in the morning it would be quite loud banging and thumping, more than what you'd hear from other guests. I'm an early riser so it was fine, but it did wake my boyfriend up. That's the only time it was bad, in the earlier morning and I did book the most basic room so I can't complain too much. I will also say the rooms aren't super soundproofed to the hall, but the hallways are pretty quiet so it's not a big deal, just noticed we could hear into some rooms very clearly while walking past.

Location is perfect, again by the beach and all the shops and restaurants down by it. It's easy to walk up through the shops to the main road, and easy to climb up to other places. Let's be honest you're not avoiding stairs in Positano, but it's so nice to be down in the main beach area without needing to climb.

The star of the show was the service. Every employee went out of their way to make the stay amazing, from the front desk to housekeeping to the breakfast waiters (and yes the breakfast is amazing, gorgeous view great food, fantastic all around). If you want beach towels, just ask at the desk. Want to go out without lugging your key around? They'll keep it at the desk. Want your sun lounger made up with towels and cold water brought out right away? They're on it and they made our stay unforgettable. I won't stay anywhere else...

My recent stay at this hotel had its highlights, particularly thanks to the exceptional service provided by Rosario, the pool bartender, who truly deserves a 10/10 for his outstanding hospitality. He is a standout asset to the property and elevates the guest experience single-handedly. However, while the hotel is marketed as a five-star property, several aspects fell short of the luxury experience I expected, aligning more with a three- or four-star standard. This was my second time staying here, and I don’t recall it being this way last time—the experience was noticeably different and not as I remembered. First, the housekeeping service disrupted my stay. The doors in the hotel are not spring-loaded, resulting in loud slamming from neighboring rooms in the morning. As a paying guest, I expect a restful environment, and these disturbances significantly impacted my ability to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. At breakfast, I requested water and was told to fetch it myself from a station just 10 feet away. In a true five-star establishment, I would anticipate attentive service, such as a staff member offering still or sparkling water and bringing it to the table. Similarly, I requested replacement bathrobes, but I was left using the same robe for three consecutive days, which felt unhygienic and far below the standard of luxury accommodations. The pool area is a highlight, especially in Positano, where pools are a rare amenity. It’s well-maintained, though somewhat compact. However, the pool kitchen closes at 4 PM, despite the pool remaining open until 8 PM. This creates an inconvenience for guests who may want to enjoy food by the pool later in the evening, which seems like an oversight for a property of this caliber. The rooms, while reflecting an authentic Italian aesthetic, are in dire need of modernization. As a 5’7”, 150-pound individual, I found the standing shower uncomfortably small—so much so that I couldn’t wash my feet without inadvertently hitting the shower handle and turning off the water. This design flaw would likely be even more challenging for taller or larger guests. Finally, the absence of evening housekeeping was disappointing. In most five-star hotels, an evening turndown service is standard, often including thoughtful touches like preparing the bed, lowering the shades, or providing a complimentary water bottle. Here, housekeeping was limited to a single daily visit, which didn’t align with the luxury experience I anticipated. In summary, while the pool and Rosario’s exceptional service were highlights, the overall experience did not meet the expectations set by a five-star rating. This was my second visit, and I don’t remember it being this way last time—it was a stark contrast to the luxury I recalled. Improvements in room design, housekeeping practices, and service attentiveness would go a long way toward delivering the luxury experience this hotel...

My wife and I traveled with our daughter (24) and we stayed seven (7) nights in a JS with terrace. Those types of rooms accommodate a third traveler extremely well as they ill provide a single bed in the living room area of the suite. |As most people who will read this know, Covo is one of three beach side (5) star hotels. The others being Plaza Murat (beautiful but more of a garden feel) and La Sirenuse (Equally beautiful and the most refined with a Michelin star restaurant and reputation). As a side note, If you wanted over the top privacy and luxury I would stay at Il San Pietro Di Positano rather than the other two. (To be fair, I have not stayed at either, but that's just the feeling I had). ||I think Covo knows who they are and are comfortable staying in that lane. I would compare it sitting in a booth of the bar area of an upscale restaurant vs sitting in the back. Sometimes you feel like you want to be around the action and sometimes you want to be left alone for a more inimate experience. Whichever you choose though, you're in a great environment either way.||While the room was generally spacious and very clean, you come to Covo for the staff, location, service, people watching and the pool. I believe the other two hotels will give you more privacy but on this trip, that's not what we were looking for. You will definitely get your feel of people watching with the hoards of people coming off the ferry's, and occupying the beach.|It's so easy to just hop on a boat, walk around and get to any restaurant. I love that the doors are on old lock and keys which you hand the front staff upon leaving and getting at front desk when you return. This has the effect of all staff quickly learning who you are and always greeting you by last name. ||The hotel lounge with all white motif and huge arched windows over looking the main beach is incredible both day and night. Two elevators that were always quick and efficient. Unbelievable beautiful breakfast room and attentive staff. Front desk and concierge always helpful. Also, I can't say enough about the pool staff. The drinks, service and friendly attitudes. (bartenders and pool attendants). We loved coming back to the property to have food and drinks after exploring the coast. That's always a true sign of a great hotel. You start thinking about it when you're...