How fitting it was when I got to stay here for a few days during my cousin's writer's workshop back in March. I love how they continue to support writers. This was the workshop's 15th year. John Steinbeck once stayed here and wrote, "Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone." It really is a breathtaking, magical city that I was fortunate to visit. What makes it even more amazing is that it is owned by the Sersale family from Naples who have opened up their summer vacation home and turned it into a lovely hotel in 1951. They had purchased the adjacent building next door to expand. This hotel was also once a US Army rest resort. It is still a family operated hotel with some staff. Antonio, the co-owner and general manager was at the writer's workshop dinner, and his wife Carla does the gardening throughout and designs for the Emporio Sirenuse boutique store across the street. Famous celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Kylie Jenner have also stayed here.
The rooms are a good size. We had a marble bathroom with huge bathtub and a small patio seating that had wooden lattice windows that opened to the pool/terrace overlooking the beach. I'm shocked about a Dyson hair dryer in its own box. The turn down service was so great. They laid out my sleep clothes, a small towel on the floor near the bed, slippers, a Baci chocolate (my fave), bottled water, turned down the lights and put music on the TV, and gave a card with the weather report for the next day. It was helpful! Positano was chilly and sometimes rainy mid March.
Antonio, not the co-owner though same first name, was at the front and greeted us when we transferred from our AirBNB. He was the sweetest and helpful when I inquired about a tour to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius. Even when I left before the writer's workshop ended, he said I should stay. I really wished I could! I had already taken 3 days post spring break from work since I had been to Germany and was headed to London before going home.
The spa was open to the writers and their +1s. After hiking Mt. Vesuvius, I got to sit and relax my muscles in the sauna, ice room, and did 2 dips in the cold plunge pool. The snacks and tea were great. I loved that there was a shower with Aveda products. The gym was also on the same floor.
La Sponda restaurant at the hotel terrace area is a Michelin star. They're usually open for dinner, but they were closed because it was still considered winter and not open until the end of March or beginning April during peak season. We were fortunate to enjoy a cocktail hour prior to dinner at La Sponda specifically for the writer's workshop. They also served a buffet breakfast plus a la carte entrees for 2 days. I missed one day since I had my tour of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius in Naples and left early am before breakfast. I did take advantage the second day! Btw, you can also order in room service.
I loved everything at Le Sirenuse from all the plants and flowers to the detailed decor, epic views, delicious food and friendly staff. This was a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget. read more