Trip Reports - Amalfi Coast- IAD-MUC-FCO UA $LH and back

Just returned from a quick vacation.I flew from IAD, where the intl and premier domestic check in has been merged with the addition of the quick check in terminals which sit in front of the counters. The lines were chaotic and I stood in line for over 45 minutes as did the first class intl passengers in the neighboring lines. There was no explanation given- there were no folks manning the counters. The quick terminals placement in front of the counters is ridiculous. The new federalized security folks were somewhat boisterous and the line to go through security took about 30 minutes and seemed to require that everyone remove shoes and have a wand inspection. UA flight was smooth E+ seating on 767 was adequate, but window seats are to be avoided because of the metal box under the seats which make it impossible to stretch out your legs. Munich airport connection was smooth and I was allowed to stand by for an earlier flight on LH depite my restricted ticket because my scheduled flight was overbooked. I overnighted in Rome and went to Sorrento to stay at the Hilton. I was permitted to use points for one night out of 5. Was upgraded to the executive floor to a room with a stunning view of the bay of naples and Mt Vesuvius. The executive lounge serves food all day and wine and beer and expresso and cappuccino were graciously served by the young staff. The Amalfi drive was truly stunningly beautiful. The towns of Amalfi and Positano and Ravello were as picturesque as described. Capri was delightful once the shops were passed. I had a great dinner at Don Alfonso in San Agata -I took the public bus from Sorrento and the restaurant called a driver to take me back to Sorrento since the last bus leaves at 10 pm and dinner began at 8.-The restaurant was pricey but terrific and I enjoyed the seafood of the region for other meals. Returned and stayed at he Rome Airport Hilton because of thre general strike on the day I was leaving- I was upgraded (as a gold)- check in on the exec floor so no line standin- an ok exec lounge but it could not compare to the lounge in Sorrento and the coffe was bad- tasted like nescafe or cruise shop coffee- a disappointment. My connection in Munich was ok but a bit rushed. Transit passengers were required to go through Passport control and the a very thorough security check- 100% wand inspection and shoe removal and carry on hand inspection after xray- I had a one and a half hour cx time but others were almost missing flights.

Very interesting report. Actually I like Positano more than Sorrento.
Next time I want to go to Restaurant Don Alfonso 1890, 11 corso Sant'Agata - Sant' Agata sui Due Golfi, Telephone 081 8780026, Fax 081 5330226. It has two Michelin Stars and is expensive. They have 5 suits/rooms. Is it worth staying at this place? It looks a bit like a remote location.

Sorrento served us well as a base for exploration- we wanted to visit Naples and Herculaneum- as well as Ravello and Positano and Capri and many of the hotels I attempted to book in Positano and Praino and Ravello were booked- October is a lovely time to visit but not a free of tourist time to visit. The weather was perfect for the week I was there sunny and about 70 degrees during the day. The week prior it rained for 4 days straight.
Re Don Alfonso- thanks for posting the info for the restaurant. The meal was great- it is about 6 km from Sorrento- about 20 minutes by bus and 10 by car. Our hotel in Sorrento was less expensive than the rate quoted by Don Alfonso for a room- 179 USD with breakfast which I understand is terrific. The restaurant is closed MON nad Tues, and we considered staying overnight but not for our entire stay. In the end we stayed in Sorrento- but since Don Alfonso is a Relais and Chateu property I suspect it is pretty nice- but not as convenient if you must rely on public transport. This trip I took with ny son- next one with my husband and I would like to stay is Ravello or one of the smaller towns- but Sorrento was ok for this trip- if not the perfect choice- a good one at least.

Naxos you made me laugh about the coffee at the Rome Hilton. I was shocked that the coffee was so awful. I was looking forward to some good coffee in Italy!What a disappointment and did not like the Rome Airport Hilton.

I had no idea they had a Hilton in Sorrento.

Bretteee I had great coffee in Italy- just not at the Rome Hilton at the airport. The Hilton in Sorrento used to be called the Sorrento Palace and has a large convention and meeting hall on the lower levels- not an intimate place, but it served us well and the coffee and expresso were great!