In article ,
Ken Blake wrote:

Have you considered the possibility of flying back from Naples instead
of Rome? If you could do that, it should be much more convenient.

I'm paying less than $650 all-in for SFO-FCO. I checked returning from
NAP and the fare shot up to over $1700.



You can get to Capri by ferry from either Naples or Sorrento. You
might even want to go from Naples to Capri, then from Capri to
Sorrento, which would take away the need to go from Naples to Sorrento
by train.

Yes, another reason for choosing Sorrento is that I could go from Naples
to Sorrento by train or ferry. Ferry or hydrofoil would be more scenic
and faster but the transfer from the Naples train station to the port
seems a hassle, with a big suitcase in tow.

I guess I could go to Capri first but it might be better to get my
bearings first on the coast.


You can take the funicular from Marina Grande up to the town and take
your luggage up on it. If you take a taxi, it will cost somewhat more,
but like the funicular, it just takes you to the start of Capri. From
there, you will have to walk to your hotel or B&B.

I will have to research the funicular a bit more. I assumed it was more
a people-mover and it didn't sound like something for people with
luggage.



Any experiences in the lodging choices in the area? Not just on Capri
but also on the mainland?


I know nothing about Capri B&Bs, but I have two favorite hotels in
Capri: Canasta, and La Floridiana. Unfortunately, like so many hotels
in Capri, they are not cheap.

In Sorrento, I stayed at Hotel Mignon Meublè
the last time I was there (about a year
and a half ago). It was fine, very central, and moderately-priced.
Unfortunately, however, it has no elevator.

Some good suggestions in this thread about hotels in Sorrento.

I've seen most of the ones mentioned on Venere.com