We are planning a trip to Italy in October and are interested in recommendations for hotels on the Amalfi coast (Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento) and Tuscany (Chianti region). Four stars preferably. Thanks.

Right in the middle of the Gallo Nero Chianti Classico area, in Castelnuovo Gerardegna, there is the Relais & Chateaux Borgo San Felice. <BR> The hotel occupies the site of a restaurated medieval farm or small village. The main building has a beautiful stone facade which overlooks a very charming medieval "campo", where you can relax in a romantic atmosphere. In the premises there are a number of narrow alleyways and shaded "piazzas". <BR> I don't know about the "normal rooms" because although we had asked for one we got a huge suite, with a very big foreroom (with a writing-desk, two arm chairs, a sofa and TV on a buffet), an equally big sleeping room (with closet, chestrobe, a round breakfast table with two chairs and a queen bed, nicely decorated), and a big bathroom that had it all. <BR> The hotel has a tennis court and a very nice (and very good) restaurant/bar by the pool. <BR> The drive to Siena takes 30 minutes. <BR> Paulo <BR>

<BR>Michelle: <BR> <BR>Just returned from an Italy trip last week and during my travels, stayed in Positano for 2 nights. If you do a word search in this forum for "Positano" you'll probably come up with several topics in which the 'La Fenice' bed and breakfast is discussed. I won't repeat, but you will find alot of discussion about that place - it's a quiet out of the way spot recommended by Karen Brown in her Italy Bed & Breakfast book. I stayed there in Oct. '97; however this time, it was all full, so instead I tried another one of her recommendations called the "Villa Rosa". I may hate myself for sharing with everyone, but I very much recommend the Villa Rosa - you've indicated you're looking for a four star place and this probably has either a 2 or 3 star rating, but it's in an excellent location on Via Colombo - within easy walking distance of both the SITA bus stop and the "center" of town. The price for a double room is a reasonable (for Positano) 150,000 lire. <BR>At the other end of the spectrum is the 4 or 5 star hotel, Le Sirenuse, which coincedentally is directly across the street from the Villa Rosa. This place has all the bells & whistles & is one of Positano's pricier spots. We did go into Le Sirenuse to have a drink in their bar area one nite - it's a lovely setting on the 3rd level down, indoors, but looking out at their swimming pool and of course, the Mediteranean. I don't know their prices, but suspect they start at about $275, maybe even $300 per nite.

We stayed a week at the Cappucini Covento in Amalfi. It is a former medieval convent set into the mountainside. It's an old-style hotel, 4 stars, with a quirky charm. Rooms can be uneven; some are in better shape than others. We liked the food, the Amalfi setting is convenient to the rest of the coast, and we loved the stunning views. There is a web site if you want to check it out (I think it's part of amalfi.net)Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

I have never stayed in Amalfi or Sorrento but have enjoyed Positano very much. The undisputed top hotel in Positano is the San Pietro if your budget allows. It is on the outskirts of town but has a shuttle bus to take you into town. I hear it is absolutely fabulous (although it is a touch above our means). The next top choice is Le Sirenuse (which is in town). These two hotels may be filled mostly with Americans and are very pricey. A tad more reasonable, and excellently located, is Hotel Covo dei Saraceni. If you're in town you'll probably end up at this hotel's restaurant anyway, given its location right on the beach. Positano is beautiful but a little too busy in high season. We were there in September and I think you'll probably find it quieter and even more enjoyable in October.

Michelle <BR>We stayed at the Casa Albertina in Positano. It is, I believe, a 3 star at least. A beautiful view as it's fairly high up. It's family run. The grandfather was , I was told, a manager at Le Sireneuse some years ago. The deluxe rooms have balconies that are to die for as far as view is concerned. A 4 star that is also great is the Villa Franca in Positano. Keep in mind that hotel rates in Positano are higher than nearby Sorrento but, in my opinion, they're worth it as Positano is a very uniqe town. Unfortunately everybody knows about it now. <BR>