Casa Angelina Hotel - Praiano, Italy 

I just returned from a 10-day visit to the Amalfi Coast, including 4 nights at Casa Angelina. I have often chosen hotels based upon tripadvisor recommendations, but this is the first time I feel the need to add my own thoughts. This hotel is truly amazing - a feeling shared by my husband, and even our 13-year old son. If you want a beautiful, relaxing hotel, with incredibly friendly service and wonderful food...and if you are willing to try something different, you will love this place. We were greeted by a lovely man in a flowing tunic - the dress for most of the staff, and part of their relaxed "lifestyle" image. He served us refreshing almond milk, as he gave us a tour of the hotel. We loved the all white and wood atmosphere, as well as the beautiful modern glass sculptures. Our room was big enough for our son's extra bed, with a beautiful sea view. Although this is mostly a honeymoon place, they made our son feel very welcome, and a beautiful arrangement of candies decorated his bed on arrival! Our favorite place was the bar room, which was large, great view, a laptop with free internet (important to my son). At night this room had beautiful little lights on the ceiling that changed colors, as well as candles whose bases change color. One night a piano player entertained, and he was great. At other times there was always good music playing in the background. Praiano is small, but the staff gave us great recommendations for casual local restaurants, and we totally loved a dinner we had at the hotel's somewhat pricey restaurant. There is plenty to do in the area to fill your days - we took a day trip to see Greek ruins in Paestum, and one day we took the hotel's free shuttle to Positano, where we caught a boat to Amalfi. From Positano you can also take day trips to Capri. I would go back to Casa Angelina in a heartbeat! The much-discussed scent of the hotel is heavenly, and I miss it greatly!

The views were spectacular and the staff was very gracious! Be prepared for at least a 2 hour drive by private car if you are being picked up from the train or airport. The drive along the coast was impressive. But disappointment began to set in early upon arrival. If you want to stay in your room all day and night and look at each other, than this is the place for you. I may be the only one on this list to think so, but this place had nothing going on. There was nowhere to go and nothing to do or see. Personally, I just wasn't comfortable there and it did not meet my expextations at all. You can can go to the nearby town for a little more excitement . The pool is SMALL and there was little to no investment in the pool area. I recall 4 or 5 lounge chairs. The all white-like-toothpaste rooms were very small too with basically only the bed to sit on. I know the owners were going for an ultra modern look which I appreciated at first, but after only a few hours there, I felt like I was at a hospital for depression. In fact, the whole place had a weird vibe. I for one, found the pleasant smell others noted to be a horrible stink - particularly on the white couches in the lobby. I could not for the life of me figure out what it was but I could not sit on them or my clothes would smell too. Sorry, but it left an impression on me. The was no spa either; there is only a teeny tiny pilates room. As pointed out elsewhere on TripAdvisor, there was also much investment in art in the lobby but I'm not sure how this addedd to my stay. I would not book a week here unless you are doing daily excursions elsewhere. In that case, I would recommend staying at those destinations. I suppose it all depends on what you are looking for and this was a disappointment. I was bored to death here. P.S. In the event that it would add to the review: I am female, 35, well educated, have traveled extensively, have a high tolerance level, and do not consider myself difficult or high maintenance.