May I suggest that you consider staying in Sorrento? It's closer to Pompeii, has easy transport to Capri, and there is frequent bus service to Positano (and beyond). It's 1 hr from Naples on the Circumvesuviana train. Pompeii is half way between. We loved it, and can recommend the Albergo Minerva (approx. $105/dbl. It's on the edge of town, built into a cliff. The elevator takes you to the 5th floor and you emerge onto a terrace with a pool -- and the Bay of Naples below. The staff is terrifically friendly, they serve a sort-of full breakfast and other meals (if you want them), there are nice public rooms and a small bar. The rooms are big, airy, with tiled floors and French doors onto small balconies or patios -- looking over the Bay to Mt. Vesuvius. Phone: 011-81-878-1011; Fax: 011-81-878-1949. Mary Ellena is usually at the desk and she's wonderful. Consider Sorrento and day trip to Positano. E-mail me directly if you'd like more info. Enjoy your trip!

My wife and I will also be traveling to the Amalfi Coast. I have done some research, and if inexpensive accomodation is a consideration, stay in Sorrento. There are a number of hotels recommended by IHR (Italian Hotel Rervations) under 100,000 lire. Arizona 90,000,Del Mare 92,000, La Pergola 90,000, Metropole 95,000,and Zi Teresa 80,000. All double occupancy, high season rates.

We visited the Almafi Coast (and the rest of Italy) last November. Without a doubt the Poisitano area is one we will return to again and again. We stayed at an absolutely fabulous B&B called La Fenice. About $110-130/night. Cut into the side of the cliff, with separate buildings scattered from the top of the cliff down to the water. (Each building a guest house). Our balcony was a very large area (could have seated 10 people easily) overlooking the water. Owners spoke English and provided a nice continental breakfast on the uppermost patio, high above the water with a fabulous view. We visited Sorrento and hated it!!!! To much traffic and smog!
Can provide phone number to B&B after Monday.(Someone has our trip info now) It is also listed in Karen Brown's B&B's of Italy book.
Ciao,
Dan R.

Must say that I agree with the last note. Positano is an absolutely beautiful place with minimal traffic noise. Now, we splurged and stayed at the Palazzo Murat (the new lower-priced wing off-season in Oct.) for $225 a night, but there are many other places that involve only slightly more walking that can be had for $125-$150. Sorrento may well be a better base to visit Pompeii but I wouldn't base my whole trip on that. From Positano you can hop a public bus for the ride of a lifetime (grab a seat on the side toward the sea!) along the Drive toward Amalfi town and/or up to beautiful Ravello and several other romantic villages in between. It is unforgettable as much as Sorrento is noisy, crowded and generally unromantic.

I vote for Positano over Sorrento. The Villa Franc
Hotel is fairly reasonable. A Deluxe Sea View room is about $240 (400.000 lire) or Moderate room for about $190 (320.000 lire) per night. It was recommended by Karen Brown (Charming Inns and Itineraries - Italy) and my clients enjoyed their stay there very much. Great location. But the traffic (they drowe so they could go to Paestum ruin) was absolutely horrendous -- This was early May of 1997.

My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Italy last year, and our last stop was Sorrento, because we couldn't find an inexpensive, available hotel at Positano. We stayed at the Hotel Desiree, (081) 878-1563 for about $100.00 per night, which includes the standard breakfast. We had a small room with a balcony that overlooked this hill where people were camping (there was a canyon in between, so you couldn't see or hear them). It was a little outside of town, but we were still able to walk downtown without trouble. There is a private "beach" (more like rocks, like most of Italy) accessible by an elevator. I really liked the place--we stayed in more luxurious places to be sure, but the proprietors were extremely friendly--even helped me tape my bag together when it self destructed! We made it to Capri and Pompeii with no trouble, so don't worry if you have to stay in Sorrento--it's not a bad place to be. Has a pretty cute downtown, too!

Monica

I liked the Hotel Marincanto in Positano. It was reasonable and has a great terrace overlooking the sea for breakfast!

Patty -
Did you stay at Marincanto recently? I've been able to find little on it.

One book mentioned it had 50s furniture, but the web site looks like it's been redone.

How are the rooms, and do they have fairly large balconies with sea views?