Reviews of Casa Raffaella

Vacation rental in Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

James S.

Loughborough

United Kingdom

Excellent

September 2011 - We had a fantastic time in Casa Raffaella. The view is unbelievable, far better than in the photos, and Praiano was a beautiful place to stay for two weeks.

The owner, Luca, was very helpful and friendly and gave us all the information and assistance we needed to enjoy our stay.

We would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy this wonderful part of Italy.

Travel tips

  • If you don't like steps, don't come here! Having said that, we aren't exactly climbers or super-fit, and it was fine.

Graham B.

Shrewsbury

United Kingdom

Excellent

July 2011 - We enjoyed Casa Raffaella very very much. It was just as good as it appeared on the website. We had a fabulous time.

Great service - we wouldn't hesitate to use Summer in Italy again.

Travel tips

  • We really appreciated the feeling of 'community' within Praiano itself. The whole area was gorgeous.
  • We would particularly recommend Positano, Ravello, Capri and the Sentiero degli Dei (the footpath in the mountains).

Kyle H.

Jessup, MD

United States

Excellent

July 2011 - We enjoyed Casa Raffaella very much. It's bigger than the photos make it look, and the terrace is amazing. The view is perfect.

Website was great, email support was quick and accurate. Thanks a lot!

Juha I.

Naantali

Finland

Excellent

June 2011 - Casa Raffaella was very nice indeed!

Everything worked just fine, I can honestly recommend your service.

Travel tips

  • Use the buses, driving and parking is difficult.

Jim C.

Abbotsford

Canada

Excellent

October 2010 - An interesting heritage building that was at one time used as a convent as nuns, 400 years old or so I am told by the owner.

The view from the private outdoor terrace is outstanding and made up for any other shortcomings associated with this apartment. Sunrises and sunsets were spectacular.

We really did love the quiet location in Praiano. We did visit Positano and Amalfi but appreciated returning to the Casa Raffaella because the other towns were so crowded and busy.

Travel tips

  • Casa Raffaella can be accessed by the small orange bus that runs through the town on roughly an hourly schedule or a little more for 1.10 Euros. Pick-up is at the bottom of the hill in Vettica which is where you can also catch and be dropped off by the SITA bus. The orange Paiano bus lets you off at the Piazza which is then a short walk to the apartment. I'd recommend that you wait for it when you arrive with your luggage. The bus also passes by Tutto per Tutti which is the largest shopping store nearby.
  • Travel outside the local bus schedule will require you to walk which takes about 15 minutes going down to the town center of Vettica, a little longer coming back as it is mostly uphill. There are stair shortcuts between the secondary roads and via pathways. You will be in better physical condition when you depart than when you arrived. Easy to find your way around once you have been out and about for a day.

Lorraine M.

Whangamata

New Zealand

Excellent

October 2010 - We had a wonderful 2 weeks at Casa Raffaella. Coming from New Zealand as we do we were completely blown away by the Amalfi Coast and particularly enjoyed our time in Praiano. We enjoyed the peace and quiet and loved the village atmosphere. After a day's sight seeing in the busier towns it was such a haven to come back to. The views from the deck at Casa Raffaella were incredible and we enjoyed the all day sun and privacy.

We loved the fact that we were actually living in such an old building and the bells ringing from the neighbouring church added to atmosphere.

All in all it was a dream come true and an experience we will treasure forever.

We found your website very easy to use especially when we making comparisons and trying to sort out the best property for our needs. We could not have made a better choice thanks to the information you provided.

Travel tips

  • Luca the owner speaks good English (with an American accent!!) and is very helpful.
  • The local bus was great to get up and down to the main shops in Praiano at Vettica.
  • We loved the little local shop (butchery, delicatessen, grocery) which was only about 100 metres form Casa Raffaella and of course Tutto per Tutti which is a little further to walk but has absolutely everything you need, a real experience. They even drove us home one day when we had too much to carry - only had to mention Luca's name!
  • The local bus costs 3 Euros and will take you as far afield as Positano - so it is 3 Euros whether you are travelling to Positano or just a few minutes down to Vettica.
  • We visited most of the neighbouring villages including Ravello, Nocelle, Amalfi, Positano and Minori each with their own character. We also did a day trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius. The lady in the Information Centre in Vettica is very efficient and organised this trip for us.
  • Make sure you visit the Cathedral of Amalfi - the most impressive we saw. In saying that the local church of St Luca was beautiful and we enjoyed sitting in the Piazza St Luca watching the men play cards, the women chatting and the children playing soccer.
  • We swam at the Marina di Praia which is about a 15 minute walk via the walkway beside St Luca - beautiful clear water and plenty of places for lunch or a coffee. We would catch the local bus back from the beach as it is quite a steep walk.
  • The other beach is at Vettica (Gavitella Beach) down hundreds of steps beside the church of St Gennaro -- it is not as good for swimming but there is a little restaurant there so you can get some refreshment before setting back up the steps.
  • We found the Internet cafe across the road from the Post Office and down the road a little to be very good - wonderful views out the back and an Expresso coffee for .80 cents!!
  • The Sita bus is the bus you would catch in Vettica if you wanted to go to the other towns. You catch these buses to Amalfi then change to the bus of your destination - it can be quite chaotic at the bus station in Amalfi until you get used to what you are supposed to be doing!
  • We ate out at several of the restaurants in Vettica and enjoyed especially Restaurant La Strada and Restaurant La Brace.
  • A pair of binoculars would be a good thing to put in your suitcase as there is always something from cruise ships to fishing boats to look at off the terrace at Casa Raffaella.
  • The TV is in Italian only - the BBC channel has a lot of interference at the moment so is not easy to watch so it would pay to bring some books to read etc. You can purchase English newspapers in Vettica.

Mark G.

Paris

France

Excellent

September 2010 - We loved being in upper Praiano, away from the crush along the main road, and in a real community with the kids playing and the young lovers smooching and the old men playing cards on the piazza just above the house, alongside one of the prettiest baroque churches on the Amalfi coast, with an exquisite terra cotta floor. Be prepared for the steps and the distance from where you have to park the car - and see it as part of the charm! It is indeed a trudge to and from the beach or Vettica where the restaurants are (there is a bus every hour), but this means you get to walk through a terraced landscape of fig trees and lemon groves and tomato vines, and soak in the views, every time you go somewhere. Wonderful!

The view from the Casa Raffaella is breathtaking, as is its location in the village: part of it, and yet totally private once you are inside or on the terrace.

The furnishings and bedding could do with a bit of upgrading, and the sun on the terrace is fierce during the day in summer; the terrace needs more shade. The house is directly above a hotel with a roof terrace, and there is music in the evenings in summer from early evening until night - but since the music was usually pleasant, this didn't bother us, and you only hear it on the terrace, not inside the house.

Luca, the owner, is exceptionally helpful and friendly, and speaks perfect English.

Summer in Italy is by far the best online booking agency we have ever used! We are hugely impressed, and we will certainly use you again and recommend you onwards. Thank you!

Travel tips

  • We far preferred the Gavitella beach, below Vettica, to the Marina di Praiano, which we found to be crowded and quite dirty in the late summer, although magnificently located. La Gavitella is, indeed, 400 steps down from the San Gennaro church, so quite inaccessible, but once you're there there is a stunning view of Positano, a lido called One Fire Beach that makes great lunch food run by exceptionally friendly and helpful people, and sublime swimming. You can also pay a water taxi to take you across to the La Praia beach, which must be one of the most beautiful on the Amalfi coast
  • There are two truly excellent restaurants in Praiano: Restaurant Da Armandino at the Marina, and Restaurant La Brace on the main road in Vettica. Both specialise in sea food.
  • We strongly agree with the advice from others before us: don't hassle with driving and parking: rather walk, or take the excellent bus service down to the main road and then along the coast. Our rental car stayed happily in its parking spot - which Luca the owner helped us find - for the whole week!
  • We were sorry to miss the market on Piazza Costantinopoli right at the top of the village. Find out from Luca when it is
  • it must be one of the best located markets in the world!
  • For basics, there is a small shop in the upper village, and a decent supermarket about 10 minutes walk away. We found the fresh produce in Vettica much better than up in Praiano though. Take a shopping bag with you to the beach, and pick up your fruit and veg on the way home!

Charlotte G.

London

United Kingdom

Excellent

August 2010 - We had a very pleasant week's stay at Casa Raffaella. The location was beautiful, the apartment was clean and spacious for two, and the view was stunning.

The owner, Luca, was incredibly helpful.

Travel tips

  • The beach is walkable, although the climb back up to the apartment is a bit of a mission if it is still hot!
  • We caught the bus to Positano two days, which has a much larger beach which was very enjoyable.
  • The local supermarket is close by and they will drive you home up the hill (free of charge) if your shopping is too heavy.
  • We only ate out in Praiano once, and it was very costly for a pretty average pizza. Mostly we ate on the terrace as the sun was going down.

Johannes S.

Tjaereborg

Denmark

Excellent

July 2010 - The apartment is beautiful, clean and with fine old furniture. It is well equipped, we only missed wineglasses.

The view from the terrace is absolutely breathtaking.

Mr. Luca [the owner] was very thorough when introducing the apartment and he was very helpful during our stay.

Praiano is quiet, very quiet and it takes a lot of steps to go to the beach and to the restaurants. You should be (or will be) fit to live in Praiano.

Travel tips

  • The small grocery store located only 72 steps and a small walk from the apartment has almost all you need (except fruit and vegetables).
  • The restaurant on top of the hotel you can see from the terrace is nice and has an excellent sea view.
  • You can go by the local bus to Positano (nice) or by SITA bus to Amalfi (very nice), Salerno and Sorrento (nice). From Positano you can go by boat to Capri.
  • If you are fit and want a quiet beautiful place - this is it.

Sarah Y.

London

United Kingdom

Excellent

July 2010 - The accommodation was more than expected.

Great service, helpful in every way.

Travel tips

  • Be prepared for stairs and long long walk to restaurants and bars but view worth it.

Marianne S.

Eskilstuna

Sweden

Excellent

July 2010 - Me and my son enjoyed our stay at Casa Raffaella a lot. The view from the terrace is magnificent and the house itself is a genuine Italian country-house. We had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

We went almost daily to the very crowded Positano and were as happy to go back to the more quiet Praiano in the afternoon to enjoy drinks and snacks on the terrace.

Travel tips

  • I was happy not to rent a car. Parking seems difficult, very expensive and the minibus takes you where you need every hour.
  • The map of Praiano is not the most detailed, but look for the trekking routes, the one from "chiesa di San Luca" takes you right up the mountain. When I walked up those stairs in the morning I found myself above the clouds.
  • I recommend dinner at Trattoria San Gennaro (a very nice terrace from where you spot Positano) which is at 15 min walking distance.
  • I also recommend the boat trips from Positano along the Amalfi Coast with stops for swimming at grottoes. The company we went with (the man and the sea) made a stop at an excellent beach restaurant.

Leanne S.

Passage West

Ireland

Excellent

June 2010 - Casa Raffaella is an amazing place to relax and unwind.

The people of the town are very friendly.

Casa Raffaella is a real home away from home.

Travel tips

  • Make sure to do the walk Sentiero degli Dei from Praiano to Positano.

Stuart B.

Leeds

United Kingdom

Excellent

June 2010 - We really enjoyed our stay.

Tonya B.

Minneapolis, MN

United States

Excellent

May 2010 - We had a great time at Casa Raffaella! It was sweet and cozy, just like the pictures portrayed.We loved the terrace with its amazing view.

We hiked down into town everyday, which was about a 15 minute downhill walk. We always scheduled our returns to coincide with the local bus, so we didn't make the upwards trek. Praiano is quiet and scenic, and has some very good restaurants.

All in all, it was an excellent vacation.

Kay S.

Mount Riverview

Australia

Excellent

April 2010 - We loved our stay at Casa Rafaella - the only down side for us was the television which didn't really have reception for the English language channels. Wouldn't be a problem except we had a couple of rainy days and it would have been nice to entertain ourselves other than by catching up on our reading (which wasn't really a hardship).

Luca [the owner] was very lovely and the people in the local area are very helpful.

We would stay here again.

I thought your service was great - very thorough.

Travel tips

  • The bar/cafe in Vettica is great to people-watch while having a coffee or wine.
  • The Hosteria Il Pino is fantastic value for money with a lovely view, great food and terrific hosts. We highly recommend it.
  • Don't forget the 'close down' from one o'clock each day - we almost got caught with buying bus tickets. [shops in Southern Italy usually close from 1 or 1.30 pm to 4.30 or 5 pm]
  • The little bus to Positano is great.

Ekaterina U.

Vienna

Austria

Excellent

September 2009 - Perfect for a quiet holiday.

Beth M.

Plymouth, Minnesota

United States

Excellent

May 2009 - We loved Casa Raffaella.

It's very spacious (for two), clean, and has a comfortable bed and superb views from the terrace. Just perfect for us.

We booked with you because you had some reasonably priced properties, had a friendly and very easy to navigate website, and saw all the good reviews of your business by other travellers. I don't think you can improve a thing!

Travel tips

  • If you arrive on a Saturday, plan to get to Casa Raffaella early enough in the afternoon to park your luggage and make a quick trip to one of the two nearby grocery stores (5 minutes on foot)for provisions. Mr. Luca will give you directions. Almost nothing is open on Sunday.
  • The closest pizza shop (3 minute walk) is excellent! So is the terrace restaurant at the Hotel Smeraldo -- what a view and what great service!
  • Take advantage of the tourist bureau for info on buses and trips to Capri (they phoned in a boat reservation for us which left from Positano). The tourist bureau provides a nice brochure about Praiano but not all the trails shown on the map actually exist (apparently they used to). Some look promising at first, but then peter out and become rather dangerous.

Andrea S.

Rockhampton

Australia

Excellent

October 2008 - We found Casa Raffaella very comfortable. People expecting the latest decor and facilities may be disappointed.

The owner was very obliging and assisted us with local information regarding shopping, transport etc.

We enjoyed being away from the tourist centres and seeing the local people going about their everyday life.

Great choice of villas etc made it easy to find a suitable property. Booking efficient and clear directions given on what was required on arrival.

Travel tips

  • Catching local buses is the easiest way to get around - don't bring a car.
  • A reasonable level of fitness helps as sections of the walk from town are steep.

Barry S.

Bridgewater, CT

United States

Excellent

September 2008 - We enjoyed our stay at Casa Raffaella.

The town was quiet and beautiful. We enjoyed coming back to the peace and quiet after the hustle of the tourist areas.

The view from the terrace was wonderful.

Luca [the owner] was very helpful and friendly.

Travel tips

  • You must go to Ravello for a day trip. It is one of the more beautiful towns on the coast.

Emmeline W.

London

United Kingdom

Excellent

September 2008 - Beautiful older property with exceptional view and original charm.

Very good overall. Would use again.

 

 

Mikael J.

Lund

Sweden

Excellent

August 2008 - Very helpful owner. Peaceful and scenic setting.

High up on a hill but good bus service helps.

Praiano is not as busy as some other places on the Amalfi coast, but very quaint and pleasant.

We had a great time!

Carol O.

Limerick

Ireland

Excellent

July 2008 - We really enjoyed our stay at Casa Raffaella.

It was like nowhere else we'd eve been before. Views, weather, peace and quiet and of course the little beaches.

Have a ball!

Travel tips

  • While we were there, we took a trip to Pompeii for the day. Very worthwhile. Very accessible once you get to Sorrento on the SITA bus.

Lynn T.

Lancaster

United Kingdom

Excellent

Travel tips

  • Use the local buses they are great, get the bus timetable from local shop.

Rachel M.

Toronto

Canada

Excellent

July 2008 - We absolutely enjoyed Casa Raffaella!!! We had an unbelievable time and it was a spectacular view!!!

Luca [the owner] helped us find our way around town and we really appreciated the advice!

We would 100% recommended casa Raffaella to anyone who would like to spend a romantic getaway in Praiano!

We were referred to use SummerInItaly.com and happy we were....

Travel tips

  • The hotel Margherita was wonderful for dining and I would highly recommend Positano for the beaches!
  • Tutto per tutti and the store up the street from our villa provided us with the amenities we needed to have a wonderful stay!
  • Also, use the public transport - it is a dream for getting to the apartment - unless you are super athletic!

Brad B.

Seattle, Washington

United States

Excellent

May 2008 - I spent 6 weeks at Casa Raffaella during the spring of 2008. I was not looking for the typical vacation on the Amalfi Coast with lots of sight-seeing, but rather an immersion into the local culture, learning the language and getting to know the locals.

With that in mind I chose Casa Raffaella as it was in Praiano which is not your usual tourist destination such as Amalfi or Positano located a few short miles east and west of Praiano.

This property is located about a mile above the 'town center' of Praiano, known as Vettica where most of the restaurants and hotels are located. The biggest challenge of Casa Raffaella is its location which is really quite a long hike. Though a small bus is available to take you up the hill, it only runs a few trips during the day and only those in good shape would find this home a good choice for a vacation. With that said though, it was exactly what I was looking for, something away from the hotels and visitors, quiet and surrounded by natives of the coast.

The property itself is centuries old and very typical of this area. Though it shows signs of age, it is kept in good repair and has all the amenities that would be needed for any stay here.

The seaside terrace is large and has a fantastic view of the water though it does lack in comfortable patio furniture.

Inside the furniture is a bit dated but definitely comfortable. The bathroom was recently remodeled and very clean but a bit tiny, and the pressure of the shower is not what we Americans would call normal.

The main bedroom has a larger than normal double bed with plenty of closet space and the extra bed located in the dining/kitchen area was comfortable but a bit too soft. Both would greatly benefit with some newer and finer linens though for what I paid for the house they were certainly fine.

The kitchen, though small and cramped worked perfectly fine and there was a good assortment of cooking supplies to work with. The washing machine was definitely an added bonus!

Summer in Italy was very easy and helpful to deal with. The website is easy to maneuver and is very clear with what each property offers. I enjoyed staying at Casa Raffaella, living there for 6 weeks I paid what I would usually pay for a normal 1 week vacation. I understand that being Italy, the level of comforts are a bit different than what I would normally come to expect in an American rental. I felt perfectly at home and comfortable staying here.

Travel tips

  • Nearby is a hardware/general store that has just about anything you may have forgotten or found that you need for your trip and also a very small grocery store that is more a meat and cheese store.
  • Within a 10 minute walk down a good 100 steps you will find a much larger grocery store with fresh vegetables, fruit and a much larger grocery selection.
  • An apothecary is located directly below the house though a good 5 minute walk away as well as a private hotel/restaurant.
  • Vacationing in Praiano is a much more laid-back and casual stay, but something that I truly enjoyed.

Norma C.

West Hills, CA

United States

Excellent

October 2007 - We loved our stay at Casa Raffaella. The view from the terrace was amazing. Getting to town was a bit inconvenient, but we enjoyed the work out anyway. The house was charming and comfortable.

We enjoyed visiting the nearby towns, which were easily accessible by bus services. And also, the walks and trails in town.

Luca, the owner, was very helpful and spoke perfect English, so we had no problem communicating.

Travel tips

  • Bring the most comfortable shoes possible.
  • Grocery shopping at "Tutto per Tutti" was well worth the walk.
  • The walk up to the house from the main road takes quite an effort, especially upon arrival with luggage. Local bus service is available, but not frequent.

Mark T.

London

United Kingdom

Excellent

October 2007 - One of the best things about Casa Raffaella is that it is in Praiano, not Amalfi and Positano, so it is not swamped by tourists. Eating in Positano one night was like having dinner on the Upper West Side, there were so many Americans and Brits.

The villa itself has a fantastic view of the coastline from the terrace and was very conveniently located for the local bus down to the beach if you didn't want to hike down or - more to the point - hike back up.

The grocery nearby where the sweet proprietor brings out an armful of wine so you can choose your bottle is a big plus.

This was the first time we had hired a villa instead of staying in a hotel. It was great to have the space and to avoid the tyranny of the hotel breakfast and follow your own schedule.

The only quibble about the villa is that the bed is incredibly squeaky.

Very impressed by the site. The information was very accurate.

Travel tips

  • Go for dinner in Positano by all means, but there is excellent dining at Marina di Praia, one of the local beaches. The Petit Restaurant Bar Mare there does an excellent cuttlefish and potatoes, a local dish, and walnut and anchovy pasta.
  • Bar del Sole is the best place for people-watching in the evening.
  • For an easy getaway book a car from the car service attached to the San Gennaro restaurant. Costs just 50 euros to Sorrento where you catch the train for Naples. Much easier than lugging bags down the hill and then having to deal with the buses.

Ian D.

North Shields

United Kingdom

Excellent

September 2007 - We loved Casa Raffaella. We were on honeymoon and had just spent a week in Rome and Sorrento and this was the perfect relaxing holiday we needed.

We found it a struggle to tear ourselves away from the amazing view. Most of the terrace is not overlooked and was perfect for sunbathing, reading and relaxing.

The only noise was the church bells which really added to the atmosphere, and which we hardly heard after a couple of days.

Your advice was really helpful and directions spot on. The website and reviews were really informative and gave you a good idea of what to expect and the distance from everything. This was the best website I visited when looking for an apartment. I would recommend Summer In Italy.

Travel tips

  • The lady in the local shop was really helpful and put up with our poor attempt at Italian.
  • The local bus ran really regularly.
  • We walked to the beach and back but it is quite a way, well not too far but up a lot of steps, but it helped walk off the pasta, cheese, wine, etc.

Jennifer M.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

United States

Excellent

July 2007 - The house was really beautiful.

The owner is very thorough when he is introducing how everything works and where to find amenities, etc., so we had no questions after he left, and no problems for the entire week.

We had everything we needed, and were delighted with how spacious, cool, and pleasant the house was.

The pictures on the website were completely accurate - so I recognized the house when we walked in, which delighted me. The view, though, cannot truly be captured in photographs. It is absolutely breathtaking. The terrace has the sunshine from the minute it spills over the mountains on the left in the early morning till the evening, when it dips down below the mountains towards Positano.

There were so many tourists on the Amalfi Coast that we were very happy to be staying in Praiano, which is smaller and less touristy than Positano, a 1 Euro 20-minute bus ride away, and Amalfi, a slightly longer bus ride. My husband and I were able to spend the day being tourists in either town, and then could come home to Praiano which still has its own night life, but with far more locals, and on a much smaller and more peaceful scale.

I have recommended your website to the rest of my family. I have a feeling we will all have a big family holiday together when my mother turns 60 in a couple of years, and I can't wait to suggest a big villa with a pool.

Jo C.

Selfoss

Iceland

Excellent

June 2007 - We loved staying here in this very historical building clinging on to the cliff. It was comfortable and had fabulous views over the town and the sea. It was an added bonus to find a washing machine in the apartment as well.

Mr Luca [the owner] was most helpful and provided us with a wealth of information which proved very useful. We loved the town and the fact we began to recognise some of the locals after a very short time. Everyone was extremely friendly.

I chose Summer In Italy because it made it easy to find something nice and affordable. I am extremely impressed by the quality of the web site and the follow-up service.

Travel tips

  • You need to be fairly fit to stay in Praiano because of the steps and the hills, but if you can deal with them you'll have a great time.
  • The shop right near to Casa Raffaella was excellent and the owner helped us a lot. The butcher's next door was also very good. In fact, shopping for food was a source of entertainment in itself.
  • The owner recommended a restaurant in Praiano, La Strada, that we tried and were very happy with.
  • The square by the main church in Praiano is a gem that we didn't even discover for the first few days... make sure you see it.

Sheena O.

Blackrock

Ireland

Excellent

June 2007 - Yes, we enjoyed Casa Raffaella. Fantastic location, Praiano is an ideal location to base yourself if you want to explore Amalfi Coast.

Restaurants great, people very friendly!

Michelle S.

Miami Beach, FL

United States

Excellent

May 2007 - We enjoyed our stay at Casa Raffaella very much.

The house was clean, wonderfully decorated and equipped.

We also loved Praiano due to the fact that is has fewer tourists and is very quiet.

Travel tips

  • If you do not have a car, it is vital that you master the bus system internally within Praiano as well as the SITA bus system throughout the Amalfi Coast. It takes some effort, but once you figure it out, everything seems to fall into place.

Amelia L.

Brighton

United Kingdom

Excellent

May 2007 - It was lovely, very unspoilt and so peaceful. The views are spectacular!

We really enjoyed our holiday there and it was an excellent spot - not too touristy in Praiano itself!

Travel tips

  • If coming by bus it is advisable to find out times of the little local bus that runs between Positano and Praiano as it is a long uphill walk from where the SITA bus drops you off to the actual apartment.

Katherine E.

Anchorage, Alaska

United States

Excellent

Travel tips

  • Always bargain with the taxi drivers before you get in the cab! This can make or break you!!

Madeline M.

London

United Kingdom

Excellent

October 2006 - We really enjoyed our stay in Casa Raffaella.

Waking up to the lovely view each morning was wonderful.

Some good uphill walking available to work off the lovely food.

Elaine M.

Monroe, Connecticut

United States

Excellent

September 2006 - The view was wonderful as was the apartment overall.

Relax and take things in stride. Lifestyle much different from what Americans are used to. Appreciate the uniqueness of the area and try not to make life any harder on the local residents.

A friend used your services in the past. You were very easy to deal with and responded quickly to my questions which I appreciated.

Alan H.

Tonbridge

United Kingdom

Excellent

September 2006 - We had an excellent holiday at Casa Raffaella largely thanks to the apartment and Mr Luca's kindly advice about the area.

The apartment was just what we expected and the quality high. Although we we warned about the 70 steps these presented no real problems. The bus service to the town was very reliable (unlike the regional SITA buses!).

The description of the apartment in the SummerInItaly web site was accurately presented for which we are grateful. We would certainly use SummerInItaly again for our holidays.

Ian E.

Glasgow

United Kingdom

Excellent

July 2006 - We had a great week in Casa Raffaella, lovely quiet location and perfect view over the bay from the fantastic terrace.

The building was formerly a convent and retains much of the original features including lovely high ceilings and a great feeling of space and tranquility.

There is a friendly local shop close to the house which is very useful.

Praiano itself is a great place to stay - midway between Positano and Amalfi, well connected by the SITA and local buses, it has a few friendly restaurants and bars but none of the crowds.

Great service, good to have up to date availability on website and fast answers to queries - thanks very much!

Neil K.

Sydney

Australia

Excellent

May 2006 - After the noise and crowds of Rome and Florence and other larger centres Praiano was a welcome respite.

As for the infamous steps, it is important that you are reasonably fit, but that is generally the case anywhere on the Amalfi Coast.

The owner, Luca, was very helpful and friendly.

The local bus service is convenient and not as crowded as the Sita service.

The villa was clean, tidy and comfortable and the view over the Bay is easy on the eye.

We found the local produce at the Tutto per Tutti store fresh and cheap and the owner helpful and friendly.

We enjoyed our two weeks on the Amalfi Coast and our stay at Casa Raffaella added to that enjoyment.

For those reaching Praiano by public transport from Rome we found it easier and less stressful to take the train direct to Salerno then the boat to Amalfi rather than coming through Naples and Sorrento.

David W.

Niantic, CT

United States

Excellent

April 2006 - Casa Raffaella was a dream come true! The view from the balcony in the morning while we drank our espresso made for a perfect beginning to each perfect day.

It was quieter than Amalfi and Positano with equally fun culture to experience, good restaurants and walks nearby and friendly villagers.

I would recommend it to anyone who loves to walk -- the lemon groves are scented and lovely and the sea a gorgeous inspiration!

This is perfect for active people who want to explore the intricacies of an Italian neighborhood. You can eat at a different restaurant each night, and should definitely explore Praiano beach as well as Vettica. Bar del Sole is a great spot to watch the passers-by in the afternoon!

Don't miss the tower on your walk to the beach where Paolo paints and creates his sculptures. Also, even if you don't like night clubs such as the Africana, the restaurant "Il Pirata" nearby has good food and is a great spot.

Amalfi and Positano can be reached easily by bus or car, and if you have a car or really like to hike, Furore is a lovely artist colony high above the sea.

Dave C.

Maldon

United Kingdom

Excellent

April 2006 - A fantastic place for two people to enjoy a quiet time on the Sorrento peninsula and yet, with the excellent bus service, get around to see the sights.

We had a great time and this was in no small part due to the helpfulness of the owner of the villa and the owners of the local shop who went out of their way to help us.

They retrieved my wife's jumper after she left it on a bus, arranged scooter hire for us and made phone calls on our behalf on several occasions.

The accommodation came with the usual stairs but was perfect for our needs.

Alan H.

Southsea

United Kingdom

Excellent

September 2005 - We really enjoyed our holiday at Casa Raffaella. The location of the apartment was peaceful with wonderful views. Everything we expected the Amalfi coast to be.

We arrived in the middle of a local festival which was colourful - we had a marvellous view from our balcony of a fantastic fire work display.

Mr Luca [the owner] was a welcoming host and gave us plenty of information to settle us in.

We found the Sita bus service a bit hectic often with standing room only.

We loved our holiday and hope to go back again.

We decided to book with 'Summer in Italy' following a recomendation, we were not dissapointed.

Sandra F.

Manchester

United Kingdom

Excellent

August 2005 - We really enjoyed our stay at Casa Rafaella. The view was incredible, we spent quite a few evenings enjoying the view from the terrace, watching the boats and the sunsets.

Everywhere was accessible, though the walk up the road to the villa could be a bit daunting at times! There was, however, a handy bus service which took you almost to the doorstep and it went to the beach, the shops, bars and restaurants and also to Positano where you could catch the ferry to Capri.

Anne W.

San francisco, CA

United States

Excellent

August 2005 - I chose to stay at Casa Raffaella for the last of my four weeks in Italy, and it was the most peaceful, relaxing part of my vacation. The view is amazing, and the villa is beautiful.

I would absolutely recommend this villa to anyone, and hope to stay there again in the future.

The walk to the beach was a little farther than expected, but the bus was very quick.

The market was very convenient, and the neighborhood very quiet, which is what I was looking for.

The owner was very kind and spoke english very well. I so enjoyed my time in Praiano at Casa Raffaella.

I am very thankful to Summer In Italy for the awesome website. It was so easy to find a great place to stay. I am now looking for a villa in Tuscany for next year, and will only look on their site. They are very quick to respond to any questions, and very helpful. Thank you.

Lesley R.

Nunawading

Australia

Excellent

July 2005 - We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Casa Rafaella. The house and the location were exactly as described on the website, in fact it was bigger than it looked in the photos.

The magnificent view, the quiet location, the village atmosphere and friendliness of locals made it a very pleasant experience.

The convenience to transport and shop were another point in its favour.

I would not recommend this place to anyone who is not moderately fit because of the 75 steps involved to go out anywhere. However we loved the exercise because it made us even more fit!

Catherine H.

Bury St Edmunds

United Kingdom

Excellent

June 2005 - We had a very enjoyable two weeks at Casa Raffaella; it was in a peaceful location with lovely views of the sea. Praiano is queit, especially compared to Amalfi and Positano but is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle.

The local bus which takes you around Praiano, to the harbour and on to Positano costs only one euro and the bus stop is a mere minute or two from the apartment. It runs frequently and very late so great for late night dinning, drinking or shopping in Positano!

The centre of Praiano is nice and would highly recommend Bar del Sole. It is very reasonably priced and the staff were very helpful.

The only thing to take into consideration are all the steps, though within a day or two you start to become use to them.

Overall we had a great holiday and would recommend Summer in Italy to everyone.

Ken H.

Calgary

Canada

Excellent

April 2005 - We had a wonderful stay at Casa Raffaella.

The house was very comfortable and beautifully situated. We enjoyed daily walks to and from the town centre in Vettica.

Luca, the owner, was tremendously helpful in an unobtrusive manner. He helped us with translations with local merchants and was very informative about local points of interest, restaurants, etc.

It is our hope to return to Praiano again and again and Casa Raffaella will definitely be our first choice for a place to stay (longer next time).

Many thanks for a truly memorable experience.

Willem D.

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Excellent

January 2005 - We had a wonderful time at Casa Rafaella.

I think Praiano is a good base from which to visit the area, if you have a car; it's more quiet and parking-friendly than Positano or Amalfi.

Mr. Luca [the owner] was very friendly and helpful.

 

Mitch B.

Billings, Montana

United States

Excellent

October 2004 - We loved our week at Casa Raffaella. The bus stop in the piazza was close by and the small grocery store had all of our needs.

The view from the terrace was outstanding and it was furnished more than adequately.

Mr. Luca [the owner] was a great host and provided us with all the information we needed to get around and be informed.

The only concern I would have would be if someone could not naviagte the 67 stairs down to the apartment from the road. We loved it and will definetly be back.

We discovered you on the internet. Your website is excellent and I believe has a sincere honest feel to it. We found your service to prompt and and courteous and helpful for someone trying to make plans from so far away. When we had to cancel our last week your staff was very helpful and concerned. I wish things had worked out that we could have stayed, but your professionalism make it easier to change our plans. The only thing I would suggest for improvement of the site would be to stress to pepole that the Amalfi coast is beyond beautiful, but also difficult to navigate. We will definitely be back and you will be our first call to book an apartment.

Norman A.

Kirriemuir

United Kingdom

Excellent

September 2004 - We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Casa Raffaella, views from terrrace are superb! The owner was very helpful and informative.

We enjoyed the peace of Praiano, it was a haven from the bustle of the busier resorts. The property was good value for money.

Booking with Summer in Italy was done smoothly and efficiently. We booked with you because of the property first and foremost.

Joanna F.

Cheshire

United Kingdom

Excellent

September 2004 - The view just took my breath away. Amazing!

The apartment was spotlessly clean and well-equipped, making our holiday easy!

Lots of steps though, toned some muscles while we were there!

Fernando F.

Brisbane

Australia

Excellent

September 2004 - Casa Raffaella was exactly what the photos looked like. It is an old villa, so most of the things in it are old as well. The view is spectacular. Being on the coast, there is a walk to most things which isn't too hard going down but coming back up can be a bit difficult if recovering from Jet Lag.

Food is very cheap in near by restaurants, and food store. e.g. Seafood dishes about 8 euro's and pizzas for about 4 euros.

All in all a great holiday and excellent experience.

My advice for Summer In Italy is to continue doing the great job that you do!!! Even though we got lost you guys still took the time to help us out heaps!!!! Thank you.

Stephen J.

Darlington

United Kingdom

Excellent

August 2004 - We really enjoyed our stay at Casa Raffaella. We felt part of the 'village', especially when visiting the shop and on the friday evenings when the traditional music events took place on the piazzas.

The views from the terrace are astonishing and the area is really beautiful.

I regret hiring a car as I didn't need to use it, the bus and boat services are so good and inexpensive and we could have easily found our way there with a bit more local knowledge and information.

The steps are a bit forbidding, but very good exercise.

Praiano is an exceptional place, and Casa Raffaella was a very lucky find.

Keep up the good work. The pictures and information on the website really sold it well and lived up to the description. Booking with you has been a very pleasant experience

Simon R.

Malvern

United Kingdom

Excellent

July 2004 - It was a wonderful apartment, we could walk to Piazza San Luca and hear the concerts that were held there from our balcony and the view was unforgetable!

We're thankful for the local bus service, without which we would have felt a little stranded! (not that Praiano is a bad place to be stranded!)

Our only stressful day was on a trip to Amalfi, we had to get a very expensive taxi back to the apartment because the Sita buses were on strike! It's a good idea to ring or visit the tourist information centre in Praiano so you don't get into that situation!

Luca, the owner, was really helpful and told us about which beaches to go to and the restaurants to eat at in Praiano. p>

Your company was wonderful, especially on the day we arrived as we thought we were going to be late checking in at Casa Raffella, your help was only a phone call away. We look forward to visiting again!

Pasi Y.

Kuopio

Finland

Excellent

May 2004 - Casa Raffaella was an ideal place for relaxation in peace and quiet. The owner was very friendly and helpful. The view from the terrace was outstanding!

Peaceful Praiano was the best holiday location for us, but if you are planning to travel a lot around the Amalfi coast, perhaps a more central location is more suitable, as after the first week the bus rides to bigger towns begun to feel bit too tedious.

The people were very friendly everywhere, and the food was, of course, delicious. We would especially like to recommend the restaurant La Strada (5 min walk towards Positano from bivio di Vettica) for excellent food and service.

We really enjoyed our 2 weeks in Italy, and will certainly recommend Summer in Italy for anyone interested in renting an Italian villa.

We chose Summer in Italy because you had large selection of villas in different price ranges, and your web pages were very informative and clear. Somehow we got the feeling that Summer in Italy was very trustworthy and reliable. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for excellent service! We have already recommended you for our friends and will continue to do so.

Ingrid F.

Windsor

United Kingdom

Excellent

May 2004 - Casa Raffaella was the perfect location for a relaxing break.

The location in the quiet town of Praiano was fantastic, well away from the tourist crowds and with a great view of the sea and coastline.

Casa Raffaella itself is a charming house in which we were very comfortable. There is everything you need packaged in a wonderful old Italian houses.

Additionally, the local shops are handy for fresh produce and the local bus stops 2 minutes away from Casa Raffaella and drops you in the heart of Positano for only 1 euro!

As for Luca, our host, extremely pleasant and helpful.

Booking through Summer In Italy was as relaxing as the holiday itself. Very easy booking system and house was exactly as it was described.

Philip D.

Den Haag

Netherlands

Excellent

March 2004 - We had a really peaceful and relaxing week at Casa Rafella with lots of good walks and such a wonderful view from the terrace.

Everyone was so friendly especially Mr. Luca [the owner] and the local storekeepers and they were all very forgiving of our non existent Italian. One storekeeper even came after us on a scooter when we left a purchase behind!

Tip: the area of Praiano where the appartment/shops restaurants are is shown on most maps as Vettica Maggiore, Praiano marked as being beyond the headland. A bit confusing when we first arrived.

We thought the website for Summer in Italy was very good and full of useful information, We could even check the link for the weather forecast before we left!

Booking was simple and we appreciated the friendly informal emails.

Suzanne B.

Newport

United Kingdom

Excellent

October 2003 - We spent 1 week in Praiano, staying at Casa Raffaella as part of our honeymoon.  On arrival we were greeted by our very friendly and helpful owner.  The apartment was exactly as it appeared on the web site, as were the views, if not better!  It was spotlessly clean and had everything we needed. 

After spending 4 frantic days in Rome, it was a relief to be in Praiano, a very small, charming and peaceful spot on the Amalfi coast with good public transport links to all the major tourist attractions in the area.  Praiano itself is definitely worth investigating with a few lovely restaurants, bars, excellent walks (although very steep) and friendly people.  A place you will definitely want to return to.

I would also like to thank Summer In Italy  for the excellent service as an agency.  It's always a bit risky booking things on the Internet as you are not exactly sure what your going to get.  This however, was all made very clear and was very hassle free, just as we hoped our honeymoon would be.

Kathy B.

Hillsborough

United Kingdom

Excellent

October 2003 - We can say in all sincerity that our stay in Italy at Casa Raffaella was one of the most relaxing holidays we could ever have wished for.

The whole experience was enhanced by the hospitality that was given to us upon arrival and we have recommended the experience to countless friends since our return home.

Thanks to everyone concerned at Summer in Italy, you will certainly be hearing from us again when we look forward to returning to your wonderful country.

Oliver M.

Tuebingen

Germany

Excellent

September 2003 - We had a really great time at the Amalfi coast. Casa Raffaella was a wonderful place to stay.

We were overwhelmed by the fantastic view from the terrace, by the beauty of the area, and by the friendliness of our host at Casa Raffaella.

We would love to come back in the future.

Claire S.

Dublin

Ireland

Excellent

August 2003 - Casa Raffaella was spotless with marvelous views over the sea. The owner was exceptionally friendly and welcoming.

The village itself was smaller than I had imagined but was very charming and rustic. I would highly recommend this villa, although not really suitable for those that don't like walking up steps!

Thanks you - we had a great holiday!

Unfortunately, Casa Raffaella 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!