plufmud

Hi Denisea,

We have have been to Amalfi in mid- June and early Sept. and prefer early Sept. Stayed in Sorrento for 3 nights, Capri 2 nights and Amalfi 4 nights the first visit~4 years ago. We thought Sorrento and Amalfi were too touristy with shops being filled with the same trinkets and a bit tacky. Stayed 2 nights on Capri, loved it after daytrippers left and planned to stay in Ravello on our return in the future. While daytrippers walk the main shopping streets you can visit San Michele, hike, private boat trip around the island, chairlift to Anacapri, and enjoy the views. We visited the Blue Grotto which was so-so. At night Capri really is magical as kja posted!!!! Loved walking the streets early morning as well.

Fast forward 2 years later to celebrate 40th anniversary(2013). Stayed at La Minerva for 3 nights and Ravello for 3 nights at Palazzo Avino which is beyond words. We had a car on both trips and LOVED driving on the Amafli coast although most would not recommend it. We took day trips from Ravello and then would dine in Ravello in the evening. We took a cooking class in Ravello, wine tasting, hiked, and ferry to Positano for the day. You definitely have chosen a romantic place!!!!

Don't you love the planning!

denisea

Well - at least a week, maybe 10 days-kybourbon

I am so excited to see these amazing villas and hotels you all are sharing. you all have had some wonderful travel stories to share.

And, yes the planning is very fun for me. I am having a tough time this year for a number of reasons, so planning this trip is gonna be my life raft for a while.

annhig

By late March, many things were already in bloom (lemons on the trees), but much too cool to swim although I didn't need a jacket during the day>>

ky, I can tell you that in mid-Feb the citrus trees are laden with fruit - it's just falling off them. We had terrific weather for the first half of our week in Sorrento, but the locals said that the weeks before had been really awful, and towards the end of the week the weather deteriorated again. So it can very hit of miss that time of year.

WWK

Another vote for HOTEL POSEIDON, which I've been going to for years. Check out their suites, or for an extremely large terrace with sweeping views on the top floor of the hotel, THE FUNNY ROOM.

The hotel is located only a few (uphill) blocks away from LE SIRENUSE. It's a very good four star, with excellent service, lovely staff, and oh those views (!) over town and beach from many of the rooms.

We particularly like it's location, which is still within easy walking distance ( if you're in decent shape) of town and beach, but far enough away that you can escape the crowds when you want to.

If you really want to be right in town, check out BUCA DI BACCO, which is on the beach. It's got an amazing restaurant, and lovely rooms overlooking the water. But as soon you leave the hotel, you're right in the thick of the crowds. Which is why we always go to The Poseidon.

About which month to go: I love end of May/early June on the Amalfi Coast. Less crowds, still warm enough to swim and enjoy everything. I would skip July/August, unless that's the only time you can go. It's a real zoo in many of the coast towns.

Make sure you visit FORNILLO BEACH when you're there. It's along a seaside and flower filled path that starts near the town dock, and is much less congested (usually, except for July and August) then the wall to wall chairs and people beach in town.

I would also recommend that you at least overnight in Capri. It's magical once the day trippers have left. And you did say you'd like to visit the Blue Grotto.

Post back for restaurant recommendations later on...

WWK

Wanted to add that for Rome, my favorite hotel is ALBERGO DEL SENATO. Since it's your 50th, look at THE SEMINARIO SUITE (!!), which is one of the most beautiful hotel rooms we've ever stayed in. No view, but a one-of-a-kind room that you won't soon forget.

denisea

Thank you thank you all....WWK you know me well. We definitely want to stay at ADS in Rome, so many have loved it. I have heard it's rooftop terrace is wonderful-drinks in the shadow of the Pantheon.

Judy

Albergo del Senato is our favorite Rome hotel. We'll be there in May. The rooftop bar is awesome!

You will have a fantastic trip.

ekc

Another vote for Hotel Poseidon. The location is fantastic, because you are just high enough to be out of the crowds and have a fantastic view, but not so high up that you have a zillion stairs to climb to get to your hotel (or have to wait for the bus). I rented an apartment just below the hotel and can attest that the views are fantastic. The "Latteria" store across from the hotel is a great place to stock up on supplies and they sell great souvenier kitchen towels, which make great gifts and don't take up much room.

WWK

denisea,

All I can tell you is that I've stayed at ALBERGO DEL SENATO six times, and never get tired of it. I can easily imagine Audrey Hepburn having Bellinis on the rooftop terrace. It's that dreamy!

Just a note of warning: Some of the lowest category rooms are pretty small, which is typical for Rome hotels, but still... Since it's your 50th, you might want to splurge for The Seminario Suite as discussed above, or one of the mini-apartments on the top floor.

jglags

I highly recommend staying at least two nights on Capri!! Check out hotel La Minerva. We have stayed there twice, once in June and once in July. During the days we found remote hikes up toward Anacapri, hiked from Anacapri down to Capri Town, hired a boat to circle the entire island stopping at different grottoes for swimming. The evenings and nights on Capri are amazing.
If you like hiking/walking, try the Walk of the Gods, high up above the coastal towns along the Amalfi Coast. The views are to die for!

flygirl

I thought I heard my name!

I thought mid-May was perfect weather. Warm and not humid.

Loved La Minerva, Alcione. Also ADS in Rome.

fb

We spent a week in May in Positano at http://www.villalesirene.com/en/index.htm. Perfect weather, great location, unbelievable view, friendly and helpful owners (they include food, wine, and coffee to get you started, delivered a home baked cake mid-week, and let us use a cell phone for local calls while there). We booked on VRBO and it seemed way cheaper than the hotels, yet included a separate bedroom and a kitchen.

WWK

I toured Villa Sirene for an online travel magazine in July. It's gorgeous beyond belief , but the OP should know that there are several narrow stairs cases going down from the main street ( Via Pasitea) to access it.

ekc

I also stayed at Villa Le Sirene for a week a couple of years ago and it is a very special place. But it requires a week rental for any of the apartments if I remember correctly.

There are 71 steps to get up to Via Pasitea (yes, I counted and cursed them when I first arrived). You can also go down the big staircase down to the beach (over 200 steps but gradual going down). It is easier to walk up the pedestrian area and Via Pasitea when returning to the beach.

WWK

denisea,

Just wanted to mention that sometimes you need to e-mail Albergo Del Senato directly if you are interested in reserving one of their suites or mini-apartments. For some reason these rooms often don't show up online.

denisea

I never thought I would be so amped to get to 50 but you all are making it hard to wait for this trip. Your enthusiasm for the area is infectious and we are excited to check out all the suggestions for where to stay...they all sound terrific and I can't wait for the views! Prosecco and a view is sounding really good!

latedaytraveler

Hi Denisea,

I have loved your past TRs about Paris and really look forward to your planning and eventual account of your adventures on the Almalfi Coast.

denisea

Thank you lateday...I appreciate that. I actually like writing them.

One last question....any thoughts on Santa Caterina hotel in Amalfi? I have friends whi stayed there several yrs ago and loved it....but I have no recent info on it.

tomarkot

Hi Denisea, Glad to touch base with you here. So glad that you're planning your trip to the Amalfi Coast. You've already received so many good leads. I'll just add that we thought the trip to the Blue Grotto was well worth it, as we made it on a perfectly gorgeous day. Weather would definitely affect it. Whatever you decide, we know that you'll enjoy your time on that beautiful Amalfi Coast.

We're in the planning stages of a September trip to Switzerland and a bit of Austria. We've been to the larger cities; this trip is mostly for enjoyment of the Alps. But we can't be that close to Paris without a few days in our fav city on our return itinerary to the US. We enjoyed your T/R from your Christmas visit!

denisea

Thanks...always good to hear from you. We have a few short days in Lisbon in a few weeks. I am always missing Paris! Enjoy the Alps!,