LOL, J, it seems like I was starting to micro-managing your trip! Starting back with the sail/no sail days. I'll help you whenever I can, I go to that area often, one or two times a year.

I am planning another one in Positano right now for the end of this year.

SeaUrchin..I hope you (and JGarvey) don't mind me barging in here, but since you are so familiar with the area, do you have any hotel recommendations in Amalfi..price can be upscale but not 500 Euro a night. You say you are going at the end of the year, so you are in favor of traveling here off season in the sense that there are still plenty of restaurants and shops open? Many thanks.

ek, try going to internet for Office of Tourism Amalfi Coast. The person there (Rosalba) is the one who clued me in to the l'Alcione (in Positano), which is open in March for like 80-90 euros a night (take a look). She even gave me a personal contact name of owner there (Angela), who has already written back to me. It's not a hotel, more like a B&B, but absolutely gorgeous, with suites and apartments as well as just rooms.

I did not contact any places precisely in the town of Amalfi, but I believe I have seen some recommendations on this forum. Again, check out Dept. of Tourism and see what they come up with. Very personal and accommodating.
jg

Hi, I stay in apartments but I have been in the Hotel Santa Catarina which is walking distance to the town of Amalfi. It is on the coast road and the views are of the town and of the sea. They have good deals on prices sometimes. http://www.hotelsantacaterina.it/

In town is the Hotel Luna Convento, I have had dinner there and it looks lovely. check tripadvisor.com for this one but they probably have their own web site.

I love going there off season. I think at that time you really get the feel for the town without all the crowds. It is a working town so there are locals who live there year around.

Good luck!

Thanks so much, both of you. I will do some investigating and report back! Meanwhile, JG, have a wonderful trip and keep us posted!

ek and SeaUrchin, thanks for all of the good wishes. SeaUrchin, I NEED someone to micromanage my trip. I promise that I will report back. Good luck and God bless on all of your searches, adventures, and journeys. Best to you all.

Teresa, Hi! Just thinking of you and telling you that I will soon be under way. Hope I have as much fun as you did. Wish me luck!

Ira, you're a prince. Thanks for everything.

To everyone else: I couldn't have done it without all of your generosity and kindness. jg

You're welcome. BTW where is the web site for l'Alcione? It sounds like an interesting place. In fact there are many many small hotels, B&B, inns, etc that are all over the area. On this fodors site most people just recommend the same ones which is fine because they have experience, such as Ira who stayed in Praiano once and seems to remember it fondly.

This next trip I will carry a little notepad and jot down the names of some cute places that are rarely mentioned here, if at all.

I just remembered this little place in Praiano, I don't know if it is open in mid March though.

http://tinyurl.com/26gg8o

SU, try www.alcioneresidence.com. Very nice. The other place you mentioned--Bella Vista, I believe--no vacancies, which leads me to think that they are just not open in March. I'll keep plodding on, but The Alcioneres Residence looks pretty promising right now.

The Santa Catarina and the Luna look a little too high for my price range, but scrunchy may want to take a look. Hope you get the web site for Alcioneres Residence. Very nice jg