Staying in Rome and then the Amalfi coast
Jul 16th, 2010, 08:33 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Staying in Rome and then the Amalfi coast
What areas (neighborhoods/towns) should I stay in while in Rome and then the Amalfi coast? I am going to be on my honeymoon, but still want to be semi money conscious. I've been doing my own research, but the amount of options is kind of overwhelming. My fiancé and I want to do lots of site seeing while in Rome and relax while on the coast (probably will want to see Pompeii and Capri). I also noticed that many hotels on the coast have dinner and breakfast included in the pricing. Is this a good thing or is it better to try and find great restaurants on my own? I love good food, so this part is important to me. Any suggestions, whether on or off topic, are welcome.
Jul 16th, 2010, 10:42 PM
#2
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What time of year are you going over? Depending on the time of year, most areas on the AC will be very crowded. Ravello, Positano, Amalfi are all places I have considered staying, but eventually chose Positano for my trip in Sept.
As for hotels offering dinner - I'd avoid paying for that, as you do not want to pay for dinner at a place for a week, when you might not enjoy it after day 1. There are plenty of places to eat around all the areas you will be visiting. As for breakfast, most include it, but for me is not much of a deal breaker, as I have no problem going out and grabbing a bite somewhere or having a cappaccino elsewhere.
As for hotels offering dinner - I'd avoid paying for that, as you do not want to pay for dinner at a place for a week, when you might not enjoy it after day 1. There are plenty of places to eat around all the areas you will be visiting. As for breakfast, most include it, but for me is not much of a deal breaker, as I have no problem going out and grabbing a bite somewhere or having a cappaccino elsewhere.
Jul 16th, 2010, 11:15 PM
#3
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We also went to Italy on our honeymoon. It's helpful if you define what "money conscious" means to you!
In Rome, we stayed at the Residenza Canali ai Coronari in the area of the Piazza Navona. It was a perfect location for us. We walked everywhere we visited in Rome, with the exception of the Colosseum/Forum. We loved hanging out in the Piazza Navona at night, being just a short walk from the Vatican, and the room we had there was enormous by Rome standards. We stayed in Room #1, which was on the 4th floor (no elevator!) but had it's own gigantic private terrace.
On the Amalfi Coast, we stayed in Positano at the Villa Gabrisa, which was quite reasonable for Positano. The staff was super, and we loved having breakfast brought to us every morning to eat on the terrace overlooking the sea.
In Rome, we stayed at the Residenza Canali ai Coronari in the area of the Piazza Navona. It was a perfect location for us. We walked everywhere we visited in Rome, with the exception of the Colosseum/Forum. We loved hanging out in the Piazza Navona at night, being just a short walk from the Vatican, and the room we had there was enormous by Rome standards. We stayed in Room #1, which was on the 4th floor (no elevator!) but had it's own gigantic private terrace.
On the Amalfi Coast, we stayed in Positano at the Villa Gabrisa, which was quite reasonable for Positano. The staff was super, and we loved having breakfast brought to us every morning to eat on the terrace overlooking the sea.
Jul 17th, 2010, 04:03 AM
#4
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have you considered an apartment in Rome? In October we're staying at the apartment below, check out slowtrav for lots of reviews. I was nervous about an apartment, but the owners have been incredibly helpful in the planning process. They even give you a cellphone with their number programed into it in case you have a problem.
http://www.dolceroma.it/campo-fiori.htm
look down the left for Dolce Roma as agency
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/vr/lis...wnumber&r=Rome
On the Amalfi Coast we are staying at the B&B below, excellent reviews on TA
http://www.puntacivita.it/description.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Campania.html
Check out TA if you are not familiar with them, and I'm sure you'll find lots of recommendations from people on the boards here.
Enjoy the planning!
http://www.dolceroma.it/campo-fiori.htm
look down the left for Dolce Roma as agency
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/vr/lis...wnumber&r=Rome
On the Amalfi Coast we are staying at the B&B below, excellent reviews on TA
http://www.puntacivita.it/description.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Campania.html
Check out TA if you are not familiar with them, and I'm sure you'll find lots of recommendations from people on the boards here.
Enjoy the planning!
Jul 17th, 2010, 10:05 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We are going to be there Aug 29th to September 6th. I know this is short notice, but we didn't start planning everything for the wedding till a few months ago. We would obviously love to stay longer, but we both only have so many vacation days.
Thank you, Chazzarelli, for the input on the dinners. I think we are going to take that advice. What made you decide on Positano vs. the other towns?
Jun04Italyhoneymoon, by money conscious, I mean that I not looking at staying at the most expensive places, but I also am willing to pay for good service and accommodations (probably looking for something right the the middle). It's our honeymoon, so cheap is not the ultimate goal.
Wrenwood, I looked into apts a bit, but it seems that most of them are a 1 week minimum and unfortunately we are only going to be in Rome for a few days. I did look into the b&b you posted about and it does look great.
One place that my fiance had looked at was Hotel Onda Verde in Praiano, but all the places seem great on the coast. I looked up a bunch of places and they all seem to have great reviews. Are most of the accommodations really that great or is it just the fact that the people are in Italy and just happy to be there?
I'll be checking this post daily, so if I would need to clarify anything it shouldn't take too long.
Thanks for all the help!!
Thank you, Chazzarelli, for the input on the dinners. I think we are going to take that advice. What made you decide on Positano vs. the other towns?
Jun04Italyhoneymoon, by money conscious, I mean that I not looking at staying at the most expensive places, but I also am willing to pay for good service and accommodations (probably looking for something right the the middle). It's our honeymoon, so cheap is not the ultimate goal.
Wrenwood, I looked into apts a bit, but it seems that most of them are a 1 week minimum and unfortunately we are only going to be in Rome for a few days. I did look into the b&b you posted about and it does look great.
One place that my fiance had looked at was Hotel Onda Verde in Praiano, but all the places seem great on the coast. I looked up a bunch of places and they all seem to have great reviews. Are most of the accommodations really that great or is it just the fact that the people are in Italy and just happy to be there?
I'll be checking this post daily, so if I would need to clarify anything it shouldn't take too long.
Thanks for all the help!!
Jul 17th, 2010, 10:18 AM
#6
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just returned from 3 weeks in Italy, Amalfi Coast was a highlight. We LOVED the Punta Regina in Positano. Beautiful rooms, best breakfast of our trip -- on a terrace overlooking the ocean. Get view room. The staff are wonderful. The ferry to Amalfi and then bus to Ravello with lunch at Cumpo Cosimo will make for a fun day adventure. Praiano could be a great spot too. Quieter, yet a short busride (which is how most travel) away to the happenings in Positano. I'd go either of those over Amalfi for a honeymoon. Loved Pompeii, maybe see on the way in or the way out. The AC did have a different feel than other parts of Italy we visited. It's a vacation spot, so it has a relaxed and happy vibe. Oh, yes, it's GORGEOUS too.
Jul 17th, 2010, 10:23 AM
#7
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd recommend you do a separate post asking about Capri, or use the search function and see what folks have said. We chose Ravello over Capri as the way to spend a day on an adventure. Most we asked about Capri while we were there did not rave.
Jul 17th, 2010, 11:21 AM
#8
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We've stayed in Priano before at the most beautiful Casa Angelina...pricey, but gorgeous & relaxing. Many other acommodations are available in the charming, small town of Priano. We actually walked from Priano to Positano if you're up for the narrow roads & steep, dramatic drop to the Sea...gorgeous! There's also a shuttle that will take you into & out of Positano if you're not staying there. Ravello is a lovely town to visit, Amalfi is over run with tourists, souvenir shops, etc. & Capri is great for a day visit. I would also recommend Sorrento for a night as it's a charming city with loads of nightlife, cafes, fireworks, boutiques, etc. Definitely worth the time & not much talked about in the USA (for some reason)..we loved it & wished we had more time there! Rome is wonderful no matter where you stay. Herculeneum is another site destroyed by volcanic eruption that is way less crowded/touristy & just as interesting.
Jul 17th, 2010, 12:08 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey arizonaa,
Thank you for the insight. I will definitely check reviews on Capri. The last thing i want to do is waste a day in Italy. Do you remember how frequently the buses run between the cities? I know that here in MD, if you miss a bus, you might be waiting a while to get where you need to be.
Thank you for the insight. I will definitely check reviews on Capri. The last thing i want to do is waste a day in Italy. Do you remember how frequently the buses run between the cities? I know that here in MD, if you miss a bus, you might be waiting a while to get where you need to be.
Jul 17th, 2010, 12:25 PM
#10
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are different runs, I think buses from Amalfi to Ravello were on the 1/2 hour. Maybe you can google SITA Bus in Amalfi or Positano and see what you get? I'd take at least one trip on the ferry -- if the weather is good, beautiful. I'd check out Herculaeneum too, we did Pompei, loved it, but H might have been the better bet from what I've read. That would be a good thing to post, Herculaeneum (get the spelling first) or Pompei? Maybe do a search first, and if you don't get the info you need, post.
Jul 18th, 2010, 01:47 AM
#11
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For Capri, you can take many boat tours from most places on the AC. I have booked a full day boat tour around Capri, and it also allows for a half day walking around on the island. The cost was 50 Euro. The trip departs Positano at 9am and goes all over and returns at 5pm. To me, thats a perfect way to see Capri.
I chose Positano based upon reviews and the fact that it seemed to have the most things to do right there in the area. Sure I will travel out of the area and to the different towns on the AC, but it seemed like it was a good central location to have a base camp.
I'm staying at the Marincanto Hotel while I am there.
I chose Positano based upon reviews and the fact that it seemed to have the most things to do right there in the area. Sure I will travel out of the area and to the different towns on the AC, but it seemed like it was a good central location to have a base camp.
I'm staying at the Marincanto Hotel while I am there.
Jul 18th, 2010, 03:44 AM
#12
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mamichal84 ~ Dolce Roma will rent for 5 nights, although they say to contact them to see if there is a gap in their calendar, sometimes they will do less.
It is late to start looking though, good luck!
It is late to start looking though, good luck!
Jul 18th, 2010, 04:46 AM
#13
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,384
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I highly recommend the town of Amalfi as a base. Contrary to the comment above, it is no more "touristy" than any of the other towns. It is a lovely charming town with quite a few very good eating places and also has very good bus connections to Ravello and inland towns as well as bus and ferry links to other towns along the coast.
In response to your question, I feel that there are perhaps more inviting accommodations in that area than in others...on our last trip we stayed at the Floridiana in Amalfi and were thrilled by the hotel and the staff. But it is not on the sea and not, perhaps, romantic enough for your purposes. Take a look at the many other choices in Amalfi, and beyond...there are so many choices but now your problem may well be availability. Praiano is a lovely town, too, but without the dining options of Amalfi, and without direct ferry connections.
http://www.venere.com/italy/amalfi/
I discussed a few restaurants in the area in my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-naples.cfm
In response to your question, I feel that there are perhaps more inviting accommodations in that area than in others...on our last trip we stayed at the Floridiana in Amalfi and were thrilled by the hotel and the staff. But it is not on the sea and not, perhaps, romantic enough for your purposes. Take a look at the many other choices in Amalfi, and beyond...there are so many choices but now your problem may well be availability. Praiano is a lovely town, too, but without the dining options of Amalfi, and without direct ferry connections.
http://www.venere.com/italy/amalfi/
I discussed a few restaurants in the area in my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-naples.cfm
Jul 18th, 2010, 08:50 PM
#14
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having read the above posts, I would definitely recommend Positano at the Villa Gabrisa. We stayed there with another couple and ended up extending the visit by two nights because it was just so wonderful! Here's a clue, my husband is a professional photographer and out of 850 photos taken in our three weeks in Italy including Venice, Flornce, Rome and Amalfi, we had TWO enlarged to 20x30 to hang. Both were taken in Positano. One from our balcony at villa Gabrisa and one on the walk down to the ocean. Take the bus to Amalfi and Ravello, bus to train station and then, go to Herculeneum rather than Pompeii. Way less crowded,much more to see, fabulously preserved. In Rome - I would recommend the
DE LA VILLE ROMA
VIA SISTINA 69 • ROME, 00187 • ITALY (It's part of the INtercontinental Hotels group...) It's at the top of the Spanish steps and therefore, a great place to walk to all of the historic sites from.... Just Walk out the hotel and 50 steps to your right you're at the steps... walk down and fall in love! Have a wonderful trip...
DE LA VILLE ROMA
VIA SISTINA 69 • ROME, 00187 • ITALY (It's part of the INtercontinental Hotels group...) It's at the top of the Spanish steps and therefore, a great place to walk to all of the historic sites from.... Just Walk out the hotel and 50 steps to your right you're at the steps... walk down and fall in love! Have a wonderful trip...
Jul 18th, 2010, 09:05 PM
#15
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think you'll ever get anyone to agree on 1 town to stay in. We all have our own intrest and each will recommend to you based on what we like. With that said, I don't think you can really go wrong if you do enough research and pick a place that YOU feel is best for you and your fiance.
Ekscrunchy is right - all the towns are going to be touristy in the area. Trying to book a place for Aug/Sept right now, I think you'll find out that a big part of your decision will come down to what accomodations are available. Check in the towns you are considering, and choose what works best for you. I don't think there is a wrong answer here. Enjoy the trip and good luck!
Ekscrunchy is right - all the towns are going to be touristy in the area. Trying to book a place for Aug/Sept right now, I think you'll find out that a big part of your decision will come down to what accomodations are available. Check in the towns you are considering, and choose what works best for you. I don't think there is a wrong answer here. Enjoy the trip and good luck!
Jul 18th, 2010, 09:20 PM
#16
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 943
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think you'd be making a mistake to miss Capri!
We spent 4 nights there and can't wait to go back. It's a very cool place- gorgeous and lots of fun.
Consider where you've traveled before and what you enjoy.
Look up pictures on Flickr of the towns and hotels you're considering and see what appeals to you.
When you rely on those you don't know for advice it helps to do as much research as you can.
We spent 4 nights there and can't wait to go back. It's a very cool place- gorgeous and lots of fun.
Consider where you've traveled before and what you enjoy.
Look up pictures on Flickr of the towns and hotels you're considering and see what appeals to you.
When you rely on those you don't know for advice it helps to do as much research as you can.
Jul 19th, 2010, 03:12 PM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not going to respond to everyone individually, but I really appreciate the thought that everyone has put into the posts. I just became a member a couple days ago because of reading other posts and think it's amazing that all of you try to help out some random guy of planning his honeymoon (I've posted questions on other sites for other topics, and didn't get anywhere close to the amount of helpful information as here).
Like Chazarelli said, i don't think everyone is going to agree and ultimately I'm not looking for all of you to plan my honeymoon for me. That said, I'm taking ALL the information and going with what suites our style and type of honeymoon we're looking for. Please feel free to post more thoughts or suggestions as I'm still looking at this everyday.
Again, everyone, thank you so much!!
Like Chazarelli said, i don't think everyone is going to agree and ultimately I'm not looking for all of you to plan my honeymoon for me. That said, I'm taking ALL the information and going with what suites our style and type of honeymoon we're looking for. Please feel free to post more thoughts or suggestions as I'm still looking at this everyday.
Again, everyone, thank you so much!!
Jul 20th, 2010, 07:08 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here are some good options. I would prefer Positano for a honeymoon.
BOB’S FAVORITE HOTELS ON THE AMALFI COAST
POSITANO: 3 STAR HOTELS---150 TO 250E FOR DOUBLE—AVERAGE 170E
1. www.villarosapositano.it Popular B&B with great views—lots of steps
2. www.hotelcaliforniapositano.it Small hotel near above—great terrace
3. www.casalbertina.it Fabulous views but you will need good legs
4. www.villalatartana.it Good value, lower in town but still good views
5. www.larosadeiventi.net Good centro location and decent value
POSITANO: 4 STAR HOTELS---200 TO 350E FOR TYPICAL DOUBLE
6. www.bucadibacco.it On the beach—nice hotel and great food
7. www.hotelposeidonpositano.it Hard to beat in this price range
8. www.puntaregina.com Terrific views
9. www.palazzomurat.it Good centro location—historic site
AMALFI , PRAIANO, RAVELLO:
1. http://www.hotelfloridiana.it/index.asp Good value in the heart of Amalfi
2. http://www.lesirene.com/rooms.htm Budget choice, with views, in Praiano
3. http://www.villamaria.it/ Lovely 4 star in Ravello with terrific food
4. http://www.hotelsantacaterina.it/en/index Your splurge option near Amalfi
BOB’S FAVORITE HOTELS ON THE AMALFI COAST
POSITANO: 3 STAR HOTELS---150 TO 250E FOR DOUBLE—AVERAGE 170E
1. www.villarosapositano.it Popular B&B with great views—lots of steps
2. www.hotelcaliforniapositano.it Small hotel near above—great terrace
3. www.casalbertina.it Fabulous views but you will need good legs
4. www.villalatartana.it Good value, lower in town but still good views
5. www.larosadeiventi.net Good centro location and decent value
POSITANO: 4 STAR HOTELS---200 TO 350E FOR TYPICAL DOUBLE
6. www.bucadibacco.it On the beach—nice hotel and great food
7. www.hotelposeidonpositano.it Hard to beat in this price range
8. www.puntaregina.com Terrific views
9. www.palazzomurat.it Good centro location—historic site
AMALFI , PRAIANO, RAVELLO:
1. http://www.hotelfloridiana.it/index.asp Good value in the heart of Amalfi
2. http://www.lesirene.com/rooms.htm Budget choice, with views, in Praiano
3. http://www.villamaria.it/ Lovely 4 star in Ravello with terrific food
4. http://www.hotelsantacaterina.it/en/index Your splurge option near Amalfi
Jul 30th, 2010, 05:35 PM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So I haven't posted anything on here for a little while mainly b/c I was planning a bunch of things. Here are a couple questions I ran across:
If time is not a concern, would taking the train from Rome to Naples and then a ferry from Naples to Positano, be a good trip (good as in easy and the boat ride worth while)?
Any thoughts about taking the high speed train vs the slower train? I realize the price goes up as the speed of the train does, but I'll take that into consideration once I see some thougths on either train.
If I was going to take a ferry from Naples (or a nearby town) to Positano (or nearby), are there any ferries that are better than others? I looked for the Metro Del Mare website but nothing would come up.
Thanks for the help!!
If time is not a concern, would taking the train from Rome to Naples and then a ferry from Naples to Positano, be a good trip (good as in easy and the boat ride worth while)?
Any thoughts about taking the high speed train vs the slower train? I realize the price goes up as the speed of the train does, but I'll take that into consideration once I see some thougths on either train.
If I was going to take a ferry from Naples (or a nearby town) to Positano (or nearby), are there any ferries that are better than others? I looked for the Metro Del Mare website but nothing would come up.
Thanks for the help!!
