adhock

We are planning a week in the area and would are looking for a lovely base for a week in the area. Would like to have view, balcony, gym/spa. Not a 5 star, but quite nice. Quiet would be great, not in a commercial area but within walking distance of some restaurants, bars, town/village center, etc. We're traveling with two college students who like to explore when their parents just want to relax! We'll be traveling the first week in June. We're concerned that Amalfi is too noisy/congested/commercial, Positano is too touristy, Ravello too far off the beaten track. Any suggestions or advice (our perceptions might be way off and since we've never visited before, we lack context)???

kettamic

My wife and I like to use Sorrento as a base for that area. For day trips, it's an short boat ride from there to Capri or to Naples and an easy train ride from Sorrento to Pompeii.

We stayed at the Hotel Minerva several years ago and really enjoyed it. The view was spectacular, the room was very nice and the breakfast was good. But, as I said, that was several years ago. I know the view hasn't changed but I don't know if management has.

bobthenavigator

Get an apartment.
see www.summerinitaly.com

Jean

Rather than tell us the number of stars, tell us your budget. The stars relate to the number of amenities, some of which may or may not be relevant to your needs.

The college-aged people would likely prefer to be in one of the main towns because of the atmosphere and options for exploring and transportation. You would likely prefer a small out-of-the-way place (like Ravello) where you can just relax. This begs the question, "Who's paying the bill?"

Will you have a car? If not, you should pay attention to where the bus and ferry stops are so as not to be marooned, relying on taxis, etc.

http://www.amalficoastweb.com/amalfi...s_ferries.html

adhock

Thanks, all. We would like to keep the cost under Euro 1200/night for the two rooms, assuming it includes breakfast and possibly parking. Still not sure whether we'll rent a car or do a combo of transportation options, including some days with private guides. I've been looking at the Hotel Luna Convento, the Grand Hotel Convento, and the Santa Caterina, all in Amalfi (some though look like they're a bit quieter than others). Any opinions on these or other similar properties. I love the apartment idea, but the options are just overwhelming!

bobthenavigator

Not really, if you pick the location first. That is your challenge--decide where you want to be and all else will fall in place. You really have 3 options---Amalfi, Positano, or Sorrento. Start there !

ggreen

We enjoyed the Hotel Miramalfi just on the outskirts of Amalfi. With all the steps and hills along the AC - not to mention the day-long amazing hike we took on the Walk of the Gods - we had no need for a gym, so I don't know if they have one. (A spa would have been nice! Again, can't speak to that.) The lesser-priced room we had was cute and clean but a little basic. However, every room has a balcony; the dining room balcony and the buffet breakfast were wonderful; and the staff was excellent. Quiet and a 10-minute walk from the center of Amalfi. (Even though it's right on the main road, only the parking area is at street level: the rest of the hotel descends the cliff down to the water where they have bathing areas and a pool.)

That said, the Hotel Miramalfi was almost right next door to the Santa Caterina, the latter being maybe 1/4 mile farther from Amalfi proper. Santa Caterina looks like a gorgeous property with the same location advantages of where we stayed. Being right on the main road makes it easy to pick up the Sita bus or a taxi to get around; being close but not in Amalfi provides the quiet you (and I) prefer.

In other posts I've read good things about the Luna Convento. I think ekscrunchy was commenting recently about it, if you do a search on her username plus the keywords in the advanced search here... Not sure if it's that accessible for getting out and around the rest of the AC.

From what I understood from ratings last year, both Santa Caterina and Luna Convento are 5-star properties. But as Jean says, the stars aren't always relevant (and can change).

There's a popular nightclub called The Africana in Praiano. We wanted to go, but didn't have enough time in the area!

ggreen

Oh and as for towns: it looks like Sorrento's not on your list, so I'm not sure why other posters keep adding it on! All the towns you've mentioned are on the Amalfi Coast; Sorrento is not. (Sorrento is super-convenient for doing things around the Bay of Naples, but IMO far from what you're looking for in terms of less touristy, less congested locale!)

FWIW, I found Amalfi to be much less touristy than Positano; or at least its tourists tend to be other Italians rather than English speakers. It may be called congested because there's a Sita bus depot right on the water there, but I'm not sure what is meant by "commercial". We spent time in Positano but for us we were happy not to be staying there. Ravello is indeed IMO too far off the beaten track.

You might also want to look at Praiano - I think it would fit your quiet requirement more than the bigger towns, though it has less options for dining, etc. I've seen the hotel Le Sirene recommended here and on tripadvisor... I'm sure there are others!

CaliNurse

ggreen--the reason people mention Sorrento perhaps, is that they, as I, thought the listed places were the ones the OP did NOT want.

Adhock, 1200 euros per NIGHT!!!??? Good Lord, for that price, you can get a villa, not an apartment!! I am sure your teenagers would LOVE that, and there'd be enough room for everyone to do what they want, and have the privcy they want, and have a view, balcoy, and pool

CaliNurse

http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...112!italy_.htm

above is just one example, right IN Sorrento town (walking distance to stuff)

here's one (no pool though) on Amalfi Coast:

http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...112!italy_.htm

Look at the Summer In Italy or other rental website and you'll find many others in your price range and with desired features.

Have fun! Wish that were my budget!!!

scatcat

1200 € per night? I have never even thought about spending that much. Sometimes my entire 2 weeks (solo) lodging isn't that much. Afraid I can be of no help on this one.