Reviews of Casa Ida

Self catering accommodation in Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy, with our best price guarantee!

Pierre R.

Montréal

Canada

VERIFIED

Very good

September 2019 - The villa is beautiful and located in lovely Praiano. All the beauty of Positano and Amalfi without the crazy crowds.

We were greeted by Peppino [the caretaker] who is a gold mine of information. His advice was excellent. Owner of the property lives next door and keeps the garden clean and well groomed.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Elena B.

Bal Harbour, Florida

United States

VERIFIED

Casa Ida is absolutely amazing!

June 2019 - Casa Ida is absolutely amazing! Beautiful, big, clean, very cosy, comfortable, feels like home. Has absolutely everything you need.

You feel that house is build and maintained with great love. Beautiful garden. Views from the garden, balcony and huge terraces are breathtaking.

Only regret I have I stayed there only a few days. Next time definitely I would stay there longer.

The owner and the caretaker are so helpful and hospitable that you feel like you are family. Peppino [the caretaker] very first day took us everywhere in Praiano, made reservation in very nice tavern in the center of the town with absolutely amazing views on sunset. Made reservation for taxi to get to the Naples Airport. Was in contact all the time. Nothing to improve. Everything was absolutely perfect.

Summer In Italy is the best of the best. I am having business with this company since 2013, they never disappointed me. Fast responses always, always there for you, you can call, you can text, you can whatsapp or e-mail, they will respond right away and solve all problems if you have any on your trip. I am pretty difficult person in a way that I do not make plans in advance and sometimes changing my plans, but it's not a problem with Summer In Italy, they will find decision right away. Want to thank Andrea, Anita and Luca for being so professional.

Travel tips

  • Location can't be better, 2 min walking from nice pizzeria and from the store you can get everything you need, 15 min walking to the beach and Sita bus stop.
  • Praiano is only 7 km from Positano, usually Positano was my choice to stay on Amalfi Coast (was there 7 times), but I appreciated very much this little town.

Rex L.

Salt Lake City, UT

United States

VERIFIED

Beautiful, peaceful, tranquil and a home away from home

October 2018 - Casa Ida is beautiful, peaceful, tranquil and a home away from home. You enjoy every moment you are there. It is a place to look forward to going back to at the end of each day. The attention to detail in the house is amazing. The atmosphere is charming. It is everything you would want in a home for your vacation time.

The caretaker, Mr. Peppino, is very helpful and does a great job as does the owner, who lives next door.

Summer In Italy is an amazing company. They were so responsive and helpful, no matter what questions I had. They truly want to make sure you're happy and informed, before and during your trip. Whenever I wondered about something related to my stay at Casa Ida, the Summer In Italy staff were there to help. It was nice to be able to communicate with them in multiple ways as well: email, chat on their web site, etc. I'm very glad I booked through Summer In Italy, and I'd gladly book through them again. I highly recommend them.

Travel tips

  • Use the local bus to get to/from Positano. It's a much better option than the SITA bus. The bus stop is very close to the house, right at the bottom of the small hill when leaving Casa Ida, right before you get to the Mini Market Tutto Per Tutti.
  • Go to the Mini Market Tutto Per Tutti for any grocery needs you have. It's nice and so close to Casa Ida.
  • Alimentari Rispoli is another very good grocery store in Praiano.
  • Restaurant La Moressa, right below the house, is great. So is Restaurant Kasai. Both places have excellent patios/terraces, as well.
  • The bar next to Bar Love Gym on Via Umberto I street, is great for your morning cappuccino and cornetto.
  • In the other side of Praiano ("Vettica"), Bar del Sole is as authentic a neighborhood Italian bar as you'll find.
  • The piazza in front of the Church of San Gennaro is a great place to relax and/or people watch, depending what time of day it is.
  • Che Bontà restaurant is a great find.
  • For a meal with one of the most beautiful views around, go to Restaurant Franchino at the Hotel Onda Verde.
  • All of this is in Praiano. I'm very glad I decided to stay in Praiano as opposed to Positano or Amalfi, or elsewhere on the Amalfi Coast.
  • Of course, day trips to Positano, Capri and Amalfi are all amazing. Take the ferries whenever you can.

Robert M.

Walnut Creek, CA

United States

VERIFIED

Everything was FANTASTIC!!!

June 2018 - I did not just go through the survey and just choose excellent... Everything was FANTASTIC!!! The most important qualification was that Casa Ida was exactly as advertised. We loved the location and Praiano. We highly recommend Casa Ida and Praiano. Beautiful place.

Communication with Summer In Italy was good, that was primary expectation of booking company. Would use you again.

Travel tips

  • Tips for visitors: be prepared for a lot of hilly walking in the whole area.
  • Restaurants, markets and transportation are very close by.
  • We day tripped into Positano and Capri, they are beautiful but we were glad we chose the smaller, quieter town.

Patricia B.

New Hartford, NY

United States

VERIFIED

Spectacular view, helpful and friendly owner

June 2018 - It was a wonderful week.

The view from the terrace and deck was spectacular.

Everyone in the area was very helpful and friendly.

Raffaele, the owner, was sweet. He told us not to hesitate to ask for anything and offered fresh basil and herbs for our culinary needs.

After 2 weeks in Rome, it was a great choice for the last week.

The agency, Summer In Italy was always available. Someone pleasantly responded within minutes to provide ample suggestions and resources and there was a voice if I needed clarification.

Travel tips

  • If you are looking for many activities, an action packed area, this is not the place. If you are looking for a cultural experience and tranquility, then you are in for a treat.
  • Transportation to nearby town, villages, islands is available and access is easy.
  • Although I was able to speak the language, the dialect is quite pronounced. Nonetheless, there are enough English speakers to communicate with for needed information. It would have been very helpful if someone could have been waiting for us at the bus stop. We had to pull our luggage, uphill, almost a quarter mile. The property manager met us on his scooter and pleasantly led us to the steps, but it was difficult to manage our luggage, on foot, for that uphill distance. [Future guests: if you are travelling with heavy baggage and feel you might need help, a porter service is available in Praiano to assist]
  • Be prepared to walk, if you want to take advantage of the terrain, people, neighboring paths, local markets, the beach, restaurants and shops. Taxis are available but you’ll miss out on authenticity.
  • Day trips to Amalfi, Positano and Capri were wonderful.

Irene N.

Dearborn, Michigan

United States

VERIFIED

We had a wonderful experience

May 2018 - We had a wonderful experience. Casa Ida was clean and had everything we needed.

The owner and caretaker were very helpful and gracious. They were welcoming and handled our questions promptly and efficiently.

Summer In Italy is absolutely the best service!!! When we come again, I will definitely book through you. Your staff is the best I have ever worked with.

Nancy M.

Mississauga

Canada

VERIFIED

Everything we could have hoped for and more

October 2017 - Where to begin? Casa Ida was everything we could have hoped for and more. The views were fantastic from every vantage point and the terrace was well-used and enjoyed every day and evening of our stay. The house was very clean, beautifully and comfortably furnished and well-equipped. This house was perfect for our party of two couples, with lots of light and room to spread out.

Praiano is a delightful town and less touristy than Positano or Amalfi. We would absolutely return to Praiano and Casa Ida.

Summer In Italy's web site was easy to use, informative and accurate. The travel information included there was very helpful in planning for private car and driver and other activities. Luca and Andrea made the booking process simple and responded quickly to any queries. I highly recommend Summer In Italy and will use them again.

Travel tips

  • There are several restaurants within walking distance - our favourites were Restaurant La Moressa for pizza, Restaurant Kasai and Restaurant M'ama (this one for the views at night).
  • Bus transportation requires some patience and knowledge of routes/schedule. You can download the local schedule but verify before you board that you have the correct bus.
  • Advance purchase of regional (Sita) bus tickets is necessary but not for local buses.
  • A tour of Pompeii is interesting and you are able to book a private tour guide just inside the entrance without prearrangement.
  • Good walking shoes are a must and be prepared for lots of stairs - enjoy!

Debra M.

Staunton Virginia

United States

VERIFIED

Everything was perfect!

June 2016 - Casa Ida was more beautiful than the pictures. Everything about it was perfect. The villa was equipped with everything we needed for cooking meals. After hiking/touring all day we were so happy to return to the villa where we could unwind and enjoy ourselves.

We couldn't have chosen a better place to stay than Praiano. It was quiet, people were very friendly and helpful. No tour buses stopped so there weren't tons of people wandering around. The tourist that were around we like us, renting a place, and doing day trips. You had the chance to really feel like you were living the daily life in Italy.

The landlord lived next door, charming man that spoke very little English but was always around if we needed something. The caretaker, Peppino, couldn't have been more helpful and always available. He even came over one night and made us dinner! We enjoyed getting to know you and hope that we can return and stay in the same villa some time. Staying in your villa was a highlight of our trip! Thank you!

Summer In Italy is the way to go to find a rental. They are quick responding to any question or concerns you have. Very efficient and professional but gave you the feeling like they were your friends and wanted you to have the best experience possible. I've recommended them to others thinking about traveling in Italy. I give them 5 stars plus! Thank you for giving us a wonderful time in Italy!

Travel tips

  • I highly recommend staying in Praiano if you don't want to deal with crowds. There are good restaurants and grocery stores. Not many stores to shop in but Positano and Amalfi are only a short bus trip away if you want crowds and shopping.
  • People are very helpful at the grocery stores. We had one very close to our villa called Tutto per Tutti and the 10 days we stayed we felt like part of the community. I once went to purchase a few items and found that I had my wrong pack and had no money. The clerk said not to worry, to pay later! I was amazed that he trusted us. Of course I immediately came back and paid the bill.
  • People in town were always helpful even if they spoke very little English. We didn't fine that a problem no matter where we went in Italy.
  • Italy has great transportation with buses and trains. We were able to take both to spend a day in Pompeii, Positano and down to Amalfi with no problems. They were on time and easy to make connections. Any problems, just ask and you'll soon have a small crowd surrounding you to help.
  • We spent a lot of time hiking in the area. We did the whole Path of the Gods trail which is awesome. You have to be in decent shape to accomplish this as there are many stairs and paths that are extremely steep, then you have to go down which is just as difficult. It was definitely the highlight of my trip.
  • I do recommend bringing plastic storage bags for extra food, and a bag to carry groceries. You'll find that you only buy for one or two days as carrying large amounts of food is tiring with wall the hills and steps.
  • One thing to remember, you're not home where everything runs smoothly, we're spoiled.
  • I did find the beds to be extremely hard but was warned about this beforehand by the agency. I put extra blankets on top of the mattress to soften it a bit and that worked...

Sylvia B.

Truro

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2015 - Fabulous location for views, transport and local shop. Lovely area outside to have meals and of course the big sun balcony overlooking the sea. Fabulous.

Everything you could need for a wonderful relaxing holiday. Loved every minute of our stay.

Travel tips

  • Bus only 50 yards away and so useful for visiting nearby resorts and getting around the town.
  • Lots of passage ways to explore.
  • Very handy supermarket close by - everything you could need.
  • Mosquitos were busy in August - remember your spray and bite cream.
  • Be prepared to attack the ants but they are tiny and easily removed!

Carrie W.

Parker, CO

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2015 - We really enjoyed Casa Ida.

The space was clean and had interesting architectural features. The views were amazing!

Everyone who helped us there was wonderful!

Travel tips

  • Praiano turned out to be a great location. Out of the crazy busy areas but close to them if you want to indulge. Great restaurants, close to groceries, views to die for. You will also get great exercise everyday... Lots of stairs everywhere.

David B.

Rockwood

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2014 - Absolutely loved Casa Ida, that we shared with another couple.

Beautifully appointed, well equipped kitchen. Great terrace, enjoyed sitting under the olive tree having a cocktail and nibbles in the late afternoon. Fantastic view. Bedrooms very roomy, we switched at end of 1st week and both were good.

Even if Raffaele [the owner] doesn't speak English and we don’t speak Italian we were able to communicate to some extent. He is a very nice gentleman.

Mr. Peppino [the property manager] was very helpful. He arranged a boat trip to Capri for us and also recommended markets and restaurants, all good.

Casa Ida is a first class property, very beautiful and well maintained. We think one of the best in the area.

We found the service of Summer In Italy top notch. Questions we had prior to leaving were always answered very promptly. Would recommend their service.

Travel tips

  • Great location, very close to local bus stop (use it, costs only 1 Euro).
  • As for the nature of the location - lots of hills and steps - bring good walking shoes.
  • We took the bus to Amalfi one day and to Positano another day (both much more touristy than Praiano). All great though.
  • We found the local people in Praiano very friendly.
  • We did arrange a limo service to pick us up at Naples airport and return, excellent service.
  • We also used the limo service one day to go to Herculaneum, well worth seeing.
  • Grocery store "Tutto per Tutti", great daily shopping and great people.
  • We ate at Restaurant La Strada, great. Peppino [the property manager] made the reservation and arranged a car to pick us up.
  • A great place is Gastronomia Che Bonità, excellent food and good prices. We had there lunch 3 times and dinner one night. They also cooked us chickens for take away.
  • Another great spot is Pizzeria Jolly, just a short walk from the villa, up hill. Tables on the side of the street, great view over the sea and fantastic food. Excellent pasta and seafood (we had dinner twice and take away once).
  • Would recommend to let Peppino arrange the boat trip to Capri for you. We had a great 10 meters yacht (max 12 people) with a great crew, stops for swimming, Prosecco on board, tour to the grotto, etc..

Jeanette H.

Lindfield

Australia

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2013 - We had a fabulous time at Casa Ida. The location and the feeling you get is just as wonderful as you imagine when you see the Amalfi coast on travel programs. The villa is ideal and is as described and met our expectations.

Praiano is also we felt a better place to stay than say Positano being less built up and crowded. We definitely made the right decision when we booked this property, in addition to the place itself the agent, the local contact in Praiano and the owner himself were all very friendly and helpful.

We felt Summer in Italy (Luca in particular) were very helpful and made the whole process of booking, getting to the Villa and checking in easy. With online booking you are always worried it may not go smoothly but we were pleased with Summer In Italy and would certainly recommend to others.

Travel tips

  • If you are a nervous driver use the buses or go by boat. If you are confident then drive yourself as the buses can be crowded. If you do drive it's worth asking about renting a private parking spot.
  • Don't forget to do the boat trip to Capri the chance to see the coast from the sea and take a swim off the boat is great.
  • A trip to Ravello is well worthwhile.

Steven K.

Mesa, Arizona

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

May 2013 - What an amazing villa to enjoy the Amalfi Coast. The attention to detail was fabulous and the owner and keyholder were excellent to work with and they made us feel welcome.

The villa was every bit as beautiful and more than the pictures on-line. The terrace garden was amazing, as were all the outdoor plants. The owner's attention to detail really showed.

Our stay in Praiano and the Amalfi coast was everything and more than we had hoped for and the Casa Ida was the start to it all!!

Travel tips

  • Meals at La Strada (romantic), Vivaro (fun and energetic), and Armandino's (quaint, at Marina di Praia) were great.
  • Bring your "hiking legs". Lots of stairs and hills (it is the Amalfi Coast) and the Walk of the Gods from Praiano will stretch those calf muscles!!
  • If using the buses for transport, be prepared to understand the schedules, routes, and crowds.

Jack W.

Columbus, GA

United States

VERIFIED

Fantastic

September 2012 - Casa Ida was great.

Raffaele [the owner] came and made us pizza made for us pizza in the pizza oven one night. It was just a great stay. The beds were hard, though.

I would definitely stay there again.

Unfortunately, Casa Ida 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!