Sorrento or Positano
 

Four of us will be renting a car outside of Rome next Sept. We are planning a 3 to 4 day trip around the Amalfi Coast and wonder which city is best as a home base. As I mentioned we do have a car so public transportation is not important, however, parking, hotels, ease of travel around from city to city is important. We are happy to walk but not to the point we will be exhausted. Love intimate surroundings over big city life.
Thank you for your help.

I would choose Amalfi over Positano, and Positano over Sorrento. The first two are far more "intimate" than Sorrento, which is not actually on the Amalfi Coast.

Make sure to choose a hotel that offers parking. If you state your price range you might get some ideas here. For example, in the mid-price-range, we loved the Hotel Floridiana in Amalfi; they offer free parking.

http://www.hotelfloridiana.it/

I definitely would not stay in Sorrento. I would prefer to stay in Positano or elsewhere. Much of this depends on your budget and which other places you'd like to visit.

What do you plan to see/do over the four days? I prefer Amalfi too, but it's fairly removed if your priority list is Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri. Amalfi is perfect if you want to see Paestum and/or explore the towns north and east of Salerno. I think it's a little quiet at night, but it's definitely the intimate setting you say you prefer.

Don't dismiss the public trans. Depending on where you're going, a car is not always an asset. It will still be very busy in September.

Thank you for your information. As of now, we are thinking of the Pompeii exhibit in Naples, and pretty much just the lovely towns along the Amalfi Coast. Not certain about Capri, we plan on driving to Caserta but maybe as we leave the Amalfi Coast. Our price range is about $140.00 I realize that's low considering where we will be, however, it's a target amount.

Hi: My preference would be Positano and one of the B&B's. There is no need for expensive hotels when more genuine and as you indicate "intimate" or family accommodation is available.
Suggestions :"Holiday House Gilda" and "La Tavolozza". €90- to €120. for the apt./room. Best sea views.

"Gilda" offers on streeet parking. Parking Garages/Hotel parking run €25-€35. per night.

Ferries to Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento, Salerno and Napoli are running through out October. Take a fast train to Naples from Rome 1 1/4 hrs. €50.pp. and ferry to Posirano (Metro-del-Mare) €15.pp.

You don't need a car on the Amalfi Coast. It could turn into an expensive headache.

Save your money for great food and a good time!