My first trip to Italy
 

I am taking my first trip to Italy in May. Where is the best place to stay on the Amalfi coast, and Lake Garda or Lake Como?

Not enough information here to give a good reply. What type of place are you looking for -- hotel? apartment? What is your budget?

Thanks KTtravel, Hotel I believe. Budget is flexible. Since I've never been there I am wondering about the hotels with private beaches - it's probably going to be too cool to hang at the beach. Staying in town and able to walk to the sites and restaurants is appealing.

If you mean mid-Lake Como, I can recommend both the Hotel Florence in Bellagio and the Albergo du Lac in Varenna. Lake Como ferry website:

http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/c_illago.html

I prefer the northern end of Lake Garda (Malcesine, Riva), but because the ferry service is not comprehensive and there is no train service it would probably be easier and more enjoyable to stay at the southern end. Unless you'll have a car. Lake Garda ferry website:

http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/g_illago.html

Regarding the Amalfi Coast, you need to tell us what your plans are while you're there. Stay put and enjoy the scenery in that town? or explore the area between Naples and Amalfi, plus Capri? How many days will you be there?

>>>hotels with private beaches<<<

I don't think you will find many hotels with private beaches in the places you selected. While there are some beaches (sometimes pebbles, not sand), you are just as likely to encounter rocky coastlines. None of these would really be on my list if I wanted a beach area.

Without a budget, it's hard to suggest places. Flexible could mean 100€ or 500€. How many days do you have for each location?