Hotel Smeraldo

We were surprised with a complimentary cake on our last day after mentioning we were on our honeymoon. Such a thoughtful gesture, and one we'll remember. Our four nights at Hotel Smeraldo in Praiano were unforgettable. The restaurant had gorgeous views, delicious pizza and genuinely attentive service. Everyone on staff was kind and made sure we had what we needed. Our sea-view room was spacious and spotless, with breathtaking views of Positano. The lemon-themed décor was a charming detail that suited the region beautifully. We'd return without hesitation and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Amalfi Coast.

The family who runs this place are so sweet and patient with ignorant Americans like me, butchering every word, lol. The rooms have so much care in the details, from the gorgeous hand-painted tiles to the roomy showers, and every room has an unbelievable view. After a day out exploring, the AC is wonderful, a comfort we don't take for granted. Praiano felt like an oasis, with Positano and Amalfi an easy, inexpensive bus ride away. The hotel also sits just above a great beach club. If you're considering Positano, do yourself a favor and book Smeraldo for a genuine Amalfi experience. I can't recommend it enough!

The price is fair for a great hotel, and I highly recommend it. It's family run, the staff are friendly, and breakfast has a great view of Positano. Some rooms, including mine, have a lovely view too. I'd happily come back. A few things to know: I could hear conversations from other rooms at all hours, along with doors slamming and furniture being moved. My ocean-facing room got morning light even though it didn't face the sun, and the curtains didn't block it fully, so as a light sleeper I was awake around then. The elevator is tiny but works well, so it could be awkward with a group or lots of bags. Hallway lights switch off after a while, and I didn't notice the switches until about a day after checking in. Not a big deal, just a heads-up.

We started our honeymoon at this family-run hotel and kept wishing we'd stayed longer. The views are great, the food was amazing, and it's very easy to get around from here. Rafaele and Giorgio provided exceptional service, helping us with parking, rentals, excursions, and even finding a wine bottle opener so we could enjoy a bottle on our patio. We'll be back to Praiano!