Hi everyone. My husband and I just returned from our honeymoon in Rome and the Amalfi and I want to say thank you for all of the help I received here on the message board. I will give you a quick recap of where we went and stayed.<BR><BR>Flew into Rome for 2 nights and stayed at Hotel Genio near Piazza Navona. You can't beat this hotel for the location. For noise level...well that's another story. The hotel was clean and decently priced. We did not find the staff very helpful, but they were very nice. I have come to the conclusion that Rome's hotels are what they are....unless you spend a lot of money. All have off-beat things about them and you use them to base yourself so that you can enjoy what you are really there for ....the city itself.<BR>From Rome we took the train to Naples and the ferry to Capri for 3 nights. We both loved Capri. Very quiet this time of year which is always nice after Rome's hectic pace. In Capri we stayed at Hotel La Minerva. This is a great hotel at very decent prices. Request a room other than the lowest level. These rooms were slightly musty, however the views from the decks were amazing. Hotel La Luna would be my second choice. Capri is very high-end as far as stores and if you can get past the over-the-top atmosphere, it is a great place. Anacapri is very small, but worth the bus ride. Get out of the tourist crazed center and walk the back streets for a taste of the area.<BR>After Capri we headed to Positano. The pictures do this town no justice. The town is ..again.. touristy, but since we were there in off-season we did not notice. We stayed at Hotel Villa Rosa. This is one of the best hotels in Italy I have stayed in. The views from the decks were picture perfect. Ask for rooms 18, 19 or 20. The view is unobstructed and each deck is somewhat private.<BR>Breakfast is served on your deck and the staff is very nice. From Positano we day triped to Amalfi.<BR>We took the public buses to and from. This is the last time I will take these buses. They terrifed me..although I know the drivers are very safe and have been driving for years on these roads. I have been living in the city most of my life and could not believe the skill of the drivers there. Really amazing!<BR>From Positano we headed to Ravello for 2 nights and stayed at the Villa Maria. This is a very nice hotel with a great staff. The rooms were small and I might have splurged for either a better hotel or suite here. The view was beautiful and this town is a slice of heaven. So quiet and such nice people. <BR>Sorry for such a brief trip report, but I would be glad to help if I can with suggestions on our trip.<BR>Again, thanks to all for the help!

Robin,<BR><BR>If you have used this board for help, you should know to be more specific in your header. &quot;Trip Report /Oct.&quot; really doesn't say anything.<BR><BR>Again, using this board you should know to PLEASE use paragraphs. It makes it soooooooooooooooo much easier to read.<BR><BR>Mr. Fodors

So sorry Mr. Foders. I have never replied on the board. I have only used for information. I will be sure to 'follow the rules' in the future.<BR>Thank you though for the helpful info.

Robin,<BR>My fiance and I are planning to go to Positano in March and we have reservations for the Villa Rosa. Can you give us any specifics on the hotel? We've requested one of the rooms you suggested. <BR><BR>Are there any great restaurants, good day trips... we're staying in Positano for the full week.<BR><BR>Thanks!!

Jennifer,<BR><BR>I recommend Saraceno d'Oro (our favorite in Positano) and Il Capitano (slightly more expensive but very good with beautiful views).

Hi Robin,<BR><BR> Thanks for your trip report. <BR><BR>How was the weather?<BR><BR>Is there room for luggage on the buses along the coast road?<BR><BR>

Jennifer,<BR>Glad to hear that you booked the hotel. I do not think you will be disappointed. We loved the hotel, it's owners/staff and the rooms. Such amazing views.<BR><BR>We day tripped to Amalfi, walked around and had lunch. The weather was warm enough to sit outside and enjoy the sun for awhile, then take the bus back into Positano. There are a lot of small street to explore, cafes to sit and relax ...among other things to keep you busy. <BR><BR>The only other town we made it to was Ravello, where we stayed overnight . Ravello would be a perfect day trip for you also. <BR><BR>I am sorry to say that we did not make it to Sorento, Priano and other smaller towns. Maybe next time. If you are not staying in Capri overnight, you should consider..if your schedule permits.<BR><BR>We were not overly impressed with the restaurants along the waterfront, although Chez Black is fun, since it is so well known. We bought sandwiches and wine at a small deli a couple of times and enjoyed the view from our deck. <BR><BR>Another couple of restaurants we enjoyed were Cumpa Cosimo in Ravello (the owner went to Every table and asked about the food She cooked) and Bucca di Bacco (spelling?) in Capri. This restaurant's cook is the sister of a man who we hired to take us around the island. The boat ride and the food were our favorite on the entire trip. Such great people!<BR><BR>I hope this helps out with your planning. You both will be able to relax here after the wedding...

Ira,<BR><BR>The weather was beautiful. I thought it would be a little warmer and was thankful I brought an extra sweater. <BR><BR>I was able to wear open toe shoes and skirts, but the evening required pants and a light sweater. Sunny every day though. We were lucky and ran into the same luck in a previous trip to Rome in March. <BR><BR>Packing light (a lot of steps made me thankful for this), layering cothing and sticking to dark colors worked for me this trip.

Robin, that was a terrific report! Someday I hope to follow in your footsteps as I have been dreaming of Rome and the Amalfi Cost for too long. It was also great of you to think to post the numbers of the better rooms...as we all know you can get a disappointing room in a great hotel. Thanks again!

Thank you very much for your information! We have just booked our flights as well. I have one more question... we are flying into Napels does anyone know the best way to get to Positano from Napels? I've heard that you can rent a car with a driver for about $100 or would a Eurail pass be better? We are also hoping to make day trips to Ravello, Amalfi, etc. What's the best way to travel to these places? The terrifying bus? Eurail? car? Thanks so much for all of the great information and help!<BR>Jennifer

In answer to a previous question...yes, there is room on the public buses along the Amalfi Coast to store luggage. The driver will open the storage area under the bus for you. We felt perfectly safe putting our bags there.<BR><BR>Jennifer, on the final leg of our trip we hired a car service to take us from Ravello to Naples. I am used to driving in the city and if we were to do this trip over I would have opted to rent a car. Although the public/private transportation is reliable and priced fairly. I found the traffic to be very light (again it was mid-October).<BR><BR>There are pros and cons to both sides I guess. The only thing I would leave you with is driving in Naples. I'm an east coast driver and NOTHING compares with these drivers. Our cab ride to the docks was insane. I would take driving in Rome any day over Naples. I don't know if it would be possible for you to rent a car in Sorrento, but this might be something you should consider?<BR><BR>

Hi Robin,<BR><BR> Thanks for your response.<BR>

Robin,<BR>Thanks so much for your response. I doubt that we will be brave enough to rent a car w/o a driver but renting a car w/ a driver would be an option. We are wanting to go to Ravello for a concert one night, can you rent a car through the hotel or do you need to arrange that prior?<BR>Thanks,<BR>Jennifer

Jennifer,<BR>We were able to see a piano concert in Ravello one night at the Villa Joffa. I would think that your hotel would be able to arrange car service for you. We used a local car service in Positano and they were great. Not cheap, but if you are going to an evening concert I would much rather take someone who knows the way. I can find the name for you if you would like. I think it was as simple as Positano Car Services. Have fun at the concert!

Robin,<BR>Thanks that sounds great!!

Thanks for your trip report and glad you had a wonderful honeymoon. I want to get to Positano next time and I will store you hotel info back.<BR><BR>April