1. Italy
  2. Amalfi Coast
  3. Praiano
  4. Casa Ivetta
  5. Reviews

Reviews of Casa Ivetta

Vacation rental apartment in Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Sally F.

Chesterfiled, MA

United States

Excellent

October 2013 - We enjoyed Casa Ivetta very much. the view was lovely, the neighborhood was quiet and friendly. The owner of the small market nearby was very helpful.

We had an excellent experience with you folks. We were grateful for the support during our stay from the phone rep.

Travel tips

  • Rent a very small car if you plan to have a car at this site. The parking spot is difficult to access as it is underground and the access is steep, narrow and has a 90 degree turn midway down. We had a 4 door car and had a very difficult time. Once in the underground garage there was plenty of room and the car was secure and safe.

Brenda D.

Milton

Canada

Very good

September 2013 - We enjoyed Casa Ivetta very much and the owners were very nice. Any issues and the neigbours were very helpful.

We did not drive to Amalfi, a vehicle is required to get up the hills to the villa. There is a public bus however we did not know this, we took a taxi up the hill for 3 minutes 15 Euros. I was not happy about this.

Other than this all in all the vacation was very good.

“Sorry to hear about the misadventure with taxi! Yes, public bus service is available and comprehensive. Taxis in Italy have a "base" fee: all trips are subject to this base fee, which is added to the metered combination of distance and time.„

Travel tips

  • To get up the hills to the villa, if you are not driving, there is a public bus during the summer months.

Andrea A.

Vila Mascote

Brazil

Excellent

August 2012 - We loved Casa Ivetta! The house is perfect and the view is amazing.

Thank you for you support! You are great!! Im sure I'll book another house with you again.

Travel tips

  • Good small markets in Praiano: Tutto per Tutti, Angela.
  • The best meat we have eaten: maccelleria in the main street.
  • Restaurant in Praiano, simple, good and not expensive: Che Bonta.
  • Wifi and good bar in Praiano: Hotel Le Fioriere.
  • Best Beach: Marina di Furore.

Anne R.

Chester

United Kingdom

Very good

June 2012 - A lovely little cottage in the heart of Praiano, amongst its residents but only a ten minute stroll to the trattorias and restaurants.

Very colourful and full of Italian chatter, you feel part of the community with the square outside the balcony providing space for the local market and village occasions.

Summer in Italy was very efficient, thank you.

Travel tips

  • Eating out is amazingly not expensive, stick to the trattorias, rather than the glitzy hotels, the food is half the price and much tastier!
  • Don't even try to drive, the public transport is cheap and frequent (and busy).
  • Try an open-top bus ride from Amalfi to Ravello with an ear-phone guide for only 3 euros.

Eric F.

Tucson, Arizona

United States

Excellent

October 2011 - Casa Ivetta is a well maintained clean villa.

Our main problem was the location. It required hiking up and down a steep road to get into town, or taking a bus at a cost of 1.60 Euro per person one way. We were hoping there were bars, trattorias, pizzerias more convenient to our villa. This was not the case, and something we will clarify whenever we do this again. Mr Nicola was unable to communicate very well as he spoke no English whatsoever. My Italian is not very good, but I was able to communicate with most everyone else unfortunately I was unable to communicate with him. I truly appreciated your assistance in relaying a message to him, and securing a reservation in Naples the day we were leaving.

We enjoyed the opportunity to live among the people of Praiano, and felt the villa was safe, quiet and clean. We would use Summer in Italy again without reservation, but would get a better clarification on location.

Travel tips

  • Be sure you can walk steep hills, and steep stairs.

Marian B.

Shaftesbury

United Kingdom

Excellent

September 2011 - We had a wonderful time. Loved the position. Views over Amalfi Coast were magnificent. Apartment was basically very good, spacious and clean - but we were plagued with ants on upper balcony and in bedroom!

Balconies were on the small side and no loungers were provided which was a shame.

Overall a lovely place which we would recommend.

You have a very good website. Best selection of all price properties. Easy to use and book with very good communication and information. Additional requests etc were dealt with quickly and efficiently. Property information was accurate and extensive. We had no problems with you at all and would use you again.

“Thank you for the heads up about ants and loungers! We have contacted the owner, Mr. Nicola, and asked that the loungers be replaced and some ant spray is left in the apartment. Ants are a common problem, but also one that is easily solved: all it takes is a can of spray (if there is not one in the apartment ask the owner or get one at the local market, is just a couple of euro), and 30 seconds to apply it along the sills. It's safe for humans, and it helps building up self-esteem and the consciousness of living like a local :-)„

Travel tips

  • Don't use your car! Bus service is excellent and starts outside apartment. Buy tickets on bus for Praiano and Positano, for further afield buy tickets first from tabacchi on main road.
  • There is an excellent supermarket halfway down to the main road, reached by steps or road.

Frederic P.

Franklin, MA

United States

Excellent

October 2010 - We loved Casa Ivetta -- the location was ideal -- grocery l00 ft, hardware 50 ft (umbrellas) church near by, bus l00 ft; Casa Ivetta was lovely and well appointed -- kitchen was well equipped, good size refrigerator with ice, colorful art, lots of Italian tile -- outdoor balconies, good size rooms, closet storage was ample.

Praiano was so much fun -- friendly people -- we really thought we had a wonderful Italian experience. Enjoyed the marina area of Praiano -- view from casa was wonderful of the village and the sea.

In general we were very happy.

Travel tips

  • We took a cab from Positano and met Mr. Nicola [the owner] at the Bar del Sole. He was on a scooter so we were glad we were in a cab. There is a cab just beyond the bar if you have luggage you will need a ride.
  • The casa is great, very well equipped -- grocery is right near the casa and people were so friendly and helpful -- we do not speak Italian -- had many laughs at communicating.
  • Be sure to see Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii, Ravello.
  • We took the small table and 2 chairs from bedroom and put them on the kitchen balcony for breakfast and cocktails and what a view.
  • Went to St. Luca cathedral for a mass and really felt a part of the village.
  • Bus 15 min after hour goes around town and to marina -- 15 before the hour to bar and Positano also to Sita bus stop (Sorrento to Amalfi).
  • Took a boat from Positano to Amalfi and saw the coast and Praiano from the water. Took bus back to Praiano -we used buses all the time and they were great.
  • The other grocery is Tutto per Tutti. They will pick you up and take you back with bags to the casa.
  • Must have lemoncello -- sipping on the balcony at sunset.
  • The casa was perfect -- everything has steps and hills so get in shape- casa had one flight of stairs to one room and another to bedroom -- beautiful Italian tile -- refrigerator with ice -- we ate in many nights: a great experience.
  • We would go back again -- stayed 10-23-10 to 10-30-10, weather was mild 70F. Highly recommend Casa Ivetta.

Ambrer S.

East Corrimal

Australia

Excellent

October 2010 - A wonderful apartment that had everything we needed for our stay including an absolutely stunning view. It was close to the bus stop and only a short walk to the supermarket.

We stayed in and cooked most nights and the kitchen was well equipped. We were traveling with a 4 month old baby and a cot etc was provided for us. Only wish we had stayed longer than 4 days

The apartment was very clean and the fact that it had a washing machine, dishwasher and air conditioner was great.

We loved the fact that Praiano was not too touristy or crowded and we hopefully will be back someday.

Travel tips

  • The owner does not speak English - only Italian and German so check-in for us was tricky - we asked the driver who collected us from Naples to help interpret for us.
  • If you plan to do any day trips or need transfers use Gennarino's taxi service. It is located in Praiano on the main road across from the church. He will take to to Pompeii, Naples and anywhere else you want to go and is priced competitively.

David P.

Point Frederick

Australia

Excellent

September 2010 - We loved Casa Ivetta and were quite overwhelmed by the position, the view, the kitchen, the beautiful oil painting on the lounge wall, the classy bedroom...

Advice and usage of the website was excellent.

Travel tips

  • Investigate the Amalfi coast before arrival. '800m' from the sea is meaningless unless you have an idea of the geography and the roads/streets.
  • The parking was very difficult even with a small car.
  • Ask about instructions for the shower - we had a few cold showers before working it out.
  • When we 1st read about the washing machine being 'deep' we thought the comment was a bit 'precious', however, it is over a stair well - you need to be tall or use a stick to retrieve your washing.

Päivi-Mari H.

Kouvola

Finland

Excellent

May 2010 - The apartment was as great as it looked in the pictures, if not even better. The kitchen was well equipped. The view was great and we enjoyed seeing the locals.

The area is not so easy to move in, it takes time to walk and to go by car.

Everything was easy, thank you!

Travel tips

  • The owner doesn't speak any English, so if you don't know any Italian, it might be difficult to communicate.
  • The walk from town is uphill, so we would recommend a car (a small one for these streets!). The carriage is a must if you have a car.
  • There's a small shop just a few meters down the street if you need something, but I would recommend the store in town or the bigger Tutto per Tutti Market (street: Umberto I), they have a good selection of wines as well. The pharmacy is also near.
  • There are many good restaurants in town, we loved Hosteria Il Pino and Restaurant La Gavitella.
  • It's easy to go to Positano by bus, the bus stop is near and it's not easy to drive and park in Positano.
  • It's a must to visit Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento.
  • Marina di Praiano was a great beach!

Alice B.

Cambridge

United Kingdom

Excellent

May 2010 - We loved Casa Ivetta. The location was good for the local shops and restaurants (although the numerous steps on the Amalfi coast certainly keep you fit!).

The owner was very nice and we managed to communicate even though we spoke no Italian and he spoke no English.

Travel tips

  • Hotel Margherita, just below Casa Ivetta has an excellent restaurant.

Chew Gek G.

London

United Kingdom

Excellent

May 2010 - Good value considering the quality of accommodation. The furnishings are almost new and spotlessly clean. All the appliances worked satisfactorily. The view from the flat is amazing. The owner and housekeeper of the flat are very helpful and responsive to needs.

There is a convenience store just a few doors away (closed on Sundays), open from 8 am-1 pm and 4-10 pm usually. And in Praiano center itself there are many supermarkets too.

Travel tips

  • Be ready to hike a lot because the apartment is at the top of a very steep hill. (as is most things in the Amalfi Coast). The views are very worth it though.
  • All restaurants in Praiano seem to be fantastic. Hard to find one that disappoints. The risotto in Restaurant La Brace is one of the hardest to forget.
  • The SITA bus is good enough for travelling all along the coast. There wasn't a need to drive. If you need to get to Naples for the airport, there is a SITA service for Naples train station from the Amalfi bus depot itself. The bus is comfortable, usually full of locals, and goes over the mountains to get to Naples (takes about 2 hrs and costs about 6 euros).

Kate E.

London

United Kingdom

Excellent

February 2010 - Casa Ivetta was incredibly clean, everything was new,modern and brightly decorated.

Praiano is a lovely little village with good eating places and the view from the bedroom and kitchen was beautiful. We had access to a locked car park for an extra 50 euros, which was good too.

Travel tips

  • La Brace is a restaurant in Praiano which we would highly recommend. Food is excellent.
  • Bar del Sole opposite the church in Praiano has cheap beer.
  • If you have a car, driving down the coast to Paestum is definitely a must.

Carolyn J.

Tweed

Canada

Excellent

October 2009 - I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Casa Ivetta. It is a perfect location to use as a base to visit Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and is perfect for anyone who likes hiking - there are many, many trails, all within walking distance of the apartment.

The view from both terraces is magnificent and the apartment was very well appointed in terms of appliances, cutlery etc. A few things would be nice - some lids for the pots, a towel rack (or hook) in the bathroom. The owner was a little too flirtatious for my liking but I guess that is the Italian way!

This is the perfect getaway for a couple and close to local transportation. It was a great place to return to.

You made everything very easy. No real surprises which is how it should be. Keep up the good work. I'll use your site again. Bravo!

Travel tips

  • Restaurant Le Brace in town is very nice and not too expensive. You can walk there in 25 minutes downhill, but of course there is the return trip!
  • The local butcher just down the road is very helpful. She not only suggested a fish, but told me how to cook it and gave me some parsley. Of course you have to know a little Italian to understand her.

Natasha C.

Charlottesville, VA

United States

Excellent

October 2009 - We thought it was lovely and enjoyed it tremendously! Everything was tasteful and clean, bright and cheery. The bed was very comfortable and the kitchen well equipped. The views were stunning, the peaceful feeling of being in a village and part of lives all around us, was perfect and less touristy.

The toilet did not always work well and it was difficult to reach deep down into the washing machine to pull out clothes at the very bottom.

We were very pleased with the attentive and detailed service from Summer in Italy before the trip -- thank you! Your website was very clear and helpful too. We would definitely recommend you to others.

Travel tips

  • If you have children, run through the tunnel to the church plaza every day for soccer and general fun... the Italian kids play, the elderly ladies watch, the moms watch... so much fun.
  • Lunch at Restaurant Il Pirata down by the cove was fabulous.

Daniel K.

Moorpark, California

United States

Excellent

September 2009 - A great little apartment. Would be nice to have a toaster in the kitchen. Kitchen appliances were very good and clean. TV reception was very average.

Quite noisy when the bus runs up and down the street, especially at night. The large open area directly across from the apartment was used by many youths during the night to race their Vespa's (until 1 am on several nights).

The owner was very friendly, and so were the neighbours (very helpful).

Travel tips

  • This is a brilliant little apartment with all the necessities included. Not very family friendly for young toddlers due to the two flights of stairs.
  • The macelleria just 50 m away was very convenient with a good selection of staples and at reasonable prices. The signora was lovely and she even made fresh mince meat for us while we waited.
  • Car parking is available, but don't expect to be able to park a Ford Mondeo wagon very easily.

Lucy R.

Cockermouth

United Kingdom

Excellent

August 2009 - We really enjoyed staying out of the main towns, but right in the centre of a local community. There was a very pleasant 15 min walk down hill into town with spectacular views. Also a pretty walk ( about 20 mins) through narrow pathways to the stony but scenic beach of Praiano.

We found the little shop just a few doors away was excellent, selling everything apart from fresh fruit and veg. The regular hourly buses come from the beach and town up the hill right to the doorstep.

Air conditioning worked well ad was invaluable during our stay in July. So too was the welcome shade on the balcony from about mid day.

Spectacular views!

Payed for garage space as parking in July is difficult everywhere!

I would certainly recommend Summer in Italy to friends. We had to phone the help line as our owner did not come to take keys as arranged. This was dealt with promptly and it was good to be able to explain the situation to a person who could communicate in English. Also enquiries before staying were answered very helpfully.

“That's right... there was an earlier misunderstanding on the check-out time, and we were glad to step in to sort that out.„

Travel tips

  • The bus goes first down to Praiano beach and then back up to the little square near the flat via the town, then turns around and goes back into town and then on to Positano.
  • We really enjoyed eating at la Brace.

Sheri C.

Edmonton

Canada

Excellent

May 2009 - My friend and I both felt it was better then even the pictures showed. There are 2 balconies and the views are great from both. Also, you are equipped with everything you could need in an apartment like all your dishes and basic cooking ingredients, as well as towels and a hair dryer.

Only real complaints would be the fact that it is pretty far up on the hill so you have quite the trek to get anywhere. Not that it is a long walk, but expect lots of big hills. Consider it a license to eat whatever you want while here because you'll easily walk it off.

Also the hot water comes and goes, but you get used to taking the quickest shower possible.

Overall it was an excellent place to stay and if I were looking for a quiet week away again, I would stay here.

Travel tips

  • Mr. Nicola [the owner] was very friendly. Doesn't speak much English at all though, so make sure you brush up on your Italian or have a phrase book with you. He also knows German so maybe that will help you.

Josee V.

Montreal

Canada

Excellent

May 2009 - We loved our stay at Casa Ivetta, the view was fabulous and we loved the neighborhood.

The view of the houses on the pictures made us go for Casa Ivetta.

It was nice to be able to rent it for less than 1 week, we appreciate that.

Thank you

Travel tips

  • Rent a scooter and explore Praiano and the cities around it.

Eck H.

London

Canada

Excellent

November 2008 - Casa Ivetta was a great place to stay for the week in Praiano.

Mr Nicola was a wonderful owner who helped in all ways possible. He was always willing to provide advice... and his ability to speak German was very helpful!!

Timothy S.

Sevenoaks

United Kingdom

Excellent

August 2008 - We went to Casa Ivetta in the last week of July following a week in Tuscany, it did not disappoint.

The views were breathtaking from the terraces, the apartment was immaculately decorated... even better than in the photos and the underground parking opposite the apartment was a great facility.

The apartment is in an great location in terms of views, and is a few meters up the road from a friendly butchers that sells some other convenience goods, however it is a fairly long walk (20 mins downhill, 30 back up) to the nearest beach and about ten minutes to the main street of shops. However there is a bus that stops at the main street and the other local beach which also stops just outside the apartment.

Apart from that our stay at Casa Ivetta couldn't have been better!

The booking experience with summer in Italy was great, and very accommodating. I would definitely consider booking with you again the next time I'm visiting Italy.

Travel tips

  • The owner and most of the locals do not speak any English so communications were limited. As a result it's very much up to you to find things by exploring, which we enjoyed but it left us hoping we hadn't missed anything.
  • For future visitors I would recommend going to the Gavitella beach which can be accessed by a walkway by the Duomo or by free water taxi from Marina di Praia (the beach nearest to Amalfi as you enter Praiano) and Positano. This beach is beautiful with two swimming areas and the La Gavitella restaurant offer two sun loungers with an umbrella for 12 Euros and there's a friendly waiter that pops around during the day to offer drinks and snacks (the octopus and potato salad is not to be missed). This beach is also the only beach to offer all day sun.
  • There's a great restaurant in Marina di Praia which is the last one of the three and situated nearest to the sea before it curves around the rock face.
  • In terms of shops there's a good selection of grocers and butchers on the main street, however the nearest supermarket we found was a Spar shop in the hills up to Ravello.

Dave P.

Burleigh

Australia

Excellent

May 2008 - We totally loved our trip the locals were nice the supermarket was very close and helpful and the location was perfect, away from the pesky scooters...

We would totally recommend this place and would love to come back again!!

Great service and will recommend to friends and family and will use again...

Travel tips

  • Hire a small car as driving the Amalfi road was insane!! I had so many near misses it wasn't funny...

Jay M.

Witley

United Kingdom

Excellent

April 2008 - Lovely apartment with fabulous views from 2 balconies. Perfect for 2, a home away from home.

Having underground private parking was definitely an asset.

Mr Nicola was a charming host, even though I couldn't speak Italian and he couldn't speak English!

The selection of apartments was great. We were delighted with your service and will book with you again when we visit Italy. Thank you.

Travel tips

  • Was essential to have a car to enjoy all of the spectacular coastline. We loved visiting all the coastal towns.
  • The gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello have splendid views.
  • The Marina at Praiano has a great walkway with wonderful bars and restaurants.
  • Positano is charming.

Unfortunately, Casa Ivetta 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!