Reviews of Casa Lena

Self catering accommodation in Atrani, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Mark B.

Towaco, NJ

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2023 - The property was as depicted. Close to the piazza, not too may steps. Quiet and a beautiful terrace with a view of the ocean.

Olga T.

Belgrade

Serbia

VERIFIED

In love with Casa Lena

July 2022 - We enjoyed our stay at Casa Lena immensely - we have fallen in love with the place!

Casa Lena met all our demands when it comes to size, cleanliness and the most spectacular views of the sea, mountains and the village. The only downside of the property was that we had wifi signal only the first day and before having a shower we had to wait for the hot water to start running. The terrace furnishings are a bit worn out probably due to the constant exposure to the sun. But this was a trifle compared with what you get from the property! We are dreaming of returning to Casa Lena!

Staff of SII is outstanding and professional!

Nicola S.

London

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Loved the location, the views were spectacular

June 2022 - Casa Lena is a lovely property and the roof terrace and view is what you are paying for in my opinion. We had a fantastic weekend and loved the location, the views were spectacular.

I would definitely book with Summer In Italy again. They were very helpful with regards to all aspects of our booking and our trip.

Travel tips

  • I would definitely travel to other areas on the Amalfi Coast by boat. These come quite frequently from Amalfi which is a 10 minute walk from Atrani.

Dominic S.

Manchester

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Fantastic

June 2022 - We had a great week at Casa Lena.

Atrani is a lovely village. Much nicer to stay in than the more touristy towns along this coast. Atrani has no supermarket, but you can really get everything you need from the minimarket, fish shop, butchers and fruit and vegetable shop.

The apartment had a peaceful comfortable feel about it. Eating meals on the terrace with the fantastic views was a delight. Having an outdoor shower was also nice.

Travel tips

  • If you are feeling energetic, walking up the steps from Atrani to Pontone or Ravello is a lovely thing to do. You can come back via Amalfi.

Lynne B.

Sawbridgeworth

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Very good

April 2022 - Great Location, walking distance from Amalfi but quieter and away from the crowds.

Atrani is a very nice village, pleasant square, couple of small shops and good restaurants.

Travel tips

  • Parking was difficult and expensive 20 Euro per day either by feeding the parking meter in Atrani beach car park or using the underground car park between Atrani and Amalfi cleverly built into the cliff. If you can manage without a car so much the better!

Peter M.

North Sydney

Australia

VERIFIED

Very good

December 2019 - Casa Lena is a very charming flat in a delightful small village.

This is a very comfortable flat for two-four although the narrow circular staircase from living room (which is the place for dining if not dining outside) to the kitchen would not suit the elderly or those who have difficulty with stairs. In fact Atrani itself might not suit them. The view of the sea and surrounding cliffs from the terrace (just off the kitchen on the third floor) is breathtaking.

We went in winter for a walking break on the Amalfi coast and found this a magical place. It would be even better in warmer weather for many. The people of Atrani are friendly. The walk to Amalfi is easy and we did it every day.

Travel tips

  • Only good for those with no problem with stairs.

Teresa B.

Santa Fe, NM

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2019 - We loved staying at Casa Lena -- yes the kitchen was small, but the balcony was outrageous!!! The kitchen is plenty big to slice up the fresh buffalo mozzarella from the macelleria at the bottom of the stairs along with the giant heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil from the fruttivendolo.

We enjoyed the town of Atrani -- it' much smaller and much less touristy than Amalfi. There is a real sense of a small local town -- you would see the same villagers singing at the restaurant one night and then painting the stairs the next day!

You were fantastic and made everything easy! The caretaker was thorough and very friendly -- mille grazie!!

Travel tips

  • Restaurant La Palma has delicious food -- try the lemon pasta -- and Wed. night is locals nite with music and singing into the wee hours. We just showed up and because we had eaten there the night before, they made a special table for us.
  • We loved walking up to Ravello for the day and a boat ride to Salerno to catch the train to Pompeii (be sure to allow lots of time for this trip and bring plenty of water).
  • If you're lucky enough to go during world cup time.
  • ...enjoy!!!

Susan V.

Swansea, MA

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2018 - We grew to love Casa Lena, because the village of Atrani is so lovely.

The arrangement of the apartment, on three levels, is a bit inconvenient. The climb up so many staircases to reach the apt., is also a bit challenging. The furnishings in the apt. were marginal, esp. the couches. The rooms could have used more lights, esp. the bedroom and living room. The terrace at the top was really wonderful... great view, comfortable furniture.

We had a great week in Atrani overall.

We loved our experience with Summer in Italy, and found our phone contact with Luca very helpful. We booked with you because the web site was user-friendly, and very informative.

Travel tips

  • If possible, don't bring a car! Not having a place to park was a major problem. We had to park about 1 1/2 miles away in Ravello.
  • Be in tiptop physical condition to hike all the staircases from the town square to the apt., and then remember that to get from the bedroom to the bathroom is up a narrow winding staircase. Not a great place for families with small children/babies, or senior citizens that aren't fit.

Morten Stefan S.

Oslo

Norway

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2018 - We absolutely enjoyed it very much.

The location is superb and the large terrace with its out-door shower and barbecue is terrific.

The kitchen was smaller then we had expected.

Travel tips

  • Use the terrace - stay there as much as possible!

Catherine P.

Launceston

Australia

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2018 - Fabulous - would love to stay there again one day.

We loved the town of Atrani too - such a friendly place.

 

Stephen W.

Eugene, Oregon

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2017 - The view from the rooftop terrace is outstanding.

We spent almost no time indoors and all of our time up on the roof.

After an intense week of sightseeing in Rome, this was the perfect vacation within a vacation. Our daughters spent every chance they could swimming at the free beach.

The apartment is comfortable, although the kitchen and bathroom are tiny.

The town of Atrani couldn't be more charming and friendly. The warren of steep narrow stairways throughout Atrani were great fun to explore.

There were no hidden charges or fees. Everything was as advertised.

Travel tips

  • Explore the town.
  • Beware of the church bells that ring the time every 15 minutes all day and night. You will soon get used to them (I even sort of miss them) but they may take you by surprise.
  • Walking to Amalfi is easy.
  • Take the bus to Ravello and walk back down to Atrani.
  • If you like to cook arrange for a cooking class at Mamma Agata in Ravello. The view alone is worth it.
  • If you plan to take a SITA bus early in the morning be sure to buy the tickets the night before. The bar in the piazza sells tickets.

Laura W.

Portland, OR

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2016 - We were very happy at Casa Lena.

It did not work great for two couples, however, since the upstairs loft had no privacy and every breath was heard from up to down and vice versa.

We adored the place, the town (most of all), the homeyness and beauty of the apartment.

It seemed expensive for really only having one bedroom and a sleeping loft with a modified ladder. If money were no object, it would be perfection for a family with kids where the parents didn't need privacy, or just one couple.

We were really happy and the complaints were minor compared to the gloriousness of being in a town with no tourist souvenirs sold at all and friendly people.

Mary D.

Larchmont, New York

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2016 - Think Il Postino, the great Italian movie set on an island. Having a giant roof terrace on a beautiful home close to the sea in an untrampled Italian village made us feel like we were in a film.

The house was amazing and perfect for us -- spotless, an unusual but delightful layout, perfectly located.

The town was amazing and friendly. My 8 year old even played soccer with the town boys on the beach!

Thank you to the Summer In Italy people as well as the proprietor and his caretakers. They were all wonderful!

Alan L.

Glasgow

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2015 - There were four of us staying in Casa Lena and overall we had a fantastic holiday - staying in the heart of Atrani we were made very welcome by the local people who could not have been any friendlier or more helpful.

The roof terrace was lovely and spacious and the views day and night were magnificent.

Amalfi was only a short walk away and everywhere else was easy to reach using buses or boats.

The small beach is ideal for a swim and relax after sighseeing. There are also some nice places to eat in Atrani and lovely local shops with fresh local produce.

You have to be quite fit as this is a hilly area and there are a lot of stairs to climb.

Casa Lena was very clean and tidy with lots of spare linen and towels. The only negative point is that we were four adults and one of the bedrooms is an open plan room above the other bedroom, there is not a lot of privacy.

Though this was one of the best holidays we have had.

Chris H.

Reading

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2015 - Casa Lena is in a really nice village setting with a lot of musical surprises.

Ravello was gorgeous went twice walked all the way.

Beaches better than expected & walked to Amalfi most evenings for dinner & drinks before returning to Atrani for late cocktails.

Bathroom was small but adequate, kitchen was not really for cooking anything adventurous.

Terrace was beautiful .

Italians were very friendly although not much English spoken so a good idea to learn the basics before you go.

Did not hire a car used boats and public transport to get around.

A lot of walking and a lot of steps but plenty of bars to refresh yourself and your not really in a hurry it's all very relaxed.

Douglas C.

Sudbury, MA

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2015 - Our week in Casa Lena was fabulous. The property is in the middle of a typical village, and we were surrounded with the sights, sounds, and smells of everyday life.

We bought our pasta, bread and wine at the Alimentari in the square, pastries at the pastry shop, meat at the salumeria, fish at the pescheria, and fresh local vegetables at the two natural food stores.

In the evening, we joined the whole village in the square for a drink and a stroll.

The kitchen is a bit cramped, but we were able to cook some memorable meals.

Dining on the rooftop terrace could not be matched, even at the fine local restaurants (that said, the scampi risotto at A'Paranza was out of this world).

The surrounding cliffs and buildings are lighted at night, resulting in an amazing view, even at night.

The village beach was sandy, and the water was delightful in early July.

The bells of the church next door ring every 15 minutes, however, which required some adjusting to. Ear plugs at night helped.

The SITA bus stop in Atrani provides connections all along the coast, and the ferries of Amalfi are only a short walk away.

Casa Lena is a perfect antidote to the typical touristic fare of antiseptic hotels and wall-to-wall tourists.

Jill L.

Melbourne

Australia

VERIFIED

Excellent

May 2015 - We loved Casa Lena and the peace and quiet to come home to after a big day out was lovely.

The views were fantastic as was the pool which was lovely and clean to swim in.

We will recomend it to our friends and would love to return again one day.

It had a nice homely feel about it.

Angela Lee M.

Denver, CO

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

May 2015 - We enjoyed Casa Lena very much, especially the wonderful outdoor space.

The location was perfect as we like to keep away from tourist areas while still having access to them.

The loft space for our daughters was great, but you should definitely warn people about how steep the steps up to it are.

Katy H.

Nottingham, New Hampshire

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

March 2015 - Thrilled - the teenagers loved sunbathing on the terrace - we parents loved hiking the trails to the hill-towns.

Proximity to Amalfi was nice - whilst having the peace, quiet, and (unpretentious) charm of Atrani.

All went quite smoothly! Thanks!

 

Jerome C.

Dublin

Ireland

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2014 - Casa Lena was altogether perfect. Very tranquil and relaxing. Don't be put off by the distance from Amalfi itself. It's really only an 8 minute walk and besides, Atrani is nicer anyway. Less tourists, better food, cheaper.

Casa Lena is perfect for both groups (friends - bedroom is cramped a bit) or better still for a family with 3 children.

The people we dealt with were very nice. No hassles at all.

One thing! If the gas runs out you have to swap the valves on the canisters on the balcony. Turn off the empty one first and then turn on the full one. The instruction for this were hard to follow but trust me, you can manage yourself.

Talking about families: parents with small children might want to consider that the layout of the house might not be ideal!

Katherine B.

Stroud

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2014 - We had a wonderful stay at Casa Lena. You are drawn to the fabulous roof terrace, where you can really appreciate the attractions of Atrani, with lovely views of the sea, the surrounding rooftops (and other roof terraces) and the cliffs behind. We ate on the terrace every day: local bread, figs and peaches etc bought from local shops. It really made the holiday special.

The apartment itself is not huge, with a small bathroom and kitchen, but it is clean and comfortable. The second bedroom would not suit everyone, being a mezzanine floor - and a bit exposed (if you are not sharing with family). However, these minor points did not detract from a very enjoyable experience.

The position of the apartment is excellent. You can swim in the sea and eat and drink at local bars and restaurants, while enjoying an Italian atmosphere away from the usual tourist hot spots.

We walked to Amalfi several times and even managed the steep climb to Ravello on one occasion. (Repeating the trip by bus on the second time round, so that we could spend more time in this stunning spot!)

Travelling by buses locally was simple and cheap - and a wonderful way to see some spectacular sights.

Also, we took the ferry from Amalfi, to enjoy a day on Capri - and there were plenty of other options for excursions.

Be prepared to tackle lots of steps if you choose this apartment - and want to get around locally - but if you are ready for that, this apartment offers a perfect base for exploring a wonderful part of Italy.

I really appreciated the help provided by Summer in Italy. Having detailed descriptions on the web site made it easier to choose and book what turned out to be a great apartment. Also the advice offered by the company made it easier to decide on air, bus and train travel, which might otherwise have been a bit daunting. We will definitely use the service again. (Soon, I hope!)

Ruth F.

REading

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2014 - Casa Lena is in a great location - very quiet, but very close to the centre of Atrani. Atrani has a lovely atmosphere. It is well placed, within easy walking distance of Amalfi, but with a much less "touristy" feel.

The terrace is Casa Lena's biggest asset - it has a great view of the sea, and is large and well equipped.

Although Casa Lena is not ideal for small children (spiral staircase, hard tiled floors, etc.), the roof terrace was quite safe enough to let our 2-year-old run about with minimal supervision.

Klavs H.

Aarhus C

Denmark

VERIFIED

Excellent

April 2014 - Atrani is a lovely place at the costiera and the excellent terrace of Casa Lena and the spectacular setting is unique.

From the start on the Internet to the end of the vacation we were very confident with Summer in Italy. You have a great lay out on your homepage and a kind and fast communication on the e-mail service: it could not be better. You do a great job.

Christine G.

Madison, WI

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

March 2014 - We loved Casa Lena and hope to return again some day!

The terrace is its most outstanding feature. The view is beautiful and overlooks part of Atrani as well as the Mediterranean. The terrace is spacious and includes a chair swing, lounge chairs and a table with chairs.

But that's not all. The apartment is ideally located for enjoying the many walking path's (mostly stairs) between the villages on the coast. We explored Amalfi (often), Ravello, Pontone and the ruins of a castle without needing any transportation other than our feet. (If you can't handle stairs, you may want to consider other locations. Stairs are everywhere on the Amalfi coast. From the town piaza, you walk approximately 80 steps to reach the apartment. Exploring the area involves many many more stairs, an excellent work out for those who are so inclined.)

Casa Lena is also very convenient to the Sita bus, which is the best form of transportation on the coast. We traveled to Positano, Salerno and Pompeii with little effort. We would not think of trying to drive. The bus is inexpensive, relaxing and offers beautiful along the way.

The apartment itself is charming. I loved the tile floors and (small) spiral staircase to the bathroom, kitchen and terrace. Atrani itself is a quiet little town which makes the apartment a lovely respite from the busier towns and tourists.

In summary, we were already talking about another visit to the Amalfi Coast before we left this time. We would definitely choose to stay at Casa Lena again.

Thaddeus R.

Brooklyn, NY

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

December 2013 - I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our week in Atrani. Casa Lena and the town were both lovely.

We met the owner without any problem. The deck was amazing, and enjoyed eating breakfast outside, even though it was a little chilly, being December and all.

We really enjoyed being in Atrani - it is smaller and less tourist-filled than Amalfi and it felt like we were living in another century. We ate at each of the restaurants in town - there is a new Osteria that has just opened that is hands down the best food we had the entire trip.

Thank you again for all the help with the rental.

Raeleen M.

North Haven, CT

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2013 - The Amalfi coast was breathtaking and the best part of Casa Lena (besides the warm welcome from the owners) was the beautiful terrace, from which you could enjoy a panorama of the Mediterranean sea and its surroundings by day, or a romantic ambiance of sea and star lights by night.

There are lush plants on the terrace making for a peaceful surrounding, and also furniture that invite you to lounge or have lunch/supper outdoors.

Kay S.

Bathurst

Australia

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2013 - We have just arrived back in Australia after a wonderful 5 weeks in Europe.  We want to tell you what a fantastic time we had on the Amalfi Coast 

Casa Lena was brilliant: we loved staying in the apartment. All the arrangements for getting there and meeting the owner went without a problem.

The week we spent on the Amalfi Coast was the best part of our whole trip and we really did not want to leave.  We have already recommended you and the Amalfi Coast to friends who are planning a trip to Italy. We hope that one day we can return too!!!

Kim V.

Christchurch

New Zealand

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2013 - We had an absolutely wonderful time in Italy and our house, Casa Lena in Atrani, was great. We loved the size of Atrani itself and the closeness to other places as we walked most places, up to Ravello (absolutely fantastic), Minori, Amalfi just outstanding.

Casa Lena itself was all we needed central, comfortable sleeping but best of all was the terrace like a huge living room with spectacular views: wonderful.

I hope that it will not be a long time before I return to Italy the people, the history and the beauty are something that I hold in my heart.

Simon S.

Oxford

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2013 - We enjoyed are time at Casa Lena.

It is well situated in Atrani. The view from the terrace is wonderful.

Parents with toddlers may find the layout of the apartment difficult.

 

 

Ron B.

New York, NY

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2013 - Everything was wonderful. Casa Lena is a charming apartment with an amazing terrace and spectacular views.  The location was ideal for us -- literally just steps from the beach, and a short walk to Amalfi.

I have to admit that, after having seen the pictures of the terrace and theviews from the website, I was not entirely sure if it was really going tobe as great as it seemed, but once arriving it was immediately obvious that it was every bit as good as promised, and even better.

The arrival/check-in process worked very smoothly as well. In short, it was a great experience all around.

I would highly recommend both Casa Lena and Summer in Italy to other independent-minded travelers. Thanks for a great trip!

Jeffrey H.

Mt Vernon, NY

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

May 2013 - After the drive around the coast, you finally arrive in Atrani... a small village that welcomes you immediately.

 The houses are nestled among the hillside and look down onto the water. From the piazza down at the bottom you climb the center steps up and turn off to the right to enter Casa Lena. The entryway leads into the living room which is comfortable and inviting. Straight ahead you find the bedroom and loft, which accommodates 4 easily. Back through the living room you climb a spiral staircase to the bathroom, which may seem small to Americans, but is quite easily managed. Further up you get to the kitchen and the main reason you will want to rent (and possibly return to) Casa Lena -- the rooftop garden.

The views from the garden are magnificent. We arrived late at night, and after dropping the luggage downstairs, we sat outside with a drink to unwind from our trip. You see virtually all of Atrani from there, and a cool breeze instantly relaxes you. In the morning you can't wait to return while you have coffee and bask in the sun. Its a view you will always remember, and which the website does not do justice. While the stairs can be difficult if you are not in shape, the view is worth every moment of it!!

You can walk to Amalfi (which is much busier -- makes you appreciate the quaint village of Atrani all the more when you have had your fill of activity) and when you return, have one last coffee or drink on the piazza in Atrani. The people are warm, and welcome you immediately. And when you end the night upstairs again on the roof taking one last view of the village before you turn in, you know you made the right choice for a vacation you will always remember.

Tormod S.

Oslo

Norway

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2005 - Casa Lena is a wonderful place and ideally located. The terrace is great and the host were very friendly.

The bathroom is delicate but much too small! But in all - a great place to stay.

I have found the services from Summer In Italy to be of the highest standard - I rate you 11 stars out of 10! I will not hesitate to recommend you to anyone!

Craig C.

Suquamish, WA

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2004 - The location cannot be beat. We absolutely loved Atrani and Casa Lena is in the perfect spot, close to the piazza and beach yet somewhat private.

The roof deck was the best, we ate every meal there, never once using the dining table downstairs.

We traveled with our three children, ages 15, 13 and 9, and out of the four weeks we spent in Italy this was our favorite place.

We could have spent a month here instead of a week.

The people of Atrani were so friendly - we met a local named Bruno who took us on a hike to the top of the mountain between Amalfi and Atrani. The owners of the little stores were great - the man at the grocery store even gave us a gift on our last day there. The town beach was very comfortable for our family - one of our favorite days was renting a small boat with an outboard and exploring the Amalfi Coast, stopping to swim in the most beautiful blue water along the way.

Unfortunately, Casa Lena can not be booked at this time.

We would love to help you find a suitable alternative. Please be in touch for personal advice from our staff!