The Hotel Ancora is ideally located in Positano, a short 10 minute walk down to the beach and where the majority of the shopping is, but high enough on the cliff for a spectacular view and just out of the way of the hub bub. See if your tour guide or travel agent can get a special rate for you (they will have to pay in advance - I was able to get it about half of the listed price, possibly because I went at the end of April, just before high season kicked in). Not over the top opulent, but very comfortable. The room was huge by European standards, very clean, had a balcony with table and chairs and a great view. The staff is wonderfully (and genuinely) friendly and the majority speak fluent or passable English. There's an elevator between floors so no needing to lug your suitcase up and down stairs. If you ask for eggs for breakfast (I know, not an Italian thing), they will make you an absolutely amazing omelette with cheese or scrambled eggs. I'm a NYC foodie and these were some of the best eggs I've ever had. OK, so the jets on my jacuzzi didn't work, nor the TV. But that's not why you are in Positano. It's the view, the people, etc. I will post some restaurants elsewhere, since there are a few that are overpriced and mediocre. Definitely go local (e.g., no tourist menu) here and you won't be disappointed. If the weather is bad or it isn't warm enough to go on the beach, there's not much to do as a solo traveler here except eat and shop (many of the stores are women's clothing stores and sell beachy linens -- look around though, none of the Italians were actually wearing these clothes). Then again, if you are a single woman, there are lots of local guys that hang out down by the square in the beach at night who are friendly and willing to try for a "whirlwind" romance. Either beware or jump in, whatever your style....

We have visited Ancora once a year for the last 7 years. The quality of the hotel and the beautiful views from all of the rooms are fabulous. It has a great location as well.

Add to this that the personnel are terrific. Eleonora and Anna at the reception desk and the housekeeping and breakfast staff are as good as it gets. This hotel is a treasure, and yet is still reasonable priced.

My husband and I had an amazing experience during our stay in Positano, thanks to the beautiful accommodations and the gracious staff. Our room was absolutely lovely, complete with a heavenly terrace with unbelievable views of the ocean and coastline. It was truly breathtaking. Anna, the concierge, made our stay exceptional. We really enjoyed talking with her, and she always provided us with great suggestions. She personalized our experience and was always smiling and willing to help out with anything we needed. She is fantastic...

It was a huge benefit staying so close to the beach and all of the restaurants. Also, this hotel is next to Le Sirenuse, where you MUST have a drink on their outdoor terrace. It's a gorgeous view!

Positano is the most beautiful place on the planet. My husband and I can't wait to return. One thing is for certain, we will absolutely stay at the Hotel Ancora!

We stayed at Ancorra from 16-23 June '07. The hotel is conveniently located with free parking (very important in Positano)and our room had a lovely view both from the sun terrace and the jacuzzi in the bathroom but that's all it had going for it. The breakfast was poor for this standard of hotel and the breakfast room was horrid, there's
no room service, no bar, no internet access (we had to go into the
'town' to an internet cafe) in fact, none of the things one expects of a hotel in this class. Eden Roc in the same price bracket is only a little further up the hill and is a much better hotel, with a pool and better facitlities. Ancorra's sister hotel Covo dei Sarancene is also a much better hotel, right on the beach so perhaps not so conveniently located and no parking but far more facilities and a lovely breakfast room overlooking the bay and the best pool around.