I called Villa Cheta this am and it seems either they were booked for the 2 nights in August that we wanted to spend there, or they prefer the week long rentals (it wasn't clear). They told us to call back in the future just in case they can accomodate us.
Are there any other hotels that anyone can suggest in this area? Villa Cheta would have been 112 E per person, half board, and we don't want to spend more than that. Or, is there another town that's close to the sea in that area that would be convenient for the day trip to Paestum?

You could try:
In Maratea, The Pianetamartea (phone: 39 0973 871966), in Castellabate, La Mola (phone: 39 0794 967053)and La Giacaranda (phone: 30 0974 966130), and in Palinuro there is the agriturismo Sant'Agata (phone:39 0974 931716). All are under 112 per person.

Thanks Grinisa! I'll look for their websites. Anyone with any other ideas in Maratea? I'm sorely disappointed because Villa Cheta looked so ideal.

We stayed at the Villa Cheta Elite several years ago sort of on a fluke and it was really great. I say this not to make you feel worse but hopefully to help!!! When we were there no one (owner, wait staff etc) spoke English. we all got by on smiles, gestures and good will. I am presuming that you don't speak Italian and forgive me if I am wrong. I'm wondering if your phone call may have "lost something in the translation." And that perhaps trying a fax might be worth it. This would give them more time to decipher your request and perhaps come back with a more favorable answer.

We really enjoyed Maratea. Had a wonderful lunch in a little place in the marina in the lower town. It is truly off the beaten track and delightful. I hope something works out for you.

There was a nice 4 star across the street--the name escapes me. Try another email or fax to Villa Cheta and ask them--or as time passes they may find room.

My dad who speaks fluent Italian started the conversation. The woman's English seemed decent, she clearly stated that they had many 7 and 15 days stays in that time period and currently could not do a 2 day stay. She did suggest another place- maybe it's the one that you're thinking of Bob. I believe she stated that it was called "Hotel Sensation"?? She gave me their phone #, I haven't tried them yet.

As a follow-up- I typed in the phone number that Villa Cheta gave me, it turns out to be some sort of Tourism agency called "Delfino." She gave me a specific person to speak with, so I guess there was something lost in translation! How did I get "sensation" from "delfino?"

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