Sorrentine Peninsula

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The common areas of the hotel include a huge lobby, sitting area with comfortable couches and picture windows everywhere. The restaurant and bar area are at the top of a circular staircase and again make use of picture windows, often wide open to let in the bay breezes, with incredible views of the town and bay below. Vesuvius in the distance reminds you of eras gone by. A large pool and deck have comfortable pool chairs and by day, many visitors choose to spend the warm afternoons tanning and being served libations by the hotel staff.

One of my favorite things to do is enjoy a lunch of caprese and a pizzetta at one of the tables on the deck while gazing out at the spectacle below.

The hotel is about a 15 or 20 minute walk, down a cobble path to the city. But a shuttle bus operates on a regular schedule for those who wish to ride. The walk down is easy but the walk up is a chore.

The staff is superb. Lyla at the desk went out of her way to assist me when I had a family emergency at home. Tonino might possibly be the best bar tender in all of Italy. And Gianfranco, the manager treats his guests as if they are staying in his own home, which of course they are!

Caruso's is named for the famous opera singer, who's pictures graces many of the walls of the beautiful restaurant. Americane to the bone, we find it difficult to wait until 9 or 10 for dinner so when we showed up at 7:30 we were about the first ones there. Our server treated us royally anyway.

Celebrating our last night in one of our very favorite cities we decided to have champagne. Ahhhh, the life! The squash ravioli appetizer was one of those melt in your mouth experiences and I wanted to savor every bite. The fresh seafood was light and delicious.

Forums, temples, baths, theaters, private homes, markets, even bordellos.... an entire city is layed out before the visitor.

Allow at least 4 hours to visit this area. And do visit it. For a person like me who loves to imagine themself in another era and another life a visit to Pompeii will capture your imagination and not let go for days.

Keep in mind that Pompeii is primarily just the ruins. While the visitor will see some walls painted with graphics from early times, most of the artifacts that were uncovered are found in the Archeological Museum in Naples. A certified ancient Romafile will want to visit that very special place as well.