I am secretly planning a romantic vacation (with my lady)in Sorrento, Italy. Any suggestions about nice hotels, restauarants, etc.? HELP

Although Sorrento is lovely, I think Positano is more romantic.

Hello, I am a romantic young lady myself and I agree: both towns are worth seeing (also the island of Capri nearby), but while Sorrento is lovely, Positano is just stunning. <BR> <BR>What a wonderful plan. Enjoy!

Sorrento is just fine. Sorrento is easy to get to, easy to get around, and easy to take daytrips from. One day you'll take a bus to Amalfi and Positano, on the most beautiful road in the world. Another day go to Capri or Ischia. Another day go to Pompei. <BR> <BR>If you decide on the Amalfi Coast, by all means choose Amalfi instead of Positano. Unless you're really interested in ladies clothing shops, Amalfi has it all over Positano. More interesting. More genuine. More historic. Easier to get around - not all that endless climbing. Much closer to Ravello. And spectacularly beautiful. <BR> <BR>I have stayed at the Ambasciatori in Sorrento. Its only flaw was that it was a bit far, maybe a mile, from the center of town. The walk was fine though - flat and in parts very beautiful. The hotel has a pretty garden with a pool, and the views across the Bay of Naples to from our balcony was incredible. I think next time I would splurge and stay at the Excelsior Vittoria. Definitely make sure your room has a view, wherever you stay. <BR> <BR>Sorry - can't remember the names of any of the restaurants, but they serve a great local specialty called gnocchi alla sorrentina - gnocchi, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Oh - Mama's, down on the wharf at Marina Grande - very local. Great fried fish. The restaurant at the Hotel Lorelei e Londres serves ok food with a great setting - a terrace on the Bay - and very cheap. <BR> <BR>Have a great time.

My wife and I spent 3 days in Sorrento last summer at the Ambasciotori...it was beautiful... the room overlooked the water and was magnificent. Truth is it is a bit far from the center of town... I agree while Positano is gorgeous and the San Pietro is incredible, I thought Amalfi was even more beautiful a place to stay... although i never did <BR> <BR>good luck... you really can't go too wrong

My husband and I spent a few days/nights in Positano at Le Sirenuse this past April. Although the hotel was very nice (I'd rather stay here than San Pietro, b/c it was closer to "town"), I must confess I was disappointed with Positano. Now don't everyone say "WHAT" at once. <BR> <BR>I had read about how beautiful it was, and had seen it from the sea, not to mention countless pictures. There are a lot of clothing shops (they make many dresses in Positano), and other stores selling everything but T-shirts. You have to walk up & down quite a few hills to get to the beach (which has lots of rocks on it so you probably would need a beach chair. <BR> <BR>Amalfi and Sorrento were more happening places. I found it more fun to shop in either of these 2 places - lots of ceramics. They both have main squares to sit and "people watch". We never would bother doing that here, but somehow you just get into that slow-paced way of life of the people around you. <BR> <BR>I guess I would stay in Sorrento over Amalfi, b/c it's more convenient to both Amalfi coast and Pompeii. I would get an early start from Sorrento and make a day trip down the Amalfi coast to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Another day you could go to Pompeii, which is in a different direction. You didn't say how long your stay would be, but maybe you would want to stay in both Amalfi & Sorrento.

Hotel Parco del Sole in Sorrento is lovely. Check it out.

I just recently returned from Sorrento, and stayed at the Hotel Bellevue Syrene. Absolutely right on the water (balcony from room was over the cliff!). Short walk to the town center. Beautiful views, and great food (I think you can choose a breakfast and dinner inclusive). For restaurants, stay off the main square. <BR> <BR>Capri was a nice day trip (definitely skip up to Anacapri). Pompei also a possible day trip (take boat to Naples from Sorrento, or train.) <BR> <BR>Good Luck!

Hi Charlie, <BR> <BR>I must put in a plug for Ravello, my favorite spot in the Amalfi Coast. My husband and I went there on our honeymoon, and it was the most romantic place I've ever been. We loved the Villa Cimbrone, where we stayed. I hope you get a chance to see the town even if you are staying elsewhere! <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip - you can't go wrong with any part of the Amalfi Coast!

We stayed in Praiano at the Onda Verde hotel ($100 per night) which is midway between Amalfi & Positano because there wasn't anything available in Amalfi. We didn't have the benefit of this forum at the time and were under the impression that Amalfi was the place to stay. Our opinion is that Amalfi was nice for a 1/2 day visit and that we loved Positano and plan on staying there on our next trip to the area. I have mixed feelings about our hotel. The views were awesome and our room was more than adequate which was very inexpensive compared to others in the area. Our room had a patio with an olive tree in front of it, overlooking the sea. The downside was that the hotel cascades down the mountain from the road above where you park and can only be reached by foot. There is a basket on a cable for the luggage! Breakfast on a patio overlooking the sea was also very nice, but I would not eat in the restaurant. There was no problem if you wanted to sit back, read and take in the views. However, for everything else, trips to Amalfi or Positano were necessary. We went to Positano a couple of days and did not tire of it. We drove the entire Amalfi coast entering from the south in Salerno and drove north/west towards Sorrento upon leaving. The drive is not for the feint of heart, but there was little traffic except for tour buses in October. We were not that impressed with Sorrento after being in Positano. Of course, we only drove through which may not be fair to draw any conclusions, but it was our feeling. We wouldn't really think of staying there. As for restaurants, we ate at Chez Black and also at the hotel Covo dei Sarceni's restaurant, both on the beach in Positano. Both were great with the Covo being the better of the two. There were several nice hotels in Positano, but all are pretty expensive (around $300+). I would also consider going to Ravello, next time, based on the favorable reports from many visitors.