ekscrunchy

Looks like an interesting possibility..there is probably a SITA bus if you do not want to spring for a taxi (they are pricey in that area and they usually have rates fixed by the cooperative). Your hotel might give you a lift (which hotel--just curious?) and the restaurant might offer pick-up service..strange but some do this..

DAX

I haven't booked the hotel in Sorrento yet but leaning towards Grand Royal because there's still a lot of availability. It looks like the Amalfi coast is rather empty so I'm not rushing to book. I also considered your amalfi hotel but thought that Sorrento has better connection and I tend to enjoy cities than tiny villages. Any input on the difference between Amalfi & Sorrento? I've never been south of Rome.
I am checking availabilities for an apartment in the Spanish Steps ( following Franco's recommendation to stay in an apt rather than a hotel) and will cancel my hotel reservation if I can get a decent apt. Availability is a challenge being a last minute trip.

We're looking forward to our 4th attempt to enjoy Rome, (your thread was inspiring) if you have only 3 lunches and dinners, which restaurants would you pick considering my base at the Spanish steps. I have yet to sort out all the highly recommended restaurants that I got. We definitely want to try Cecchino and also stop by at Volpetti in Testaccio just to see.

I need to find convenient media stores as we enjoy shopping for Italian music and books, I don't know if there is a fun big store like a Virgin Megastore.

ekscrunchy

There is a chain of bookstores, Feltrinelli, has CDs. You will find others, too. There is a big one facing Largo Argentina.


http://www.lafeltrinelli.it/musica/c-3/0/

I tend to agree with you on the city/small town issue: I have not stayed in Sorrento in too many years to remember much but it is probably the better bet, especially off season. The food scene is not so good, though, from what I've read. If you really want to branch out from there, you can find good places in more workaday towns like Vico Equense, apparently:


http://www.torreferano.com/ilmenu.htm

and this Michelin-starred place:

http://www.torredelsaracino.com/


http://www.pizzametro.it/

DAX

Thanks again. I have to say that the torre del saracino looks more like a makeshift restaurant than a Michelin star restaurant with a 100 euro menu, maybe they have the view to kill from the parking lot....

Zerlina

Perhaps the decor of Don Alfonso will be more to your liking:
http://www.donalfonso.com/en/index.htm

Two Michelin stars, 150 Euro.

Lesli

bookmarking, and thank you!