Hello out there. <BR><BR>Would love your advise. I can stay at either La Fenice or Albergo California when I am in Positano for 4 nights in September. The difference in cost is $40 a night. I'm having a difficult time deciding. Here is the stats:<BR><BR>Albergo California<BR>Balcony<BR>Jacuzzi in room<BR>No pool<BR>A/C<BR>some amentities<BR>closer to town<BR><BR>La Fenice<BR>Terrace<BR>Room in the lover level<BR>no A/C<BR>pool<BR>no amentities<BR><BR>I'm opt to save the $$$, but still want a charming romantic place to stay, especially since I will be there for 4 nights. I've read some mixed review on La Fenice in the Rant and Raves section.<BR><BR>Any recommendations? Thanks for your help. I've learned a lot from these boards.<BR>

Greetings Sandy--we stayed at La Fenice in May and absolutely loved it. The setting is magical and the views sublime---BUT, you must be in really great shape, as you have to climb a lot of steps from the pool terrace level, and for the overweight or person who has not been exercising, I believe it would be very taxing. We stopped worrying about missing the gym and workouts--La Fenice became our daily stair climber before we ever started our sightseeing. Constantino and Angela are wonderful hosts.<BR><BR>Take care,<BR>Robyn France

We were at La Fenice a couple of weeks ago, initially we were quite shocked at the accomodations. The room is quite sparse, and we missed the airconditioning in July. Pool is spectacular, but breakfast is poor, a roll and american coffee. As you have heard the stairs are quite a challenge even if you are fit.

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Sandy,<BR><BR>I stayed at La Fenice several years ago and support both Robyn's and Judy's comments. The accommadations are simple & basic. The view was spectacular. I stayed in one of the rooms in the lower section, amidst the cliffs overlooking the bay. Although I did enjoy my stay there, I liked the convenience of the Villa Rosa (closer to town) when I returned to Positano on a subsequent trip. FYI, the Villa Rosa doesn't have a swimming pool. I don't know about their AC situation. <BR><BR>I think you may appreciate the AC during a September visit. And without knowing what the inside of Albergo California is like (I've walked by it), I'd suggest the added conveniences might make it a better choice for you than La Fenice. Although it truly can afford a grand view ....<BR><BR>With regards to breakfast, many hotels in Italy provide a simple repast for breakfast --- roll and coffee. The Villa Rosa did have a darn good croissant (technically, I think it was a cornetto).<BR>

We stayed at La Fenice in May 2002 and loved the place. The rooms are a bit "dumpy" on the lower level-but we had a great private terrace. It was so nice to sit on the terrace at night-what a view. I liked the fact that is was a bit outside of town-away from the crowds and I enjoyed the walk-stairs and all. The place just has a nice feeling-very lush. I liked it all-roosters and all. The breakfast is not great-but wait until you see the terrace that you eat it on-I did not want to leave. The pool was not even open when I was there. You will have a great time any place you stay.

We were in Positano late in September last year and it was warm but not warm enough to use the pool, it was empty.

others?<BR><BR>

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Sandy: We loved Albergo California. The room was large and very nice with beautiful tile and and tile work in the room and in the bathrooms. Be sure to ask for one with a view. There are a couple that do not have a good view. The terrace is lovely with a beautiful view. We liked Tony and Maria, the owners, very much and were well treated by them.<BR>It is right next door to the Villa Rosa without all the steps! There are only two flights up to the terrace.

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