La Caravella, Amalfi Coast

Advantages: The view! Worth a million pounds, but you get it at a reasonable price
Disadvantages: Some find rather old fashioned, but it has a certain charm

...THE HOTEL ITSELF From the outside the building may actually look rather ugly, or so I thought. This steams from the fact that the Hotel La Bussola was once a mill and pasta factory, a fact I find which further adds to its charms. The building is one of great character; for centuries the building has been used, and it has stories to tell of Southern Italian culture. On the main coast road leading to Amalfi the hotel has pride of place along the seafront. Sitting on top of a cliff face means optimum views are afforded, and every room offers stunning sea views. I last visited the Hotel La Bussola in 2005 and it was just as good as I remembered it from the previous year. We booked two standard double bedrooms, which were a million miles away from standard. The beds were comfy and in large airy rooms , air condition actually worked, which... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Beautiful, Italian, romantic
Disadvantages: Very narrow roads and very hilly

...The Amalfi coast is possibly one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world. We got engaged there, in Ravello, so it obviously holds a very special place in my heart. There are several towns which are beautiful to stay in. We were based in Positano which is split into 2 areas by a deep ravine. All hotels are ont eh cliff face with fantastic views out to sea. Positano can get a bit touristy in high season so I would recomend going in Spring time - late April through to early June. There are also many good places to eat to suit most budgets and a couple of very special hotels if your budget allows. Otherwise there are plenty of excellent guest houses which are clean and comfortable. Amalfi itself is an historically interesting town and well worth a visit. As is Ravello on the top of the hills, famous for Wagner stories... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Stunning views, Superb cuisine
Disadvantages: Small beaches due to high cliffs

...Amalfi is nestled amongst the beautiful cliffs and centuries old rocky outcrops that line the coast of Italy between the gritty, bustling city of Naples to the north, and the overgrown city of Salerno to the south. It's a very small town, but probably the most recognized one along the stretch, mainly because the coastline on which it is situated has taken its name. The Amalfi coast actually consists of a number of small towns, most of which can be accessed by bus from either Naples or Salerno. You can also take a train from Naples to the town of Sorrento and then a bus from Sorrento to Amalfi. (This is your cheapest option from Naples if you are travelling with a Eurrail pass as I was.) If you do visit the Amalfi coast by bus, be prepared for the ride of your life. The access road is just wide enough for the bus in many places, limited... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful