Naples or Genoa
Jul 25th, 2016, 08:37 PM
#25
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@ Whathello: Thank you! I'd say "dissed," not just "BS'd."
@ Holly: That's why I addressed my comments to those of you who might face the same fate, particularly those who spend a chunk of time trying to provide responsive answers as I and several others, including Whathello (to whom AirBalloon was particularly insulting, IMO), have done.
Obviously, assuming a new screen name is a LOT easier than changing one's behavior. JMO.
@ Holly: That's why I addressed my comments to those of you who might face the same fate, particularly those who spend a chunk of time trying to provide responsive answers as I and several others, including Whathello (to whom AirBalloon was particularly insulting, IMO), have done.
Obviously, assuming a new screen name is a LOT easier than changing one's behavior. JMO.
Jul 26th, 2016, 01:13 AM
#26
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@ MyBeautifulBalloon, AirBalloon, Andrea, Lara, or whoever ...
My time is actually limited and, to me at least, quite precious. But I have been very fortunate over the years to have received some incredibly helpful input and advice from other Fodorites -- any number of people have generously given me their time and expertise. So -- unless or until I am convinced that I am only going to be met with dismissive or insulting replies -- I choose to make responding to inquiries here a priority. It's my way of giving back and paying forward. I hope that you are fortunate enough, some day, to discover that there are times when <b>giving</b> your time is even more precious than the time itself.
My time is actually limited and, to me at least, quite precious. But I have been very fortunate over the years to have received some incredibly helpful input and advice from other Fodorites -- any number of people have generously given me their time and expertise. So -- unless or until I am convinced that I am only going to be met with dismissive or insulting replies -- I choose to make responding to inquiries here a priority. It's my way of giving back and paying forward. I hope that you are fortunate enough, some day, to discover that there are times when <b>giving</b> your time is even more precious than the time itself.
Jul 29th, 2016, 12:10 PM
#27
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Well, all I can say is that there should be a list of words and names that are forbidden on this forum, making it easier for someone to escape this type of treatment. I cannot believe that anyone would waste their time with this nonsense.
Aside from that, thank you all for the information.
We have chosen to go to Naples and the Amalfi Coast. We are checking out some hotels now. Any recommendations? We think we should stay near or in the historical center, but have been told the port area is nice as well.
As well, in the Amalfi Coast, we are looking at the Hotel Regina in Sorrento and the Hotel Iaccarino, a few km inland from Sorrento, with fantastic views. Has anyone stayed in either?
Thank you.
Aside from that, thank you all for the information.
We have chosen to go to Naples and the Amalfi Coast. We are checking out some hotels now. Any recommendations? We think we should stay near or in the historical center, but have been told the port area is nice as well.
As well, in the Amalfi Coast, we are looking at the Hotel Regina in Sorrento and the Hotel Iaccarino, a few km inland from Sorrento, with fantastic views. Has anyone stayed in either?
Thank you.
Jul 29th, 2016, 02:56 PM
#28
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I have some recommendations but it depends on your budget. The Hotel Toledo in the Spanish Quarter is good value and in an atmospheric neighbourhood.
http://www.hoteltoledo.com/eng/
On the Lungomare (waterfront) the Hotel Miramare is expensive but a beautiful location with a rooftop terrace for drinks and views of Vesuvius and the water.
http://www.hotelmiramare.com/en/
Sorrento is not on the Amalfi Coast and it's a challenge to get to the Amalfi Coast from there, with full buses and just one ferry service per day. I would suggest staying in Positano or Amalfi for the true experience of the AC.
http://www.hoteltoledo.com/eng/
On the Lungomare (waterfront) the Hotel Miramare is expensive but a beautiful location with a rooftop terrace for drinks and views of Vesuvius and the water.
http://www.hotelmiramare.com/en/
Sorrento is not on the Amalfi Coast and it's a challenge to get to the Amalfi Coast from there, with full buses and just one ferry service per day. I would suggest staying in Positano or Amalfi for the true experience of the AC.
Jul 29th, 2016, 04:10 PM
#29
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I can recommend the Hotel Piazza Bellini in the historical center of Naples.
I found Sorrento pretty and convenient for day trips to Herculaneum and Capri, but, as Blueeyedcod noted, it's not on the Amalfi Coast, which is drop-dead gorgeous. Stayed at the Marina Riviera in Amalfi.
I found Sorrento pretty and convenient for day trips to Herculaneum and Capri, but, as Blueeyedcod noted, it's not on the Amalfi Coast, which is drop-dead gorgeous. Stayed at the Marina Riviera in Amalfi.
Jul 30th, 2016, 07:22 AM
#30
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We were in Sorrento a few years back and we had a wonderful time. When I said the Amalfi Coast, I meant the whole peninsula. I should have been more specific.
We are thinking about splitting up the 7 nights to a few days in the Sorrento area and a few days on the real "Amalfi Coast"
.
We reserved a hotel for 3 nights in Praiano. Has anyone ever been or stayed there?
As well, we are looking at a hotel in Santa'Agnello, very near to Sorrento. Any thoughts?
Thank you everyone.
We are thinking about splitting up the 7 nights to a few days in the Sorrento area and a few days on the real "Amalfi Coast"
.We reserved a hotel for 3 nights in Praiano. Has anyone ever been or stayed there?
As well, we are looking at a hotel in Santa'Agnello, very near to Sorrento. Any thoughts?
Thank you everyone.
Aug 29th, 2016, 11:49 AM
#32
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Hi everyone,
We got back from our vacation not too long ago and what a beautiful time we had.
First, Naples is wonderful. It is a place we will return to, as four days were not nearly enough. I do not understand at all some of the negative comments we have read, as Naples may be the most underrated places we have visited in all of Italy.
We spent the next eight days in the Sorrento Peninsula, spending 3 nights in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast and four nights in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, a hill town just outside Sorrento. Both places were wonderful.
We had a car the entire time so we were able to drive the gorgeous Amalfi Coast (we also visited Ravello, which was breathtaking).
We drove into Sorrento (about a 15 minute drive from our hotel in Sant'Agata) when we were not relaxing at the glorious pool with fantastic views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and Sorrento.
Thanks again to all of your advice. It really did help us.
We got back from our vacation not too long ago and what a beautiful time we had.
First, Naples is wonderful. It is a place we will return to, as four days were not nearly enough. I do not understand at all some of the negative comments we have read, as Naples may be the most underrated places we have visited in all of Italy.
We spent the next eight days in the Sorrento Peninsula, spending 3 nights in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast and four nights in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, a hill town just outside Sorrento. Both places were wonderful.
We had a car the entire time so we were able to drive the gorgeous Amalfi Coast (we also visited Ravello, which was breathtaking).
We drove into Sorrento (about a 15 minute drive from our hotel in Sant'Agata) when we were not relaxing at the glorious pool with fantastic views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and Sorrento.
Thanks again to all of your advice. It really did help us.
Aug 29th, 2016, 12:07 PM
#34
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I too was apprehensive about Naples but in at least three stays in the city I never had a bad moment even though garbage was at places where it should not have been and I am careful about wearing a money belt, etc.
The last time I was eating a gelato and in the main square in front of the train station I stepped in a pothole - lots of those too - and fell smack on my face - blood everywhere - I was dazed and confused for a couple of minutes -could not recall where I was exactly,etc.
I was ripe for pickpocketing with my day pack there,etc.
But locals helped me a whole lot - showed me the medical centre at the train station and several others at the hospital walked me thru it all - there are not thieves on every corner but as annhig says there is a problem if not recognizant of it.
So here is another whose only had great experiences in Naples - to me a totally unique Italian city - looking like ones looked when I first went to Italy decades ago - laundry strung between tall buildings lining narrow lanes- really nice.
The last time I was eating a gelato and in the main square in front of the train station I stepped in a pothole - lots of those too - and fell smack on my face - blood everywhere - I was dazed and confused for a couple of minutes -could not recall where I was exactly,etc.
I was ripe for pickpocketing with my day pack there,etc.
But locals helped me a whole lot - showed me the medical centre at the train station and several others at the hospital walked me thru it all - there are not thieves on every corner but as annhig says there is a problem if not recognizant of it.
So here is another whose only had great experiences in Naples - to me a totally unique Italian city - looking like ones looked when I first went to Italy decades ago - laundry strung between tall buildings lining narrow lanes- really nice.
Aug 29th, 2016, 02:15 PM
#36
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<i>My friend who has just returned from a trip to Italy, described Naples as "interesting" but said he was happy to leave after two days. I guess this is one of the most polarizing cities in Italy.</i>
Given your comments abut the outer <i>arrondissements</i> of Paris, I suggest that you skip Naples.
Given your comments abut the outer <i>arrondissements</i> of Paris, I suggest that you skip Naples.
Aug 30th, 2016, 02:29 AM
#37
To use an English phrase, it's a bit of a Marmite city (somewhere you love or hate).
I love it, my other half never feels safe there.
to echo PalenQ's post, I have always found the locals to be exceptionally friendly and helpful.
On one occassion, I was having difficulty making myself understood, and trying to buy a specific type of travel card at a Tabacchi near the station. The owner held up his hand, called to an assistant and then walked off down the road, returning 2 minutes later with a lady from a nearby dry cleaning shop, because he knew she spoke English.
There was a simple kindness in the act that I found very common in the South, and Naples in particular.
I love it, my other half never feels safe there.
to echo PalenQ's post, I have always found the locals to be exceptionally friendly and helpful.
On one occassion, I was having difficulty making myself understood, and trying to buy a specific type of travel card at a Tabacchi near the station. The owner held up his hand, called to an assistant and then walked off down the road, returning 2 minutes later with a lady from a nearby dry cleaning shop, because he knew she spoke English.
There was a simple kindness in the act that I found very common in the South, and Naples in particular.
Aug 30th, 2016, 02:41 AM
#38
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I do not know how someone can hate Naples. but, of course, that is my opinion. I think the feeling of being unsafe is more based on perception than reality as our family never felt that way at any time. We walked all over this great city, and while there are some small areas that are in need of an update (a few blocks around the port area, for sure), we found Naples to be absolutely fascinating.
The people are extraordinarily friendly, the food is wonderful, the sites interesting, and walking through the small alleyways and larger boulevards gives one the sense that this is how Italians really live when you strip away tourism, which, to us, has diminished the beauty of cities like Rome and Venice.
The people are extraordinarily friendly, the food is wonderful, the sites interesting, and walking through the small alleyways and larger boulevards gives one the sense that this is how Italians really live when you strip away tourism, which, to us, has diminished the beauty of cities like Rome and Venice.
Aug 30th, 2016, 01:13 PM
#39
when I was visiting Naples on a day trip from Sorrento a few years ago, my friends and I got hopelessly lost between Spaccanapoli and the Station, and in desperation approached someone who was locking up his shop, for directions. To our immense surprise, he grabbed my arm and proceeded to walk with us through the streets chattering away in local dialect [the most I understood was that he had an uncle who worked in a restaurant in London!] until we could see the station. Wonderful.
not only that, but when another local realised that we were stranded on a traffic island trying to cross the road to the station, she helped us to get across without being mown over - definitely a danger in the Naples traffic.
Definitely Neapolitans are some of the friendliest people in the world!
not only that, but when another local realised that we were stranded on a traffic island trying to cross the road to the station, she helped us to get across without being mown over - definitely a danger in the Naples traffic.
Definitely Neapolitans are some of the friendliest people in the world!
Aug 30th, 2016, 02:54 PM
#40
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annhig,
I could not agree more.
It is amazing to me how so many people forgo Naples in search of the real Italy when Naples is exactly that.
And the pizza. I will never order delivery again!!!
I could not agree more.
It is amazing to me how so many people forgo Naples in search of the real Italy when Naples is exactly that.
And the pizza. I will never order delivery again!!!
