Kay

I know this subject gets addressed a lot, but after having read all the old Fodor's messages - I still can't decide on how to spend my time along the Amalfi Coast. I am staying at Palazzo Sasso in Ravello for two days and then was thinking about spending an additional two days in Positano or Capri, so that I could get more of a feel for these places than just a day-trip would allow. <BR> <BR>Need your help on which location and hotel you would vote for and why. I would like something nice but doesnt have to be luxurious (although that's ok too). I would like something that is intimate, romantic and charming and not something too huge or cavernous. <BR> <BR>La Scalinatella on Capri is booked, Punta Tragara has not responded. Ceaser Augustus looks like a possibility. (I must say Quisiana looks too much like a Vegas monolith to me.) In Positano - I can't afford a room with a sea view at Le Sirenuse- is it worth to still pay $350 for a basic, non-view room or is it over-rated? La Fenice, which looked wonderful is also booked. <BR> <BR>Thoughts, suggestions, hidden treasures? <BR>All are appreciated. <BR> <BR>p.s. did I mention this is my honeymoon? <BR>

lovepositano

I would highly recommend staying in Positano over Capri. The Hotel Bougainville is under $100.OO a night. not luxurious-great location and just the basics with a balcony giving a partial view of the ocean and much of Positano. But Carlos and his staff are fantastic and I would stay there again without hesitation even over La Fenice. <BR>Take a day trip to Capri but it is very expensive there and the people are rude. <BR>Enjoy!!!

Patrick

To: lovepositano: Let me guess. I'll bet you've never stayed overnight on Capri have you? I've found that whenever someone runs down Capri, they've only experienced it as a day tripper. To stay on Capri at night opens up a whole different world. I especially love it when people say that the "people there are rude." Which of the hotel staff on Capri were rude to you and at which hotel? At our hotel, they couldn't have been nicer, and we spent hours in the evenings chatting with our servers at the bars and restaurants. They were SO friendly. On the other hand if you were among the hoards of day trippers trying to push your way through the crowds and ran into some abrupt clerks or waiters, then of course, you might find all the people you came into contact with as rude. We also stayed in Positano and liked it, but Capri is a far more interesting place--especially after the day trippers and big package tour groups leave. And on Capri you can escape the crowds during the day by going to Anacapri, taking the lift up the mountain and maybe even hiking back down, or walking up to the ruins at the eastern end of the island. There is much to do there besides rub elbows with the hoards of day tripping shoppers. <BR>Kay, since you are spending a couple of days in Ravello, I would also think that Capri would give a little more variety to your trip than the additional nights in Positano. You are smart to think in terms of more than a day trip to get to experience a place.

elizabeth

Kay - while you're in Ravello don't miss the restaurant Cumpa Cosimo. Wonderful food and delightful owners.

Sandy

Just returned from Italy, stayed in Venice, Florence, Sorrento and Positano, our favorites were Venice and POSITANO. Stayed at La Sireneuse in Positano, it was magnificent. The rooms are fabulous, we had a beautiful balcony over looking the Tyranian Sea. Absolutely everything we had expected and more, cannot wait to return. Please let me know if you need any further info.

Carol

Pat--what was the name of the hotel you stayed at in Capri--IMO, one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Patrick

We stayed at Hotel Flora, almost next door to the Quisiana. It was small, maybe 10 or 12 rooms but they were large and beautifully decorated. Ours had a very large balcony facing the sea.

kay

Thanks for all the advice, everyone - keep it coming! Love to hear more about favorite hotels spots in this area. <BR> <BR>I agree that staying overnight somewhere gives one a much different flavor of the location- plus there's so much more time to spend eating and drinking the local cuisine!

Dona

Just a quick note - I absolutely agree about Capri. There is no other way to really see it than to stay over. When the last tourist boat leaves, it is a totally different place - and you won't regret it. <BR> <BR>I stayed at Scalinatella and Le Sireneuse - so I'm sorry, I can't be of more help. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip. <BR> <BR>Dona

james wyatt

For Positano stay at San Pietro - there isn't a hotel in Positano that can beat it's location, service and space. Especially if you're coming from Palazzo Sasso. If you want to be ultra flash, ask the hotel to organise a helicopter transfer - it's the best way to see the stunning coastline. These 2 hotels alone will make your Honeymoon incredibly special - have a good one!!

kay

Has anyone had trouble getting a response from Hotel Punta tragara? I know they are probably closed for the season, but I asume they still have ways to take reservations for the summer- tried faxing, emailing, and calling. Help! <BR> <BR>Hotel Luna nd Caser Augustus are the only hotels who have responded.

Michelle

My husband and I were in Positano last year and absolutely loved it. We stayed at the Poseidon Hotel - staff was great, rooms were very clean, medium sized, had huge terraces all overlooking the sea and the town. I would definitely recommend this hotel. We paid IT370,000 last October. If you do stay at this hotel, try Chez Vincenzo restaurant down the street - excellent food, friendly atmosphere. <BR> <BR>We went to Capri on a day trip from Positano (lots of ferries go back and forth). Found Capri to be very crowded in the tourist areas but once you're off the beaten track, it's magical. We'll definitely stay there for a few days next time we're in Italy.

kay

thanks to all who responded - your advice is greatly appreciated. If anyone else has input on their favorite hotels in Capri - please let me know.

Howard

Would recommend Capri over Positano. Adored Capri; would also recommend the Caesar Augustus. Didn't stay there (stayed across the street at the San Michele, which was fine, but not great); the CA has an incredible location, and the best views in Capri. And whether you stay there or not, I'd recommend anywhere in Anacapri over the more crowded, commercial and expensive Capri town, which is what the day trippers see and dislike. <BR>We spent a week in Ravello and thought it was heaven. A day in Positano was fine, but after Ravello, even Positano is Pittsburgh (you're not from Pittsburgh are you?) <BR>Have a fabulous time!!! <BR>Email me for restaurant suggestions in Ravello and Capri. <BR>Howard

D+D

Kay, My wife and I spent a week in Positano and Capri last May. We stayed at La Fenice in Positano, a little out of the way but loved the location and staff. Incredible views. On Capri we stayed in La Minerva and had a very large spotless room with large balcony and incredible Sea views for under $100 per night. The staff could not have been more helpful. Capri is much more hectic and reeking of MONEY. Much nicer at night but overall we were more comfortable in Positano. Both areas VERY romantic and perfect for a honeymoon.

kay

I think we will be staying two nights at Palazzo Sasso in Ravello and two at Caeser Augustus in Capri. La Fenice, my first choices in Positano is booked during our time there. I'm still waiting to hea from La Scalinatella and Punta Tragara in Capri but no response as of yet. <BR> <BR>Howard- I would love to hear your restaurant recommendations!

Deloris

My next door neighbor is from Capri..and he is not a snob! His brother in law OWNS the Quisisana but he suggests instead the Mamela near by! He says it is not as touristy as the Quisisana and more charming. He is booking us there in April. Will give a review when we return. I did ask him if he likes his brother in law and he says, yes, they're good friends! <BR>Does anyone have the experience to give a comparison of the Positano hotels Sirenuse VS Il San Pietro? Thanks

monica

CAPRI CAPRI...I still see it in my dreams....I went about 5 years ago and i think I promised myself when I get married I will go there for my honeymoon. Well I didn't (not that I regret going to Greece) But Capri was amazing maybe that's why I still dream about it....staying overnight is a must. I agree with all the above on that point. In fact stay at least 3 nights. NO cars allowed after a certain point and you have to walk and enjoy the views and people.Don't forget to see the blue groto...great!

elva

The Eden Roc at Positano! <BR>I stayed in Positano this past September and it was great. I researched it in depth and found a hotel that I couldn't get any reviews of. Because everything was booked, I ended up reserving the hotel and was so, so pleasantly surprised. It was the Eden Roc and it was great. It's a small hotel, intimate hotel with a beautiful entrance and freshly painted and decorated hallways and rooms. It was newly renovated in 2000. all but the first floor rooms. The rooms are really lovely, spacious and the bathroom great. Steam & jacuzzi in one. The staff aimed to please and opened the restaurant for us during siesta because we had arrived at the wrong time after traveling from Rome and hadn't had breakfast or lunch. All the rooms have ocean view. We went to Capri for the day and I think I would opt to stay in Positano instead because it has more to offer. Moreover, Capri will set you back. It's very pricey. I actually ended up buying pearls there. Have a wonderdful trip.

Betsy

We stayed at Caesar Augustus on Anacapri three nights last September and loved it. They have to have the best view on the island! We loved the quiet of Anacapri, visiting Alex Munthe's house San Michele across the street, and just strolling around. We had two wonderful dinners at La Rondanella on Anacapri. You can take the bus down to Capri for 80 cents and eat there and window shop and watch the tourists. We took several vigorous walks (hikes) around the island. Have absolutely beautiful memories of Capri and most definitely would stay at Caesar Augustus again.