The History of Le Sirenuse
At the close of the Second World War, four Neapolitan siblings; Aldo, Paolo, Franco and Anna
Sersale reunited at their family’s summer home in Positano. The decision they made would affect
the lives of future generations of the Sersale family and set a worldwide standard in luxury boutique
hotels.
Subsequently, Le Sirenuse opened in 1951 with eight rooms and a large terrace overlooking its
namesake…The Islands of the Sirens. Writer, John Steinbeck visited in 1953 and wrote an article
on Positano. This highly descriptive and entertaining read was published in Harpers Bazaar and
included the following excerpt: “We went to the Sirenuse, an old family house converted into a
first class hotel, spotless and cool, with grape arbors over its outside dining rooms. Every room has
its little balcony and looks out over the blue sea to the islands of the sirens from which those ladies
sang so sweetly”.
Fifty years on, the hotel has fifty-nine rooms and suites with all the comforts of a five star luxury
hotel without losing the atmosphere of a family home. Franco Sersale lived abroad for many years
and returned to Positano in 1990 to commence a major refurbishment project. He redesigned the
pool terrace and the restaurant La Sponda, and then room by room, completed Le Sirenuse as it is
known today. It has since won numerable awards and is internationally renowned for the quality of
its services. 2000 saw the introduction of the Le Sirenue Spa, designed by Gae Aulenti. In 2001
The Champagne & Oyster Bar was born, open only during the summer months as a place to relax
and listen to music under the stars. 2003 saw the acquisition of a 1972 Riva Acquarama, a boat
whose classic lines reflect the elegant taste of the Sersale family.
Sadly Paolo, twice Mayor of Positano and the man responsible for collecting many of the antiques
seen in the rooms, living areas and halls, passed away in 1991. He was followed by the founder
Aldo in 1997 and most recently Anna, who graced many magical evenings past as hostess to the
friends and clients who have visited Le Sirenuse.
Nowadays the hotel is directed by Franco’s son, Antonio. His wife Carla runs the EMPORIO Le
Sirenuse boutiques. They have two children, Aldo and Francesco. Franco continues to enrich the
impressive collection of antiques pioneered by his brother Paolo, sourcing mainly from the elite
auction houses in Rome and London. Paolo is succeeded by two daughters; Giulia who is
responsible for the plants and flowers that embellish the terraces and restaurants and has two
children, Paolo and Adriano; and Marina who, inspired by enchanting Positano, developed the
signature scent of Le Sirenuse, Eau D’Italie, launched in 2004.
Since 1970, Le Sirenuse is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Now, it is a Leading
Small Hotel of the World.