Am planning my first trip to Italy, flying into Rome December 8th, Leaving December 16th. I'm planning to stay in Naples for the first 2 nights at the Pinto Storey/Ruggiero (same building) or the Albergo Sansevero. Then 1 night in Capri, not sure of hotel yet. Then 2 nights in Ischia found 4 hotels around $50(!) a night- Il Giardino del Ninfe, Oriente e Terme, Parcoverde Terme and Villa Maria. Daytrip to Amalfi Coast and Sorrento from there, as I have no car and can't find much open that is decent,cheap and well located. Finally spend last night in Rome at City Guest House. Does anyone have any feedback on these hotels? Any suggestions/changes to itinerary? My boyfriend and I are in our 20s, want to stay under $100 a night for hotels and interested in nightlife, shopping and eating! Thanks so much in advance, this board has become my new obsession and saving grace, already have pages of notes.

Hello Meg, <BR> <BR>I really think it might be better, as you're in the Bay of Naples area for less than a week, to cut down on all the hotel-changing. There's so much to see in that area, it seems an awful shame to spend half your time packing and unpacking, moving on for one night here, two nights there ... <BR> <BR>If I were doing your trip, I'd choose one base (- I'd suggest Sorrento), and do day-trips from there. <BR>Naples, Capri, Ischia, the Amalfi Coast (Positano, Ravello ...), Pompei, Ercolano - they're all within easy reach from Sorrento, - which is itself a lively resort with much to offer ... <BR> <BR>Steve <BR> <BR>

hi there, <BR>agrees with Steve, You wil have a lot of pcking and unpacking, walking, training, waiting ... Stay at one point and do this from there. Even, Ischia and Capri are nice places for beaching, but not in Dec. Dont forget to visit Pompeji and Caserta! <BR> <BR>have fun <BR>Gar

Thanks for the advice so far, I just noticed my error, I'm planning to stay 4 nights in Naples, then move on. My problem with Sorrento is that the few hotels that are open are badly located or too expensive. I did just get an email from La Minervetta, which has availability for $61 a night. I partially want to move around to experience different hotels, Ischia has so many great ones and I hear Capri really comes alive after the daytrippers have left. Definitely plan on seeing Pompeii from Naples. Thanks again.

I disagree to an extent with Steve. Over the years I have learned that most of the people who hated Capri went there on a day trip, and virtually all those people who stayed overnight loved it. You can't experience a place like Capri or Ischia without at least spending a night. How much time does it take to unpack and unpack once you are traveling? If you aren't living out of the suitcase anyway, I'd suggest it takes about 3 minutes to take everything out of the drawers and closets and put it all back into the suitcase, so I don't consider "packing" and issue. On the other hand you will lose twice as much time in one day by traveling to AND from Sorrento to Capri than you will just going to Capri and coming back a day or two later. I believe it is generally nice to spend at least two nights in nearly any location, but even one night is better than a day trip.

Thanks all for your advice, but I'm not having a lot of luck with Sorrento. Most of the few hotels that are open are way out of my price league or are located in places that require a car. I feel okay about moving around, want to experience different towns at night as well as different hotels. See my posting "Ischia hotels."

don't know if open in december, but i'd suggest a couple hours in pompeii if you're into the archeological history sort of thang

Have you heard of La Tonnarella in Sorrento? I think it cost us around $100 per night and is a short walk from the center, and has excellent views from the rooms. We spent 4 nights there and went to Capri, Pompeii and Positano on day trips without a car.

Now that I know you're in your 20s, I'd definitely recommend that you stay in the Albergo Sansevero--in Spaccanapoli, where all the university students et al are. Ordinarily I recommend staying near the water, but at your age, you'll probably find that location a little staid. At the Sansevero and environs, you're bound to run into cafes, bars, pizzerias that cater to crowds more your age.