bardo1, there are several Decumani's - which did you stay in? Both are in the historic district I think.

Thanks,
Alice

Decumani Hotel De Charme - their website is:

http://www.decumani.it/en/

That's the one I had my eye on! The neighborhood was okay?

Alice

We travled last year to soutern italy. I would slip Naples. It was depressing and dirty. I would spend more time on Capri. we only spend 2 nights and could have easily have spent at least 4.

Don't skip Naples. The grittiness is just part of this interesting city. There is dirt everywhere, just don't look for it in Naples. LOL

ekscrunchy on Feb 18, 10 at 1:56pm


Alice: I stayed at the Palazzo Decumani a few months ago. The location is excellent if you want to be in the historic center, which you probably already know. Location is ever-so-slightly seedy, as there is some kind of shelter across the piazza, but that had no effect on us at all. Whatsoever. Rooms are crazy contemporary/Baroque inside a historic exterior. Interesting from a design perspective but not wholly to my taste. Service is very well meaning--staff appear to be young and enthusiastic. Bar and free internet in lounge. Decent breakfast buffet free with the room.

We walked past the Decumani Charme and I might give the slight edge to that one in terms of location...it is closer to Pza Plebicito/via Toledo as I recall. Also on a mildly seedy street, but also fine unless you are totally queasy which I know you are not.

Please let me know how you fare...I might consider the Charme next time, although neither are ideally located as far as dinner restaurants to....

The Charme is slightly less expensive than the Palazzo, and I do like the location a little more - I'm still considering both.

And I know every time I mention Naples, there are people who say to skip it, but... we're going. I know it's gritty, but there are beautiful things to see and fabulous food to eat. It's funny, my younger son traveled in Europe for a few months after spending a semester in London about five years ago, and his two favorite cities were Marseilles and Naples - the two cities I most often hear people warning about! Grittiness must be especially appealing for a 21 year old...

Alice

Alice: We have a tremendous amount of experience driving in Italy. We've been doing it all of our lives and we are in our 60's. We drive on twisty windy crazy roads and think nothing of it. BUT if you want your driver to enjoy the trip on the Amalfi Coast....Don't drive it. Literally, as soon as you turn left you have to turn right. It is far too dangerous to take your eyes off the road for even a second.

As for Naples. We travel to Italy once or twice a year. Our family is in Ischia (next to Capri) and as much as Naples is a disgusting pit....it is well worth going. There are a lot of good sites to experience. Museums, churches, etc, not to mention the food.

Ann1, I'm trying to talk my husband into driving everything BUT the Coast itself, so he can enjoy it too. We can always take a bus just for that.

And what you say about Naples is what I've heard - I'm prepared for it to be a pit, but how can I be so close and not GO there?

Alice

Yes, I never say to miss a city. Some people superficially see a city and form an opinion. You can always find wonderful things that other people never took the time to explore. Naples is so historic. I think the palace itself...not the surroundings....is better than Versailles. A walk down Spaccanapoli is to be experienced. The Archeological museum is fabulous, the list goes on. As you are prepared for the worst, you will be happy with what it has to offer. Some people don't like Florence! AAAGGGHHH how can you not love Florence. You have to know it, not just pass through. So enjoy Naples!

I think some people really are looking for Euro Disney, something quaint and cute, and are surprised that European cities look like... well, cities. Like parts of Baltimore and LA and Chicago and Newark... Some are nicer than others but that's true here too.

What we don't have here is the HISTORY, and really, that's the difference.

This is interesting...My family has a hotel in Ischia. Capri is right next to Ischia. We can see it from our room. I asked my cousin why Capri has more Americans and Ischia has more Europeans visiting. He said (and remember this isn't me, it's my cousin in Italy) Americans like Capri more because Americans like to be treated more like tourists. They want more American comforts where as visitors to Ischia want to be more European. Now, I know that isn't every American, but it is a lot.

I forgot to mention. What you said about history. We have been going to the villages where my grandparents were born and raised. Ischia is my husband's family. When we go, the people in the communi always ask why we are so interested in this information. We have to explain that we don't have that history in America. The only people in America that have real history are the Native Americans. I tell them to think about it. They know everything way way back. We don't. They look at me and understand and work harder to find what we need.

FYI... you can pick up a car in Sorrento and avoid driving in Naples. I know Italians that will not drive in Naples. It is easy to travel to Naples by train. We drove the Amalfi coast road last week. In February and little traffic ... no tour buses.. and it still took years off of our lives! It is amazing... I have been to Italy three times now. I thought the Amalfi Coast was beautiful, but I personally prefer Cinque Terre ... I think i like the lack of cars and the hiking in The Cinque Terre.... a personal preference. Going in May.... you must hit a tuscan town too! Have fun!