1happyfam

Mimar- Good point about hotel vs rental.. would ideally like me & spouse in one room and my kids in another.

bon_voyage

We used Home in Italy, http://www.homeinitaly.com, for a rental near Todi in 2004. Back then there were relatively few companies that featured a wide selection of properties in Umbria. Home in Italy was one that did. They were easy to deal with and service was good. Our friends woke up in the guest cottage with no water the first morning and the problem was fixed immediately.

StCirq

This isn't exactly a villa, but I stayed here for 3 weeks a few years ago and loved it. My daughter and I had one of the small units with a loft. There are two pools, a lot of young people, and the setting is quite lovely, just outside the village of Paciano. You could either rent one of the larger units or maybe even two separate ones (didn't check prices, but it was a steal when I stayed there).

http://www.vacanzeideali.it/pg.alloggi.php?id=1&lang=en

annhig

agriturismi [farms that offer holiday services] are another option.

here's a link to a site for Umbria:

http://www.agriturismo.it/en/farmhouse/umbria

you can filter out for an onsite restaurant, a swimming pool, bicycles, etc. etc .

1happyfam

Thank you all! I have been sitting at the computer all day searching and all these suggestions really help me!! We like to stay at nice places and some of these are just beautiful!! Getting really excited!!

ekc

Once you have narrowed down your choices for Positano, feel free to post the links here if you would like a second opinion.

The most important thing in Positano is not being too far up in the village. The walk down to the beach won't be bad, but walking back up to the apartment after a day sightseeing or relaxing at the beach can be a killer. We stay fairly close to Via Pasitea, near Hotel Poseidon, and there are still 68 steps to get up to the road from the apartment - not to mention the 258 steps up from the beach if we don't walk up the road. And our apartment is considered pretty close to the beach!

I would recommend the apartment we are renting this year, but we will be there June 22 - 30. But please choose soon - I have had our apartment rented since October.

1happyfam

ekc- wow thats alot of walking!! my dates are flexible so you could give me your apt link too. I could do Rome first and then Poitano or just come in later.. I am coordinating around college orientations, but since my son has not selected yet, I have to keep several dates in mind..

ekc

It is alot of walking, but it is worth it. The views from everywhere are stunning. And I promise you get used to it by the end of the week.

And all that exercise means you get to eat more pasta and drink more wine!

Here is the link to the website for "my" apartment

http://casapositano.wordpress.com/20...ositano-italy/

1happyfam

ekc-Thank you! From a quick glance is the first place you recommended in a better location?

ekc

They are actually quite close to each other. Both require a walk up the steps to Via Pasitea, but once you get up to Via Pasitea they are only a couple of blocks apart.

Both have great views, but different. Villa le Sirene mainly has a view over the town and part of the sea. The view from the apartment is mainly of the sea with a little of the beach to the left.

I just checked the calendar for Villa le Sirene and they are fully booked for June and July

1happyfam

Ok gotcha! Aww thank you for checking for me... Just adding up airfare for 5 plus Rome stay plus here..man its adding up fast!!

ekc

Yes it does - especially when travelling in high season (like we do)! The apartment might be a bit of a squeeze for 5, but dinner on the terrace makes it all worth it. I think we are paying $1100 euros for the apartment for a week.

1happyfam

Actually thats too bad if we squeeze in, I will look at all the suggestions tomorrow! The view from your apt is amazing!

luluma

I can't help you with accomodations since we haven't taken our trip yet (we're booked for July), but just wanted to suggest Scandinavian Air for good fares from NY area (Newark). Our tickets are $917. United has same fares but to Milan. Not really convenient for Sorrento/Amalfi coast, but good for Lake Como or other places in northern Italy. We have 4 in our family and it does add up!

Paqngo

We rented a house names Casa Maria in Positano. Great views and terraces. There are two stories and plenty of room for five. We rented it through Emma's Villas and the property agent was very nice. Have a great time.

1happyfam

lulama- great info thank you!! Enjoy your trip!!

Paqngo- Thank you I will look at Emmas villas!!

thenotoriousmat

Hey 1happyfam - how was Emma Villas?

Anybody else have experience with them? I am looking to rent a place called Madonnina through them

Thank you

ekc

I just rented an apartment in Positano through Emma Villas and had no problem. I have been looking at renting through them for several years and have never seen negative feedback.