Dawn:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">What I can't seem to understand is why this property only rates a 3! I guess I don't understand the criteria. I heard the location/lounge/rooms all are great, so why only a 3?</font>
I'm not sure what their criteria, but I would assume that it's simply an introductory rating. It was only recently (within the past year or two)taken over by Hilton. Also, it's not in a "common" tourist area, like the big 3 - Rome, Florence and Venice. It is quite nice, and I love the views from the balconies and executive lounge, but it's not what I would call "plush" or even "luxurious". It just happens to be the only property in the Amalfi Coast area that's a member of one of the major western property companies. But yes, it is quite nice.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Also, what airport would we fly into? </font>
You could fly into Naples, if your airline flies there. But we flew into Rome, and drove a rental. A lot of people recommend taking a train from Rome through Naples, then on into Sorrento. Then you'd have to take a cab from the train station there up to the hotel. We just found a car easier, more flexible. We had appointments around the area which required that we have our own vehicle, but we would probably have done so any way so that we could do various tourist things on our own schedule.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">And lastly, when are a few of the ideal times to visit versus the times to stay away.</font>
Spring and Fall are probably ideal. Summer is great, weather-wise (if you want to take advantage of the pools, and beaches), but just bear in mind that this is a popular vacation destination for Italians, too. Beach resorts there, as anywhere, can get pretty crowded in the summer. Winter is much milder than most areas of Italy, but not condusive to sun-bathing, I wouldn't think.
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AA EXP, 1MM, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum