Judy_Rosa

Thank you for the link to the ferry schedule!

I'm going to splurge and go with a private driver, then a porter for the luggage. Why not, right?

Thanks again everyone for your invaluable help!

And....so glad Fodors is back online! <<sigh of relief>>

Blueeyedcod

Judy you may not need a porter - have you chosen a hotel in Positano? Some - like the Poseidon, the Marincanto or the Hotel Posa Posa are right on the roadway - you just walk in like you would a regular hotel.
On the other hand...if you stay somewhere like the Hotel Vittoria which has 70 stairs down from the main road, you will need the porters. Your hotel will organise this for you. They charge around 7-10 euro per bag so are not cheap but these guys actually carry your luggage on their shoulders so it's a demanding job.

Judy_Rosa

I'm thinking of staying at California on Via Cristoforo Colombo, or at Hotel Savoia also on Via Cristofo Colombo.

Views look stunning....are you familiar with either of these?

I'm sure that road is uphill. Of course! But, what a view!!

Blueeyedcod

You won't need a porter for either of those hotels. The car service can drop you at the door. I am familiar with their location - it's a great spot. The road slopes gently downhill - it's not mountain goat material - and I challenge you to walk by the ceramic stores without buying anything

http://tinyurl.com/hks9evu

That photo is just beside Hotel California

Blueeyedcod

Rotate the image and you'll see the street entrance to Hotel California.

Helsie

And Bruno's sidewalk restaurant just up the hill is an absolute delight for a spectacular dinner with a view!

Judy_Rosa

I'm so impressed by everyone's knowledge about the AC.

I'm going to book Hotel California today....unless you have a better recommendation?

Helsie

Try to keep your gelato consumption to one a day !

Judy_Rosa

hahaha.....will keep that in mind!

Will look into dinner at Bruno's too! Thanks for the tip!

ekc

Yes, dinner at Bruno's is good, if not for the food then for the view alone. When you make reservations, be sure to request a table on the street.

Hotel California is a good choice. I may be mistaken, but I think one of the balconies was used for a scene in Under the Tuscan Sun.

If you stay in Hotel California and are walking down to the beach/pedestrian-only portion of the village, a little ways down past Bruno's you will find a staircase that is a shortcut to the pedestrian walkway. You end up near the Delikatessen (which is good for sandwiches and other prepared food if you need).

Judy_Rosa

Wonderful information! Thank you!

We will be in Positano 3 nights, are there any other restaurants you would recommend?

ekc

Several.

One of my new favorites is Next2. It is a little higher up in the village but has excellent food and a good wine list with decent prices. They have an outdoor patio which is also nice. We took a taxi there and then walked down through the village back to our apartment after dinner.

I love Tre Sorelle, which is right on the beach on the right side at the bottom of the Lion Steps. Good food, nice wine list, friendly staff and fantastic people watching!

We also like Lo Guaracino, which is on the pathway to Fornillo Beach. Lovely views of Fornillo Beach and very good pizzas and yummy seafood.

A friend of mine who is also a frequent visitor to Positano raves about lunch on the terrace at Hotel Pupetto, which is on Fornillo Beach. She loves it so much that it is on my "to-do" list for my trip in June.

A new bar opened up at Le Sireneus, which is near your hotel, that used to be the hotel's old garage. It looks very cool and has fantastic views. I have received several good reports.

One place that is very special where we always go for aperitivo at sunset is the terrace at Hotel Il San Pietro. It is a 5-minute taxi ride out of town, but worth every penny. It is magical to sit on the terrace with a Bellini, watching the sun set and the lights of Positano come on in the distance.

Blueeyedcod

I also love Tre Sorelle - it's the hub of Positano - some great activity around, lots of people and great food.

Lunch at La Tagliata is my absolute favourite way to spend a sunny afternoon. It's above Positano but they have a little bus and will pick you up.

http://www.latagliata.com/

This is the bar ekc mentions - at Le Sirenuse which is across the road and down a little way from Hotel California

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/francos-bar

Judy_Rosa

Thank you so much for the recommendations!

I will let you know which ones I tried out when I return.

Now if I could only get the same reco's for Rome and Venice, I'd be all set!!

Blueeyedcod

Venice is so small and it's easy to get around on the vaporettos. I believe you're staying near the station? There is an amazing place I love called Da Marisa. It's walking distance from the station - it is great for lunch - really cheap and full of locals. Elizabeth Minchilli (the famous Rome food blogger) recently posted about it so I fear my much loved little hideaway in Venice will get discovered

http://www.elizabethminchilliinrome....marisa-venice/

WWK

Another vote for both La Tagliata and Lo Guaracino, two of my favorite places in and around Positano.

Judy_Rosa

I'm actually staying near the Rialto bridge. Will look into Da Marisa, thanks!

And thanks for also recommending LA Tagliata and Lo Guaracino. That's going to cover all 3 nights in Positano.

Judy_Rosa

Well...finally booked my Positano hotel -- Villa Rosa.

I've read countless reviews about Hotel California and Villa Roma - both have great reviews and they are at the same price point.

The reason I went with Villa Rosa is because they offer furnished balconies and terraces and California does not.

Anyone ever stay at either of these?


I can cancel it up until a week before I arrive, so if I've made a really bad choice, I'd appreciate your feedback.

Blueeyedcod

One of my colleagues has stayed there and she raved about it (and it was her honeymoon so big expectations). It's in a great location. If you're happy with the views and location then happy days

Judy_Rosa

Great! I'll stick with Villa Rosa!