I seem to recall people commenting on Palazzo Sasso in Ravello before. Does anyone have any strong viewpoints on whether Palazzo Sasso in Ravello or Villa Franca in Positano would be better for a honeymoon in April?

This is a no-brainer for me - it has to be Plazzo Sasso. An alternative you might look at is the San Pietro in Positano. Both hotels are amazing. For honeymoon, why not have a few days at each? They are only about 30 minutes apart.

Just so you know, the San Pietro is about a 10-15 minute drive outside of Positano. It would be nearly impossible to walk in to town, so if you like to do that kind of thing, you should consider this in advance. The San Pietro has it's own strip of beach and is quite pretty, but honestly, we found the food to be mediocre at best, and the general atmosphere STUFFY. There are other places in Positano that I would definitely recommend over San Pietro for location and service. La Sireneuse is excellent, as is the lovely, smaller Hotel Poseidon.

I have stayed at both the San Pietro and Le Sirenuse. I thought the food was excellent at San Pietro, better than Sirenuse, but I longed to be at Le Sirenuse. I haven't stayed at Palazzo Sasso, but have been tempted. Only problem I can think of is that Ravello is out of the way and not as convenient for day trips. The Cocumella in Sorrento has been recommended to me by friends. You don't have to worry about the walk from the San Pietro to Positano because they have drivers at all hours at no extra cost (except tip), to get you into town and pick you up. Ravello is one of the most beautiful and romantic places I have ever seen. K

We stayed at both thge San Pietro & Palazzo Sasso last year. Ravello is very pretty and much ase liked the Sasso, it was a huge disappointment after the San Pietro. I ahve to disagree with WEndy - I thought teh food at the San Pietro was fantastic, not to mention the views, the service etc. etc. There is a shuttle into town, but we always walked (it never took more than 15-20 mins). If you ahve time, I would spend time in both, just to enjoy the coastal and hillside towns. We have booked to go back to the San Pietro this year, but will give Palazzo Sasso a miss (have you considered Capri as well?). Enjoy!

Wendy! You must have had a bad hair day! More probably, you just lucked out at the San Pietro. <BR> <BR>The SP also has a speedboat to take you from the hotel beach to the beach in Positano town - great fun, and rather posey. But I agree with the message that the walk into town isn't to far, is very pleasant (great views), and you can always get the hotel to pick you up or drop you off. <BR>ps STUFFINESS is in the eye of the beholder - the SP is upmarket and for smart people who enjoy a luxury holiday.

James, they were STUFFY at San Pietro! I have stayed at many luxury hotels and this is the only one I can recall that gave me a chill! K

The walk from the San Pietro into Positano -- is it along the Amalfi Coast highway or is there a path? If it's on the highway, didn't that make you feel uncomfortable? I've read so much about driving on the highway and how frightening it is for some people, I can hardly imagine walking along it.

I just wanted to add a vote for Villa Franca. Although I can't compare it to the other hotels mentioned, we stayed at the Villa Franca last May and found it to be a lovely hotel--very cheery painted in primary blue and yellow, not at all stuffy. They provided an excellent breakfast and the pool on the rooftop afforded remarkable views. The hotel is located at the top of the road which leads down to the town and beach and also provides a shuttle. We prefered walking since there was a stairway right next to the hotel. I would definitely stay there again should I ever get the opportunity to return to the Amalfi coast. We did stop in Ravello on our way south. Even though it was a lovely town, it would be hard to do day trips from there. Although, you are on your honeymoon...

Stayed at Palazzo Sasso in May. Absolutely wonderful and I'd highly recommend it. We had a lovely suite overlooking the ocean. I found Ravello a nice, charming, and quiet town. Positano to me was too touristy and crowded. Never stayed at San Pietro so can't comment, but I've heard good and bad. We lunched at Le Sireneuse which was ok, but I enjoyed the meals at Palazzo Sasso much better (except perhaps breakfast--a little skimpy). DO NOT stay at the Cocumella in Sorrento. We booked a jr. suite overlooking the bay. When we got there, they tried to show us into a room with absolutely no view at all. Always wise to carry your documentation with you. We were finally given a rooftop suite with a balcony and a nice view of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. Cocumella is run down in my opinion. I would not stay there again.

I have to echo Maria's comments on Villa Franca. My wife and I stayed there in May as well. We could have bumped into her! This is a excellent place for the price. Amazing views. Family run and so charming and helpful. Andew the bartender makes excellent local drink suggestions. Be sure to get a massage from Maria. They have a shuttle that runs every 20 minutes to the square (so to speak) if you don't want to walk. Excellent hotels in town for dinners and snacks. Try Max for dinner, you won't be sorry. Newly opened in April and such a great vibe! Have fun and don't miss a day trip for Ravello's gardens and cliff views!

Since this post has been topped, does anyone have an answer to my question about the walk from the San Pietro into Positano -- is it along the highway (I think that would make me uneasy) or is there a path?

I didn't see a path. I think you have to walk along the road, which I would not do. You can get a ride from the hotel into town and there are other places for hiking. We took a bus to an area above Positano and then walked from one town to another.

we've stayed at 5* places the world over. . .and our 2 nights at the Palazzo Sasso was the best hotel stay we've ever had. perfect service, perfect hotel, most beautiful view in the world. get a junior suite with an ocean view. throw open the windows and just soak in the atmosphere. beats positano by a mile (including san pietro, sireneuse, etc).<BR><BR>jr