I am suprising my wife for our 2nd wedding anniv. with a trip to Italy. I am planning a night or two on the coast before pompeii. What are good hotels in that area? There are so many, and we also are traveling November 2-10 2005, so many are closed. Here were my top two so far.. Hotel Luna Convento or Hotel Johanna Park. Thanks.

Hi KB,

You are aware that the weather is going to be chilly, rainy, foggy and occasionally windy?

Snuggle weather

Although as Ira says the averages are against you, you may get lucky with the weather. We went to the Amalfi Coast either 3 or 4 years ago over US Thanksgiving, so late November and the weather was fabulous. We stayed at the Bellevue Serene in Sorrento and had a great time.

Ira,
Thanks for the heads up, but yes I am aware. We live in SW Florida, and that is the only non -tourist season to get away, I work in restaurants and my wife in hotels. It still beats the Hurricanes ! We also look forward to cool compared to the hot and sunny here.

May I add the option of Ravello. Since you're going for your anniversary, it is the most romantic place on the coast.
If you're only staying one night I would vote against Capri b/c of the ferry commute. With weather less predictable in Nov, if the ferry does not run you may get stuck.

Thank you all for the advise it is very helpful! Is there any specific hotels?
I am half tempted to book with a major chain a.k.a. Crown Plaza, Hilton, etc. over local places. I have been to Rome twice before and stayed at individualy owned hotels and loved them. Hotel Valadier and Hotel Colloseum on Via Sphorza.
However the coastal area hotels from Naples to Amalfi seem 50/50 on quality and reliability based on my internet research so far.
Am I worrying to much? Having never been to this particular part of Italy, I am a little more careful.

>.... any specific hotels?<

What's your budget?

Ira,
I will pay up to $300 +/- USD for one night on the coast. I will be paying about a $150 USD(Hotel Colloseum) while in Rome but the extra $$ is worth it for this one night.
I want a great view with a balcony on or next to the water, a/c, room service, etc. My wife works the front desk at a major resort, and I work for Roy's, www.roysrestaurants.com
Here are my top three so far:
#1 Hotel Luna Convento, Amalfi (www.lunahotel.it). Wow everything looks amazing.
#2 Hotel Johanna Park, Sorrento
#3The Crown Plaza, Sorrento

Any input? Thanks Ira and everyone for your help.