Crete or Barcelona? Or Positano?!
Mar 31st, 2011, 10:55 AM
#41
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Go to Barcelona. You will definitely have a lot more hotel options at this fairly late date.
I've been to both Barcelona and Positano, and they are both pretty fabulous in very different ways. (I haven't been to Crete but I've been to other Greek islands like Santorini and Naxos, and since you've been to Santorini already I would change things up with Barcelona -- it's pretty unique imho.)
I've been to both Barcelona and Positano, and they are both pretty fabulous in very different ways. (I haven't been to Crete but I've been to other Greek islands like Santorini and Naxos, and since you've been to Santorini already I would change things up with Barcelona -- it's pretty unique imho.)
Mar 31st, 2011, 11:01 AM
#42
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Tamaraten - don't give up on Positano just yet. We will help you find luxury.
Here was my 2nd choice if the Marincanto would have been booked - http://www.villafrancahotel.it/en
It is another gorgeous hotel in Positano for a good price. I hope they are available on your dates. Great views, pool, and I love the rooms and grounds.
Here was my 2nd choice if the Marincanto would have been booked - http://www.villafrancahotel.it/en
It is another gorgeous hotel in Positano for a good price. I hope they are available on your dates. Great views, pool, and I love the rooms and grounds.
Mar 31st, 2011, 03:22 PM
#44
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JillDavis, I did look at Villa Franca, but when I saw one of the reviews say there was an infestation of some sort, I sort of nixed it. But on second thought, if you're recommending it, I'll rethink it. There is something left in the "Annex Building" (for $423/night) - Do you know what that is? There's no description of what that might be (I'm assuming it's a building adjacent) - do you know about that?
I really don't want to give up on Positano - I so appreciate your trying to help!
I really don't want to give up on Positano - I so appreciate your trying to help!
Mar 31st, 2011, 03:53 PM
#45
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I still say be open to other places on the bay of Naples and the AC, not just Positano as a place to stay. Others are just as beautiful, and you may find something perfect. I haven't checked back on all the other suggetions, so if you already have these, ignore.
In Praino: Hotel Tramonto d'Oro
Near Paestum/Salerno: Hotel Savoy Beach
North of Sorrento: Oasi Olimpia Relais
Also, these web sites might be more helpful than trip advisor.
www.amalficoast-traveller.com Look at their Connoisseur collection
www.italytraveller.com
In Praino: Hotel Tramonto d'Oro
Near Paestum/Salerno: Hotel Savoy Beach
North of Sorrento: Oasi Olimpia Relais
Also, these web sites might be more helpful than trip advisor.
www.amalficoast-traveller.com Look at their Connoisseur collection
www.italytraveller.com
Mar 31st, 2011, 05:38 PM
#46
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Have you looked at Priano? Priano is just as beautiful as Positano and some people prefer it over Positano. You can easily visit Positano from there and if you dont want to take the bus, you can always take a taxi there.
Mar 31st, 2011, 06:33 PM
#47
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tamaraten: I may be wasting your time, but wanted to throw this out there.
Are you using TA to search for open accommodations? If so, hold on a minute. They connect to booking engines that may not have all the available rooms.
I write a draft email, and then address it individually to each hotel that I'm interested in. At times there are rooms not listed on the booking engines on TA. In fact, there are quite often rooms that those places like Expedia and Hotels.com don't have access to.
Are you using TA to search for open accommodations? If so, hold on a minute. They connect to booking engines that may not have all the available rooms.
I write a draft email, and then address it individually to each hotel that I'm interested in. At times there are rooms not listed on the booking engines on TA. In fact, there are quite often rooms that those places like Expedia and Hotels.com don't have access to.
Apr 1st, 2011, 07:48 AM
#48
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I agree with Tuscanlifeedit - email the hotels directly because they might have had a cancellation that has not been reflected on the website.
As far as Villa Franca goes, I saw that same bad posting for Villa Franca but Hotel Marincanto had a few bad reviews too. You will always get a few bad experiences no matter what. I just got back from a Ritz Carlton property which is ultra luxury and had such a wonderful experience and can't imagine anyone having a bad experience. Lo, and behold, there was something on trip advisor. I am not saying don't look at trip advisor because I always look it up too. However, between trip advisor, this forum, and much research, you can make an informed decision.
I would stay at Villa Franca in a second. The pictures look amazing. A lot of people on Fodors say they had a wonderful experience there. I was getting ready to book that place if Marincanto was booked. Don't know the ins and outs of the annex, but usually that means it is a separate building right next door to the main building. It should be fine - just check to make sure you get that amazing view!
As far as Villa Franca goes, I saw that same bad posting for Villa Franca but Hotel Marincanto had a few bad reviews too. You will always get a few bad experiences no matter what. I just got back from a Ritz Carlton property which is ultra luxury and had such a wonderful experience and can't imagine anyone having a bad experience. Lo, and behold, there was something on trip advisor. I am not saying don't look at trip advisor because I always look it up too. However, between trip advisor, this forum, and much research, you can make an informed decision.
I would stay at Villa Franca in a second. The pictures look amazing. A lot of people on Fodors say they had a wonderful experience there. I was getting ready to book that place if Marincanto was booked. Don't know the ins and outs of the annex, but usually that means it is a separate building right next door to the main building. It should be fine - just check to make sure you get that amazing view!
Apr 2nd, 2011, 07:55 AM
#49
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Keep trying on Positano, it is a special place. Sorrento will not suffice. Not much to do for the kids in Positano but it is romantic. A night on Capri would be great and Pompeii is a must. Avoid Naples if possible.
Apr 2nd, 2011, 08:35 AM
#50
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OK --- Crete here -- now that Spain & Italy check in with GI-NORMOUS prices for May, of all things.
If you are VERY lucky, you may be able to get a booking just outside of Chania Crete, with a pool, and ON a sandy beach, at a boutique hotel with only 30 rooms, and an acclaimed chef who excels in Cretan cuisine ... and Trip Advisor 100% RAVE ratings for over 500 reviews -- the #1 choice in Western Crete.
Hotel AMMOS -- http://www.ammoshotel.com/default.asp?lang=en
TA Raves -- http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ure_Crete.html
And how much are their deluxe sea view rooms in May? 300? 200? no... 164€
Step away from Positano and Run, do not walk to Hotel Ammos... perhaps you'll be one of the lucky ones! Note: do not look on websites like bookng.com because it won't be there -- it does not have to offer "deals" because it is such value in the first place.
Good LUCK!!
If you are VERY lucky, you may be able to get a booking just outside of Chania Crete, with a pool, and ON a sandy beach, at a boutique hotel with only 30 rooms, and an acclaimed chef who excels in Cretan cuisine ... and Trip Advisor 100% RAVE ratings for over 500 reviews -- the #1 choice in Western Crete.
Hotel AMMOS -- http://www.ammoshotel.com/default.asp?lang=en
TA Raves -- http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ure_Crete.html
And how much are their deluxe sea view rooms in May? 300? 200? no... 164€
Step away from Positano and Run, do not walk to Hotel Ammos... perhaps you'll be one of the lucky ones! Note: do not look on websites like bookng.com because it won't be there -- it does not have to offer "deals" because it is such value in the first place.
Good LUCK!!
Apr 2nd, 2011, 09:22 AM
#51
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Tuscanlifeedit, thanks for suggestion - in fact, what I did do is call a few places and speak with the reservations manager!!! It's true that there are a few places that did have some rooms left - which did not appear on the various booking search engines - but unfortunately they were a fortune. Still, I'm going to continue because it does mean that when it says there are no rooms unavailable, it ain't necessarily so. (even on the hotel's own web-site) and I hope I might get lucky.
In the meantime, I thank you all so much for your help, and I'm going to update you as soon as I find something. I'm still going to try for Positano or the vicinity (btw, we're going without kids Egbert, so having nothing for kids to do in Positano is irrelevant!).
Travelerjan, thanks for Amos Hotel suggestion - if the AC doesn't work out, I just might try Crete.
Sassafrass, thank you for links to other sites for Positano hotels - the Amalfi-Coast traveller one is excellent (I ended up calling most of those places!) Thanks, I hadn't come across it in my searches.
Thank you all again for your generosity.
Tamara
In the meantime, I thank you all so much for your help, and I'm going to update you as soon as I find something. I'm still going to try for Positano or the vicinity (btw, we're going without kids Egbert, so having nothing for kids to do in Positano is irrelevant!).
Travelerjan, thanks for Amos Hotel suggestion - if the AC doesn't work out, I just might try Crete.
Sassafrass, thank you for links to other sites for Positano hotels - the Amalfi-Coast traveller one is excellent (I ended up calling most of those places!) Thanks, I hadn't come across it in my searches.
Thank you all again for your generosity.
Tamara
Apr 2nd, 2011, 09:42 AM
#52
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Just curious: Was the Tramonto d'Oro booked, or was the price too high?
Also, you should know that the Savoy Beach in Paestum is nowhere near Positano.
Take a look here; this is above the coast but I think they have a shuttle. Reviews are good.
http://www.furoreinn.it/en/hotel/
Also, you should know that the Savoy Beach in Paestum is nowhere near Positano.
Take a look here; this is above the coast but I think they have a shuttle. Reviews are good.
http://www.furoreinn.it/en/hotel/
Apr 2nd, 2011, 10:11 AM
#53
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Ekscrunchy, I hadn't checked out the Tramonto d'Oro. Just looked it up. Prices are super reasonable on Booking.com ($2604 for 7 nights) for a double room sea-view and it looks available! I'll check into it more.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Apr 2nd, 2011, 10:13 AM
#54
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Ekscrunchy, btw, have you stayed at the Tramonto d'Oro.
Also, I did check into the furoreinn because I found it through LuxuryLink - wow - the place looks stunning. I actually tried calling there since Thursday but there was no answer. Because of the type of place that is, I wouldn't mind being distant since it looks like the kind of place you don't want to leave! Still, great they have shuttle service too.
Also, I did check into the furoreinn because I found it through LuxuryLink - wow - the place looks stunning. I actually tried calling there since Thursday but there was no answer. Because of the type of place that is, I wouldn't mind being distant since it looks like the kind of place you don't want to leave! Still, great they have shuttle service too.
Apr 2nd, 2011, 11:59 AM
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T: I have booked Tramonto d"Oro for September. We will have a few nights in Ravello, a night in Furore, and then move there. I tried to plan a trip to show my friends this area since they have never been.
Praiano is smaller than Positano and does not have the fancy shops or the fancy restaurants of Positano. I much prefer that kind of ambience. I chose the hotel mainly for the swimming pool and for its position on the road; we will be driving and do not want to wiggle in and out of narrow streets. But you can easily go from one town to the other by bus. Do not think of the bus as a horror; most tourists use it and they really are quite ok although they can get crowded in high season.
Last time I was in the area I stayed in Amalfi, which I loved. Anyone who tells you that Amalfi is not as nice as other towns has probably not stayed there, but has only seen the bus area on the main road. Amalfi is more convenient than Positano, to me, since you can get a bus to Ravello from there, as well as buses to Positano and to the famous eating mecca of Cetara, as well as to other places in the hills. It is also a major ferry stop for ferries to Capri and up and down the coast.
You could check a few hotels there:
http://www.ghconventodiamalfi.com/
http://www.lunahotel.it/
http://www.miramalfi.it/
Do you care about upscale shopping?
Did you look at Capri hotels?
Would you consider Ischia?
Praiano is smaller than Positano and does not have the fancy shops or the fancy restaurants of Positano. I much prefer that kind of ambience. I chose the hotel mainly for the swimming pool and for its position on the road; we will be driving and do not want to wiggle in and out of narrow streets. But you can easily go from one town to the other by bus. Do not think of the bus as a horror; most tourists use it and they really are quite ok although they can get crowded in high season.
Last time I was in the area I stayed in Amalfi, which I loved. Anyone who tells you that Amalfi is not as nice as other towns has probably not stayed there, but has only seen the bus area on the main road. Amalfi is more convenient than Positano, to me, since you can get a bus to Ravello from there, as well as buses to Positano and to the famous eating mecca of Cetara, as well as to other places in the hills. It is also a major ferry stop for ferries to Capri and up and down the coast.
You could check a few hotels there:
http://www.ghconventodiamalfi.com/
http://www.lunahotel.it/
http://www.miramalfi.it/
Do you care about upscale shopping?
Did you look at Capri hotels?
Would you consider Ischia?
Apr 2nd, 2011, 12:10 PM
#58
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Yes, how about a week on Capri or Ischia? That should be relaxing.
And have you figured transportation in your plans? Because Barcelona is easier to get to, Crete next, and the Amalfi coast last. For the latter maybe fly into Naples and get a private driver to the AC.
And have you figured transportation in your plans? Because Barcelona is easier to get to, Crete next, and the Amalfi coast last. For the latter maybe fly into Naples and get a private driver to the AC.
Apr 3rd, 2011, 09:26 AM
#59
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Hi all, I have a partial solution, but don't know if it's a good one, and I need your help!
THe Marincanto has returned to me saying they have room in a superior double room BUT the visit has to be split up between a superior double in the "second block below the solarium along the steps taking you to the beach where there is no elevator" (quoted from an email to me from the hotel) and the second part in a superior double in the main building.
Does anyone know what this means - being below the solarium..etc. Has anyone been in such a room?!
thanks
THe Marincanto has returned to me saying they have room in a superior double room BUT the visit has to be split up between a superior double in the "second block below the solarium along the steps taking you to the beach where there is no elevator" (quoted from an email to me from the hotel) and the second part in a superior double in the main building.
Does anyone know what this means - being below the solarium..etc. Has anyone been in such a room?!
thanks
Apr 4th, 2011, 05:11 AM
#60
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tamaraten - I wouldn't call this a partial solution, I would call this a fantastic solution. In my humble opinion, Hotel Marincanto is the best value for luxury on Positano. I think what the hotel is referring to is all the different buildings along the sea. Perhaps one of the buildings they are referring to you will have to walk down some stairs to get to. In this situation, you can get a porter to bring your luggage to the other building since there is no elevator.
