Hello all. I am enjoying reading this forum and hoped the experts here could comment on the AC part of our itinerary. 32nd wedding anniversary trip. Four nights in Rome then early train to Naples. Planning to have driver/guide pick us up and tour Pompeii before heading to
AC. Current plan is:
Positano 2 nights at Marincanto
Almafi 2 nights at Hotel Santa Caterina
Capri 2 nights, not sure where
Boat to Naples, train to Rome for overnight before morning flight.
Goal of our trip is to soak in the beauty and great food. See some sights (boat trips) - def Ravello, hike a little, lounge by the pool or in cafes and generally enjoy. I know most people recommend to home base in Positano OR Almafi but I just could not decide which one was better. Both hotels look gorgeous (the high esthetic beauty and quality of our hotel is a must)...Caterina is a little pricey ......why is Marincanto so much cheaper?
Thoughts on this? Better hotel choices? Where to stay in Capri?
Many thanks in advance. Denise

I would not change hotels that much as it wastes time. Amalfi and Positano are close together. Pick one. Amalfi is flatter and has better transport, but it doesn't appear you are going anywhere while there.

I would put all of Rome at the end of the trip. Train to Naples upon arrival, ferry to Capri, relax in Capri the first couple of days, ferry to Amalfi or Positano for 4 nights, have driver pick you up for Pompeii on your way back to Naples to end in Rome (5 nights).

I agree with KY - go directly to Capri upon arrival, relax and get over jetlag there, then spend all 4 days in one town, then end in Rome (with a stop in Pompeii). It is a total waste of time to change hotels between Pos and Amalfi.

Personally, I prefer to stay in Positano as IMO it is the most picturesque of the villages on the AC. It also has more shopping and restaurant options and great transportation via ferry to/from Capri/Sorrento/Amalfi/Salerno, etc.

If you like hiking, there is a fantastic hike called the Walk of the Gods that starts in the hills above Positano.

Marincanto is a good hotel choice. If you like a relaxing day on the beach, I suggest catching the boat over to Laurito Beach. A great little cove with a fantastic restaurant - Da Adolfo.

I agree with KY and ekc too.

far too much hopping about, and best to put Rome at the end.

I agree with the other posters. Find out if you can connect easily through FCO to Naples after you arrive. If not, take the fast train ( 70 minutes) to Naples, then make your way to Capri. It will be a long day of travel, but you can recover from jet lag in a very beautiful spot!

Then... four days in Positano which is much more beautiful than Amalfi. Hopefully, the Marincanto can extend your stay. If not, look at Bucca di Bacco right on the beach, or for stunning views etc., Hotel Poseidon, up the hill from Le Sirenuse.

Hire a private driver to take you back to Rome and stop along the way for a tour of Pompeii.

Restaurants we love in/around Positano: Sarceno D'Oro, Il Capitano, Lo Guarracino ( on the path to Fornillo Beach) and in town, Bucca di Bacco.

I agree with above, and the Santa Caterina is a fabulous hotel but it not really in Amalfi---you are dependent on a shuttle to get into town. I like your choice in Positano but also look at Poseidon and Buca di Bacco.

Just so you know in case you reconsider your plan, Amalfi is closer to the train station at Salerno, and there are a few direct trains every day between Roma Termini and Salerno.

However things shake out, I see some issues to consider re Pompeii. If you decide to put your Rome days at the end and head immediately to Naples on arriving at FCO, you'll be seeing Pompeii on your arrival day. What kind of shape will you be in for walking around and understanding what you're looking at? Some people have an easy flight and hit the ground running, but what about you? Then again, if you decide to see Pompeii on your way back to Rome, will you be watching the clock the whole time? If you have only a passing interest in Pompeii, a few hours may be enough, but we spent an entire day there on our first visit and didn't see everything.

Many thanks to all of you for your comments and ideas. We must keep Rome at front end of vacation for various reasons. I will have already been in Europe for awhile for work when we start holiday....hubby will have to power through first day. We both are pretty good at the jet lap thing.
Already changed arrangement to 4 nights at Marincanto (we may have gotten last spot). Thanks for that reco. Now just need hotel for Capri. Appreciate all the activities and restaurant suggestions. Best, D

I haven't been to Capri yet but am going in September. I chose the Capri Wine Hotel. http://www.capriwinehotel.com/en/index
Has very good trip advisor reviews but I haven't gotten any personal reviews on it yet. Just one to consider.

Thanks Fables...the hoel looks great! Unfortunately they require 3 nights in May. Still looking....

For Capri, try: Hotel Minerva, Villa Brunella, Casa Morgano, Hotel Luna, any of which would be great location, really nice hotel. Have stayed at Hotel Luna and Villa Brunella, which is close to Casa Morgano. Good luck!

Thanks WWK...will try your suggestions. Will let you know where we book.

We booked Minerva. Excited! Thanks again.

Hotel La Minerva is a fantastic choice. I absolutely loved my three nights there.

I agree - stay in Positano for all four nights (or, three Capri and three Positano).

Congrats on booking your Capri hotel!

Yay! The Minerva's great. Visited friends there a few years ago. Have fun!