Vacation Rentals by Owner

Little piece of paradise

Guest: Andrea (Santa Rosa, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/02/11 Review Submitted: 10/15/11

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in this place in Praiano. Roomy, comfortable, clean and charming (hand painted tile floors even!). The best thing about it is the private garden overlooking the sea and private steps leading down to the beach--so beautiful and peaceful! My only regret is not staying longer.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our second visit, “Most Unforgettable Place”

Guest: Carletto (Buford)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 11/12/11

This is our second visit to the Praiano Villa, The views from the Villa are some of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring scenery we have ever seen. You look out from your private terrace to see the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Location, location, location, you just can't be in a better spot. . Praiano is definitely the unspoiled jewel of the Amalfi Coast- everything about it was perfect. It was uncrowded, the locals were so friendly and welcoming, and hearing the church bells ring every hour was soothing. From the Villa, we took the SITA bus (the stop is located right outside the Villa ) to Amalfi, Ravello, Altrani, Minori, Positano, and all the other coastal towns. What a great bargain- for 6E you can get a 24 hour ticket that allows you to switch buses and travel the coast as much as you'd like. (You buy the ticket from the tabacchi shop right in the square). All in all, we loved the Villa, Praiano, and the Amalfi Coast. It is a romantic, magical, and stunning place to take a vacation. Go once and your heart will be captured forever!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Perfectly charming and great location for local flavor

Guest: Suzanne (Chevy Chase)
Date of Stay: 07/31/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

We had a lovely week here with our two children. The apartment we rented was in the same building but different from the one featured. The owner gave us very thorough information as to what to expect. From the initial contact with the owner I knew we were in good hands.Her responses were timely and thorough and upon booking she provided us with a most detailed account of what to do and see in the area. We loved being right on the water and our best days included time on the rocks below, jumping into the crystal clear sea. This building is unusual as it sits below the main road which puts you on an out cropping of rock for the most beautiful views. Praiano is a gem of a town and offered a more authentic Italian experience than I think the nearby more popular towns would have. We were able to easily bus over to Positano for the evening and drove to our other destinations including wonderful Ravello. We walked into town a few evenings for dinner and spent time at night in the local piazza by the church watching the locals and gazing at the stars and Positano across the way lit up like a million little candles. Truly magical.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A perfect place to stay!

Guest: Martine (Rosemere, Quebec, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 08/21/11

What a wonderful week! Our family had a great time. First of all, the information given by the owner was very accurate. You can absolutely trust Elena and she is very helpful. You can feel secure about renting the apartment. Someone was there as well to welcome us upon our arrival. The property is very well located. What a view! We liked sitting outside in the garden either to relax or to enjoy a great dinner with a good Italian wine. The private access to the sea is perfect. Our family had a great time swimming and enjoying the warm water. The kids had a lot of fun! We rented a car and driving was an interesting experience. If you rent a car, make sure it is a small size...Praiano, Ravello, Positano, Capri, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius are attractions that we recommend to see during your stay. We are keeping very good memories of our trip!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Apartment with Gorgeous Views!

Guest: Bill (South Carolina, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/31/11

Our family of four stayed for five nights at the apartment directly above this apartment in the same building. First of all, it was a pleasure working with the owner from the initial inquiry. She was professional, accommodating and responsive. Both our apartment and the one listed here were very similar in space and amenities. The views of the Med and the neighboring areas are literally indescribable. We really did not want to leave after five days. I took a nap on the outdoor sofa every afternoon and I can still hear the sounds of the luxury boats down below. We found the amenities in the apartment to be just what we needed and we spent most of our time jumping into the sea from the local "La Gavitella" beach. My two young sons loved jumping off the rocks into the sea. Just like anywhere else in Italy, it takes a day or two to become familiar with the markets, bus schedules, parking...etc. The apartment building has its own parking lot and we would recommend leaving your car there and using the bus to get to the area towns. The driving can be precarious on these narrow, winding roads. Otherwise we walked the 10 minutes into town to shop. There are no real sidewalks so at first it feels strange walking with your children on the main road. However, you get used to it and realize that the locals driving are cognizant of people on the road. Lastly, the people in Praiano were so warm. It is the "true Italy." The housekeeper was very sweet and her English was pretty good! Our recomendations are that you bring enough cash with you in the summertime as the Bancomat ATM regularly runs out of cash and please get the bus schedule from the Tourist Info Office in town. The buses going either direction pick you up right outside the apartment building but you will want to have the exact times so you don't wait out in the hot sun for 45 minutes like we did! We would love to return in the future. Mille grazie!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fabulous Two Weeks in Praiano!!

Guest: vicki (Santa Rosa, California)
Date of Stay: 06/19/11 Review Submitted: 09/11/11

We had a wonderful time in Praiano with our two grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law. The place was very comfortable for all of us. We loved the view - watching the boats go by, especially at night with the boat lights on. The private beach was great fun for the kids - swimming and watching the crabs on the rocks. The town is wonderful and everyone knows the owner's family and so they were very nice to us -delivering food and helping us with directions. Great time! We will definitely come back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best Friends Holiday in Praiano

Guest: CRE/LCA (Madison, WI)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 07/08/11

This was a very special get-away for 2 best friends who have traveled together for many years. Words and pictures can’t truly describe the beauty of Residence Deneb and the Amalfi Coast. The night that we arrived we were greeted by the full moon shining on the sea and welcoming us to our home for 2 weeks. The apartment was clean and well appointed with everything that we needed. We each enjoyed the privacy of our own bath and bedroom. Without fear, we left the doors open to the sea (with only the screens) every night. The history of this residence is evident and you could imagine the times when families vacationed there together. Some days we found it difficult to put down our books and explore. We visited Angela, Salvatore and Lucca at the grocery every day to purchase what we needed and report on our recent day trips. Salvatore got us a special porkloin wrapped and tied with fresh rosemary for our weekend dinner at home. We enjoyed making many of our meals at home in the perfect little kitchen and then eating them under the cover of the wisteria. Yes, there are steps everywhere you go along this coast, but after a couple days, we were stronger and faster! We found the driving fun and would recommend renting a car. It gave us the flexibility to go where we wanted, when we wanted, including many wrong turns! The driver needs another set of eyes to help watch for signs! Parking is at a premium but it was never a problem especially with the new parking garage in Amalfi. Go visit this beautiful, authentic Italian hideaway! You will not be disappointed and you will long to return! We offer many thanks to Elena for being a gracious "host" and for all the help and communication that she provided in our two year planning process.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Gorgeous views, needs some work

Guest: Bob (Cumming, GA USA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/04/11

If you are going to Amalfi for the sea views this is the place to go. 180 degree view of the water from the terrace as advertised. However it does need some TLC. Paint chipping off the walls in the bath and shutters, rusted railings, overgrown grass on the terrace (10 inches long), and toilet seats that don't fit the toilets are some examples of lack of attention over the years. 87 steps from the parking lot does not add in another 150 or so steps up the ramp to the main road, then add another 15 minute walk to anywhere (including the grocery store) along a VERY dangerous road, and you had better enjoy staying at the apartment and just enjoying the view. Driving anywhere in Amalfi is very stressful and expensive (3 euros an hour minimum) if you can even find a place to park. The bus runs every 45 minutes or so. We left two days early.

Owner response:I am always very grateful for our Guests' comments, especially when they give me the opportunity to further improve our property and services for others to come. I was shocked by some of Mr. Bob's statements, because they are incorrect and in some case simply false (like the additional 150 steps to the main road). Then I fsadly ound out that he left after causing remarkable damages - an experience we have never had with any other Guests in over six years. Broken outdoor chaise-longue, broken door handle, several power inlets completely pulled off the wall, even a nice composition of dry flowers was torn apart. Sometimes, things are simply not meant to be. All damages have been promptly repaired, and future Guests can be reassured that they will have an unforgettable experience. I put all my heart in this activity because it honors the memory of my Grandfather who had the genius and generosity to build such a heavenly place. And because I love the idea of sharing such amazing beauty with others. All of you Readers can count on my full committment to continue to set the highest standards by taking at heart your suggestions for improvement, with renewed enthusiasm and full trust that our Readers and future Guests will appreciate, love and respect our place and the Amalfi Coast (with its unforgettable winding roads and spectacular views) like all the ones before. Sincerely, Elena La Manna

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Awesome Apartment

Guest: Pat (Colorado USA)
Date of Stay: 04/25/11 Review Submitted: 04/17/12

In April 2011, four of us (my wife, another couple and I) spent six days/five nights in Elena’s wonderful apartment in Praiano. The setting was fabulous – a private garden area with beautiful flowers overlooking the Mediterranean. It was perfect for relaxing in the sun or shade, listening to the waves below, and watching the occasional boats pass by. The accommodations were great – the two bedrooms were spacious, a nicely furnished kitchen, indoor areas for reading or listening to music, and wifi available throughout the apartment. The apartment is conveniently located on the main coastal road in a gated community. During our visit, we left our car parked in the gated parking area and walked short distances to various restaurants and sites within Praiano. Also, for a day of sightseeing in nearby Positano (8km) or Amalfi Town (10km), it is very convenient to take the Regional SETA buses, which stop across the street from the apartment. Regarding Praiano sites, I highly recommend walking the nearby trail past the San Domenico monastery and along the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). The views of Praiano and the Amalfi Coast from the trail are truly spectacular and well worth the uphill walk. We enjoyed seeing the nearby sites, but always looked forward to returning to the peaceful atmosphere of the residence. We extend a big thank you to Elena for making her apartment available. It was truly a highlight of our vacation. We hope to return again soon.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

A Little Piece of Heaven!

Guest: VT Travelers (Westminster, Vermont)
Date of Stay: 02/24/11 Review Submitted: 03/08/11

Frankly I don't know where to start as this property was fabulous, and I would say that the listing does not due the actual property justice....it is better. The property photos, of which the owner is happy to provide more of, are accurate - the property was very clean and provided all the amenities that were listed. I guess the only item I would have liked in the kitchen was a cheese grater, but we made do. As I stated this property was very clean upon arrival and seems well maintained as we ran into no problems. All our questions prior to arrival were responded to by the owner. We have rented through VRBO several times and this was by far the best experience...thank you Elena! I would definately recommend this property even during low season, or February, when we visit Praiano. Of course you don't encounter the hustle and bustle of summer tourists, but you do get to experience time with folks that actually live along the Amalfi Coast. We enjoyed a visit to Amalfi [take the bus as it is very easy, but you have to buy tickets at the Tabacco shop, you can't buy tickets on the bus], Pompeii, and Positano [again, we took the bus]. Some items to note about the property - you are required to recycle rubbish according to strict guidelines, but we had no problem as the directions are provided in a clear manner, and there are lots of stairs which frankly we enjoyed after all the pasta and wine! Also, take time and enjoy the property. If you fill up all your time with a day here and a day there you won't be able to enjoy the flat, scenery from the patio and see the sunrise. Also, stop by the Bar de Sole as it is a happening place and the beer is great.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Million Dollar View

Guest: Phyllis (East Hampton, CT, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 11/30/10

My husband and I and our friends could not have wanted a more perfect place to spend a relaxing week. The apartment is so well equipped, the beds are comfortable and all is very clean and inviting. Pina, greeted us when we arrived and answered all our questions. We actually spent an additional three days at Residence Deneb, rather than touring further south to Sicily. It is hard to find places like this! We enjoyed touring the Amalfi coast area. Pompeii, Ravello, Amalfi, Positano--all are lovely and fun. The little town of Praiano offers wonderful food and you can walk to most restaurants from the apartment. Shopping is easy at Alimentari Angela if you want to cook in. Have them get you fresh fish and cook it with the incredible rosemary that grows on the terrace! We had a rental car, but there is reliable bus service at the top of the driveway. I agree with the previous commenter--rent a small car if you are just two or three. Amalfi's roads are a challenge, but beautiful! All four of us would heartily recommend this apartment to friends or family. You will not find a property owner more willing to help than Elena. She loves her Praiano apartment, and it shows! Thanks, Elena for an unforgettable stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful views

Guest: Tommy Boy (Cutchogue, New York)
Date of Stay: 09/26/10 Review Submitted: 11/29/10

We had a wonderful experience at residence Denab. Elena was extremley helpful in all the communications we had with her about particulars of the apartment and the local information one needs to feel comfortable.The views are magnificent, the total experience of the Amalfi Coast was Grand and not to be missed if one visits Italy. Our accomodations were everthing that was descibed and were impeccably clean. The kitchen was more than adequate, the two baths are a plus and the overall size is a rather good value when compared to staying at a Hotel. We had an issue with the domestic hot water heater, when it was reported action was taken immediately. We arrived by car however any time we would go into Town we found walking was the best way to go do to limited parking. We enjoy seeing surrounding areas when we travel and were not disappointed with the variety of Towns and sights that we experienced. All in all the 10 plus days we stayed were throughly enjoyed and we highly reccomend residence Denab.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

The enchanting, magical Praiano!

Guest: Sue (Huntington, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 09/25/10 Review Submitted: 10/29/10

My husband and I recently stayed at Residence Deneb for a week, and I wish I'd made it a month! Praiano is a magical, beautiful place that time has not ruined. The Apt. is tucked into the cliff overlooking the sea, and it is just one of the most spectacular views you will ever have in your lifetime. We have been to many upscale resorts worldwide, and nothing compares to this beautiful gem. Praiano is the perfect spot to stay while exploring the coast and beyond. We had no problem driving, just rent a small car, as the roads are narrow. The villa itself is spacious and airy, we had our doors open to the sea all the time. The stairs to the sea are like being in a fairytale, every twist and turn brings some beautiful vista or flowers or a bench to sit on and contemplate how lucky you are to be right there at that moment! The swimming grottos and tide pools are fun to swim in and explore-we felt like little kids again, next time I'm bringing all my snorkeling gear! the sea is warm and beautiful, and you can take boat rides from the nearby marina out to the islands nearby and swim in other beautiful spots. There are some excellent restaurants in town(all within walking distance), and there is a little market called Alimentari Angela where you can buy groceries etc., Angela and her husband are such kind people, we loved going to visit, and would pop our heads in just to say hi even if we were just walking by. Pina is the housekeeper for Residence Deneb, and she is one of the sweetest people we met in all of Italy! She even dropped us off in town to buy groceries so we wouldn't have to walk! She keeps the villa spotless and comfy for all the guests, and if you need anything you can just call her. We can't wait to go back again and stay in this special place. It's the most perfect location on all of the coast!!! Thank you Elena for one of the best trips we have ever had!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Gem in Praiano

Guest: LP (Arlington, VA)
Date of Stay: 08/11/10 Review Submitted: 10/07/10

Fabulous place and location. Listing was accurate, photos accurate, property clean and well maintained. Would stay there again and recommend to everyone. We used the bus, which drops off and picks up right in front of the apartment, and car for days trips to Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, and Pompei. Loved walking into the town to go the market and to eat out. The private beach area and the sea were fantasic. Our children, ages 8 and 11, could not get enough of cliff jumping, snorkeling, and the water.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very good property in excellent location

Guest: kvkv (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/03/10 Review Submitted: 10/02/10

We stayed here for 4 nights in August 2010. Our family of 5 had plenty of room in this apartment. There are 3 separate bedrooms, one with 2 bunk beds, one with a double bed and bathroom and one with a queen bed. We didn't cook supper much, but the small kitchen was well-supplied to have breakfast and lunch. The view from the small yard is excellent - ocean, villages, mountainside. The property is clean and well-maintained. The housekeeper who let us in was very helpful and also available later for any questions. Walking into town (back along the main road) takes about 15 minutes. There are many nice restaurants (see my reviews on Tripadvisor - member "kvkv") in Praiano. While the owner recommended a small grocery store along the main road, we found that the supermarket "Tutto per Tutti" had more selection. It is a 10 minute walk up the hill right at the entrance to Residence Deneb. Don't be too put off by the hill - it's a pretty easy climb. Remember, the grocery stores close in the early afternoon and reopen about 4:30-5 pm. There is a bus stop at the entrance to the property. Very handy. We used the bus for day trips as the parking was impossible. Here's the downside of the property: There are plenty of stairs to climb to get from the main road down to the apartment. There is a very complicated system of sorting and discarding garbage. Each type of garbage has to be put out on a certain day. We sort and recycle our garbage at home, so we're familiar with the idea, but this was very difficult to figure out. The "beach" belonging to the apartment is not a beach. It is a rock outcropping at the bottom of several hundred stairs. We tried it once when we arrived and our 2 young boys jumped in the ocean. Would not recommend it. However, there is a nice pebbled beach 15 minutes walk away at the marina. Finally, there were ridiculous numbers of tiny "sugar ants" all over the floor. We were very careful not to leave any food or crumbs out, but by day 3, the ants were all over the place, including the kitchen floor, counter and cabinets. Because they didn't turn up until we had been there for a few days, I presume that the apt had been sprayed with ant killer before we arrived, and it had worn off. The ants didn't bite, or give us any trouble, but if you don't like insects in your house, be warned, this may not be the place for you. We would stay here again.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car.

Perfect Praiano

Guest: Chris & Maryalice (Hudson, New York, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/28/10

Our second stay at this lovely, well appointed, serviced and wonderfully located apartment was the perfect end to a trip filled with touring. Great small town with very friendly and accomodating people and small businesses who will easily overcome any language barrier. Access to the ocean is the very best in the area, with a safe area for children to swim. The water is clear, warm and salty and at the base of the cliffs there is plent of room to sun. Take a couple of the (supplied) beach chairs down on your first day, store them in the small cave during your stay and you will be very comfortable. There is plenty for children to see and a swim mask will add a lot to their swimming experience. Town stores quickly deliver groceries etc. and while small, have everything you could need during your stay. Our family of five (aged 59 to 15) were easily accomodated by the apartment, which features modern bathrooms, comfortable beds and common area furnishings, a great garden, and all the privacy you could ask for. We are well travelled in Italy, and this is one of the very best values you are likely to find. For the rates listed you're staying in a million euro apartment with a location you can't buy for any price anywhere else. It is well supported by the owner, who provides volumes of information on the locale, shopping and sights, which saves much time, allowing you to enjoy either the touring or relaxation. We alternated cooking in with local fish, meat and vegtables from town with dining out. The kitchen is very adequate with everything you need. Our stay this year was for 8 nights, beginning on July 24, 2010, and my suggestion to the reader is to book now because we plan to stay longer on our next visit.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Oh, what a view...

Guest: Calgarians (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/15/10

We so enjoyed our one week stay at Residence Deneb. We had lots of room inside and enjoyed the grassy patio to watch the boats cruise by below morning, afternoon or night (spectacular full moon in a sky full of stars!) Angela and Luca at the grocery store were fantastic - always a cheerful smile and gathering up the best of what we needed. It was wonderful to have a relatively short walk down the steps to the 'swimming pool'. Whether it was taking the bus into Amalfi or a boat to Capri - we enjoyed breathtaking views. Most days consisted of an early evening beverage at Bar Sole followed by a tasty dinner at the pizza place below, La Brace or - our favourite - La Strada - then a moonlit walk back home... Just a great place to enjoy the most spectacular Amalfi Coast.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

relaxing with the family!

Guest: tk (seattle)
Date of Stay: 07/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

We spent 5 nights and, as the family said, "Why are we leaving?!". A perfect location to explore the coast, easily day trip to Pompeii or Naples or just sit and enjoy the view. We spent time daily swimming below the apartment, exploring the towns that surround Praiano and shopping locally. The apartment easily accommodated our family of 5 and was refreshingly roomy after some of our other accommodation experiences! We were most fortunate to meet Elena and her family -- every bit as welcoming, friendly & helpful as you could possibly hope. She's also a fantastic e-mailer! We would go back in a heartbeat!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing Amalfi

Guest: John (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/04/10 Review Submitted: 08/03/10

We came to Praiano for 1 week for rest and relaxaton as part of our 3 week vacation in Italy and the Deneb Residence delivered! Travelling with 2 teenage girls (both 18) meant that the accomodation needed to meet a variety of needs. Having two bathrooms and two bedrooms plus a fully equipped kitchen favoured everyone. The view of the Amalfi coast and the Tyrranean Sea from the Residence was absoulutely breathtaking! The Residence was very clean and well equipped. Elena's directions and information package were extremely useful as we were patrons at several restaurants recommended. We used our location in Praiano as a launching point to do a day trip to Capri (from the La Gavitella Beach) and also we drove to Pompei to see the ruins. Other than the day trips, our favourite activity for the rest of the week was walking to the Gavitella Beach (great exercise) and enjoying the natural flowers and beautiful landscape with a full day of sunshine. Everyone in Praiano is so friendly - our teens enjoyed gelato, with all the youth in the evenings. It is a safe and carefree atmosphere which we thoroughly enjoyed and fully recommend to anyone travelling in the area.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

A Little Spot of Heaven

Guest: Debra (Napa, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 07/04/10 Review Submitted: 07/17/10

We recently returned from a three week trip to Italy and Greece. We were fortunate enough to have selected Residence Deneb for our five nights on the Amalfi Coast. The location of the flat is amazing, it is all that is advertised and much more. Words can not describe the sights and sounds of sitting on the enclosed lawn area, overlooking the gorgeous sea and looking down the beautiful coastline. After trekking down the private path to the sea you are rewarded with your own private access to the turquoise waters. The flat itself is very roomy and comfortable, everything is provided to make your stay as pleasant as possible. The owner is very accommodating, knowledgeabe about the area and willing to share that knowledge. She provides a wealth of information on the area to help you get the most out of your time there. If you are looking for a wonderful day trip to Capri, plus much more, you can't go wrong by contacting Amalfi Boat Excursions.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fabulous Family Accomodations

Guest: Canadian Tourists (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/27/10 Review Submitted: 08/29/10

My family and I had the most wonderful stay in Praiano this past summer. We travelled through Italy for a month and our favorite place was this apartment on the Amalfi Coast (can't wait to go back some day). The view was spectacular, the location was perfect and the apartment was exactly as the pictures showed. My children, ages 13, 11 and 9 loved the "rock" beach and spent many hours "cliff jumping" as they called it. The property owners were wonderful, they had documented so many highlights to visit while in the area and responded to any questions or concerns we had immediately. I would, and have, recommended this property to several people.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

La Dolce Vita

Guest: The Traina Family, Long Island, New York (Long Island, New York)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 08/03/10

We chose this beautiful villa to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. The villa's location is breathtaking, the views are spectacular! The 2 bedroom villa had everything we needed to feel at home. Although the restaurants in the area were fantastic, our favorite nights were spent dining on the terrace overlooking the turquoise sea. We spent our days visiting the beautiful local beaches and towns by scooter, boat or local bus and looked forward to returning to the villa at the end of the day to enjoy our fresh mozzarella, olives and a bottle of wine on the terrace. We loved Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and Pompeii, but Praiano was still our favorite. Everyone was so warm and helpful in the shops and the restaurants Elena recommended were fantastic. This vacation surpassed all our expectations and we can't wait to come back! Thank you Elena for sharing this beautiful villa with our family and for helping us every step of the way in the planning of this amazing trip. We truly experienced la dolce vita!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Seaside Escape

Guest: Nico (Kirkland, Quebec, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/29/10

The residence Debeb is absolutely wonderful.. The 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom apartment met our accommodation requirements for a family of 4 with 2 teenage daughters.. The travel information package and recommendations provided by Elena were absolutely perfect. The scenic view from the apartment living room window is absolutely stunning. The advice on places to visit provided by Elena were very useful.. Ms. Pina the housekeeper was very friendly and helpful. Although we had rented a car, a car is not required. The bus schedule and service is very good. The residents of Priaino are very friendly and willing to help. During our 6 day stay (too short) we visited Positano, Sorrento, Pompei and Capri. In Priaino, we dined at the San Gennaro and Il Pino (our favorite) restaurants. La Praia beach was very nice, we walked to the beach and back to the residence many times. We got our daily exercise walking and taking the stairs to the beach while absorbing the beautiful views and cultural experience. Signora Angellina and her family at the local grocery store were very kind and friendly. They deliver your groceries to the residence as part of their friendly service. I highly recommend the Residence Deneb as a place to stay while visiting the Amalfi coast. We are looking forward to returning but for a longer stay next time. On a separate note, Elena also recommended a place to stay in Rome and Tuscany, so if you truly want to experience the Italian dream vacation, you may wish to consider the other properties as well. Ciao!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Trip to Residence Deneb.

Guest: Amy (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 07/03/10

We just returned from our trip to Italy and I really regretted leaving Residence Deneb! Traveling in this area you see a lot of high class hotels but the apartment at Residence Deneb was far superior. It quickly feels like home and has the best view point from any other residence in the area. The description is very accurate, and the pictures are good but they really don't do it justice. Elena, the owner, was very easy to work with and gives you great recommendations. For those debating whether to stay in Praiano or one of the larger cities (Positano, Amalfi, etc) I would highly recommend Praiano. The people are so very helpful and friendly and there is everything you need very close at hand. I plan on recommending this place to everyone I know and would go back in a heart beat!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

What a wonderful vacation!

Guest: Emanuele (Templeton, California)
Date of Stay: 06/14/10 Review Submitted: 07/05/10

My wife Jordan and 4 year old daughter Morgane went to Italy for a two week vacation in June 2010. After spending time with relatives in northern Italy and Tuscan we drove to Praiano. Just as our printed directions stated, we arrived in paradise. We were welcomed by Pina, the housekeeper and parked our car, which we didn't have to drive for the rest of the vacation. We immediately felt we were in a quiet, beautiful place were we could finally relax after a hectic first part of our vacation traveling to many different places in Italy. The apartment is in a residence nestled on the rocks several hundred feet above sea level. From our front yard we could see the Mediterranean sea with its beautiful colors. The front yard has a small lawn and a swing were my daughter and I sat while singing songs and enjoying the phenomenal views. Inside the apartment we felt very comfortable and found the necessary information about bus hours, restaurant guides, and much more... My wife walked to Praiano and bought some local Mozzarella cheese and other groceries. The owner of the shop was kind enough to drive her back to the residence, and this is a service that many shops and restaurants did for us and do for tourists alike. We spent the evening eating mozzarella, salami and drinking an ice cold Italian beer. The following day we walked down to the residence's private natural tide pool and had fun swimming in the warm water. My 4 year old went in the Mediterranean sea for the first time and wasn't afraid. She grabbed onto me and we played in the water. We then walked back upstairs and stopped by the shower midway up the stairs, and took a shower with a breathtaking view. We then called the restaurant La Strada in Praiano and they sent Silvia to pick us up. Dinner was great and Lorenzo, the server was very knowledgeable about local wines. The following day we took the bus to Positano, and strolled around the picturesque town. My wife bought a very nice gown at a local store for her and our daughter. On another day we found a little beach between Praiano and Amalfi where we had lunch, swam and played in the water for hours and finally took a small boat to Amalfi. We walked around the town, had a good gelato and took the ferry to Positano. I have always heard how beautful the Amalfi coast was and finally experienced it first hand. Now I have great memories to share with my family.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our Italy Vacation

Guest: Moe Fraunfelder (Greater Washington D.C. Area USA)
Date of Stay: 05/21/10 Review Submitted: 06/15/10

The appartment was wonderful and we really enjoyed Praiano. We stayed for three days in Rome then took the express train to Florence for another three days. We rented a car and left the morning of the 21st of May for Praiano. We stopped off at Capua to visit the Flavian Amphitheater and arrived in Praiano about 8:00 pm. Your directions were excellent and we found Praiano with no diffuculty. We did somehow miss the entrance to the property and Signora Pina rescued us and led us back to the property. We visited Pompeii on the 22nd and Paestum on the 23rd. On the 24th we had lunch at a trotteria in Positano that was recommended by one of Linda's coworkers who was born in Napoli and then we visited Sorrento in the afternoon. On the first night we had dinner at the hotel restaurant that is just down the hill on the left. The people there were wonderful and very helpful, and we ate all of our dinners there. On the day we left Praiano, we drove to Pozzuoli to visit the Flavian Amphitherater there, but it was closed that day - it's only closed one day a week! :-( so we had lunch at a neat restaurant in Pozzouli and then drove to Gaeta for our final night in Italy. Each segment of the trip was different and wonderful in it's own way. The view from your property was breathtaking and very quiet. We were on the go every day so we didn't really have the time to enjoy it as much as we would have liked - such a short time and so many things to do and see. Although I had previously lived in Pozzouli for a year and in Lago Pattria for a year and a half, I had never driven on the Amalfi Coast and I was not prepared for the narrow, winding roads - especially since it had been many years since I had driven a stick-shift car - talk about a trial by fire!! We all were so glad that we chose your property. The appartment had everything we needed and having breakfast on the terrace was wonderful. I'm sure I lost about 5 pounds or more from all the walking on our trip. All the walking we did before Praiano got us in shape for the trek up to the parking lot and then up to the gate for those nights that we walked down to the restaurant. We didn't have any time to swim in the pool, but we did make one trip down the steps on our last day to view the pool and see the water up close. All in all, the people, the food and the country were as wonderful as I remembered them from 25 years ago. We look forward to our next longer Italy vacation much sooner.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful week in Praiano

Guest: Tandw (Chicago, IL USA)
Date of Stay: 05/17/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

We stayed in the three bedroom apartment in Residence Deneb. The apartment was roomy and comfortable, and the location was fabulous. We really enjoyed our private terrace and spent hours and hours just sitting and watching the water and the hills. Our kids loved climing down the stairs to their own private rocky beach. Getting a car in and out of the gate is tricky, and driving in the area can be stressful (lots of traffic, narrow roads, and you have to dodge pedestrians and other cars/scooters), so if you can get by without a car, try to do so--there are grocery stores and restaurants within walking distance, and buses run pretty regularly to Amalfi and Praiano.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

A wonderful experience

Guest: Paul and Maria (Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/14/10 Review Submitted: 06/07/10

We were very fortunate to stay at this wonderful place the second week of May 2010 and I must say it is amazing. Elena and her mom were a fantastic help and had many great suggestions for us to enhance our vacation. For anyone that wants to experience this truly beautiful area I highly recommend this property and you will not find any better owners out there to help you with your stay.

Recommended for:Sightseeing

Stunning

Guest: Patty and Brad (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/29/10 Review Submitted: 04/15/10

Elena - Two weeks was not enough! The apartment in Praiano was charming and we enjoyed our stay thoroughly. The views were stunning - but you know that already. Sitting in the little garden and enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the sparkle off the Mediterranean . . . breathtaking! Your restaurant recommendations were really helpful, too. We tried almost all of the places you mentioned and I can't say we had a bad meal anywhere. Some standouts: La Brace, Armandino's, and a place in Amalfi right on the water, oh my! I'm drooling thinking about it. Il Pirata in Marina di Praia also had gorgeous views and Vera, the proprietor, was great. Our trip to the Amalfi Coast was lovely and so was your place and helpful hospitality. We're looking forward to the time when we can return to Italy. Maybe the Tuscany region . . . Ciao!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Sharon Rybak (North Royalton, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 01/13/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/10

We celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary at this beautiful apartment the week after Christmas. Watching the fireworks on the hillside on New Years Eve was an amazing conclusion to our week. We were able to balance the "excitement" of the winding roads with winding down as we enjoyed reading on the patio and taking our breakfast outside. The apartment was very comfortable and everything met or exceeded our expectations. Thank you for sharing this most amazing piece of paradise.

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Guest: Nancy100 (Monument, CO)
Date of Stay: 01/03/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/10

My husband and I stayed in the 3 bedroom apartment that Elena's family also owns in Residence Denab. It is to the right ( if you are looking out to the sea) of the one seen on the website and slightly higher up. As has been expressed by all, the spectacular views are absolutely breathtaking! The apartments are great for families, well maintained, and in a perfect location for touring the Amalfi Coast. We started out each day with coffee outside and ended it each evening with wine outside--coming from land-locked Colorado, we could never get enough of the water! Elena is outstanding to work with and is a wealth of information regarding Praiano and the surrounding area. We would return in a heartbeat! Nancy

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Guest: Erin45 (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 09/25/09 Review Submitted: 09/25/09

We had a wonderful time here in Praiano (8/31 - 9/5), it was heavenly! We are already dreaming about going back someday. You truly have a special place at Residence Deneb. We loved Praiano and felt no need to ever leave and visit other towns. We did the spectacular Walk of the Gods from Praiano to Positano one day. Glorious. Positano was nice, but crowded, and I couldn't wait to get back to our sweet village of Praiano and our perfect apartment. The swimming at the pool and in the sea was amazing--the warmest and clearest water I have ever been in. I could go on and on....it really was a dream. And I loved all the little lizards. Highlights: walk of the gods (recommend the sunflower guide by Tippett), dinner at Marina de Praia, the moonlight on the sea, swimming, dinner at Trattoria while watching kids play soccer in the square, eating every meal out on the terrace, shopping at Angela's grocery. Luca and Angela (of the local grocery) were fantastic -- so kind and helpful. They are a big part of what makes the residence and the village so welcoming and lovely. Elena, thank you for all of your helpful advice and info --- your personal touch is what made me feel good about taking a chance on a place we've never been to...and it exceeded all of our expectations. Potential guests, feel free to contact me if you have any questions: erinbackeast at gmail Erin

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/10/09 Review Submitted: 09/10/09

Just returned from a wonderful stay there.Great views and great location in the middle of the Amalfi coast!If you book this apartment, you will not be disappointed. Was the best part of our vacation in Italy. Many thanks to Elena for complete information about Amalfi coast and Tuscany, we were very impressed with the way she handled the booking.

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Guest: Wayne Mc Cowan (Alberta - Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/18/09 Review Submitted: 08/18/09

Elena, Just a note to let you know that we (2 married couples) had a wonderful time at your property in Praiano on the Amalfi coast. It was as you described it, a great location, on the water and not far from town. We were able to sun on the deck and swim in the ocean (the 200 steps down are well maintained and good excercise). Pina, your housekeeper met us promptly, showed us where everything was (in your well supplied 2 bedroom apartment) and even drove all four of us to town the first day as we were tired and were looking for a good restaurant. The two grocery stores you suggested were very helpful and friendly and delivered our groceries right to the door. WE enjoyed visiting the towns up and down the coast, dining out 3 or 4 times and relaxing in our own paradise watching the beautiful sunsets. We couldn't have asked for more! Thanks again, Wayne and Agnes McCowan, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Please feel free to have future guests contact us if they wish. P.S. Your tip that we take the bus to Rome (rather than the train) was far less stressful and was a relaxing ride. Thanks

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Guest: Kimberly Richardson (Austin, TX USA)
Date of Stay: 07/23/09 Review Submitted: 07/23/09

Perfect! We stayed in one of Elena's apts from July 11-16th, 2009. It was our favorite part of our vacation. Elena and Ms. Pina are extremely hospitable and helpful! Apt is in an ideal location, has AMAZING views, and the sea access is fabulous for families with kids who love the water. We found that renting scooters was the best way to really explore the area and get around easily. Could not ask for anything better that this in a vacation rental!

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Guest: Sheila Lyons (Venice CA)
Date of Stay: 07/02/09 Review Submitted: 07/02/09

We stayed in Praiano for 6 nights on our honeymoon. It was the more than we could have ever imagined. We stayed in in the one bedroom (which was more then enough room for my husband and I) which had a wonderful sun deck for some morning rays. All the information left by Elena was helpful, as we had some of our best meals at the restaurants she recommened. The town is lovely and I can't imagine staying anywhere else on the Amalfi Coast. Can't wait to go back!

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Guest: Celeste K-Meurlott (CDA, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 06/27/09 Review Submitted: 06/27/09

Our short time in Praiano was made all the more pleasant by having this clean and comfortable apartment to go to after our days excursions. The views were a photographers dream. Elena was an excellent host and had all the inside information to experience the true culture of the Alamfi coast. All of the locals were more than eager to chat and assist us in everything we asked. We were also fortunate enough to stay in a large apartment in Rome. Virginias apartment was spacious enough to accommodate our party of eight. The location was perfect to catch the metro to all the major attractions, but was removed enough from the chaos of the city. This was my first time traveling overseas and I could not have asked for better experience.

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Guest: Wendy Werner (Algonquin IL USA)
Date of Stay: 06/04/09 Review Submitted: 06/04/09

I am now suffering the depression of having to return back to work after spending a heavenly week at Residence Deneb. We saw quite a bit of the Amalfi Coast and it was agreed that this location was a perfect choice. The views, the proximity to a beautiful and private swimming area, the food, the small town charm of Praiano all made for a fabulous trip. After having driven extensively the week before in Tuscany, it was so relaxing to park the car, use public transportation and sit back and unwind. We saw probably a dozen dolphins from the terrace one night around sunset. The apartment itself was lovely but honestly this was secondary to the location and views (we mainly went inside to sleep). Highly recommend the day trip to Capri from the Praiano marina on a rubber ducky boat or even just taking it as a water taxi to Positano. Praiano is such a welcoming village, you could easily forget that you’re a tourist. Lastly, it wouldn’t hurt to bring some aqua socks/swimming shoes as some of the rocks at the water can be sharp.

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Guest: Brian and Lois (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 05/28/09 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

We fully agree with all the positive comments about the Praiano apartment so, rather than restate what others have already said, we'll add a few comments unique to our stay: We treated ourselves by having Pina and her friend (also named Pina) cook an authentic local meal for us and serve it on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. They did the shopping, brought the wine, prepared all the food, and cleaned up afterwards. Talk about guilty pleasure! In the serendipity department: as we walked to dinner at Casa Diva one evening we caught sight of a pair of dolphins, swimming close to shore in perfect synchronization, and watched them for several minutes. Very Romantico.

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Guest: Barb Paganelli (Shelburne, Vermont)
Date of Stay: 05/24/09 Review Submitted: 05/24/09

We stayed at the 3 bedroom apartment of the LaManna's and it was wonderful! It had fantastic views to sit and watch the boats go back in the morning and evening and the swimming down the 226!! steps was wonderful!! This is a very clean, well-kept, comfortable apartment in a pristine location! It was so nice to have a kitchen, place to read in the early morning (when my kids were all still sound asleep!) and relax without being on top of other family members! The little washing machine was GREAT to wash some laundry and having 2 bathrooms was terrific! I highly, highly recommend this apartment for those seeking to have a nice, relaxing stay on the Almalfi Coast and not have to be in cramped quarters! The food in the area is spectacular and there is so, so much to do that you won't fit it all in no matter HOW long you go for! We surely will be back to this same location in the future! Thank-You to this wonderful family!

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Guest: Lowell Ball (Waynesville NC )
Date of Stay: 04/23/09 Review Submitted: 04/22/09

We stayed at this apartment from 12-17 April 2009 and I can tell you that it was truly wonderful. Wow, what a view. We arrived on Easter Sunday from flying into Rome and met Mrs Pina around 3pm and when we asked where the store was located she advised us that due to Easter the store was closed so we could not get essentials, however, she would call Angela's Store and check. She did and they were closed but they actually took our order, opened up AND delivered the items to us!!! We were impressed! The restaurants in town were alright, but not outstanding, except for the pizza. We found it much more enjoyable to just pick up some things in town and bring home and throw together something and eat on the terrace and enjoy the view. There is a very good butcher in town to get some good steaks or chicken to grill (the apartment has a charcoal grill). If you go and you like to hike or run there are some very good trails with great views, make sure and take your camera. We did not rent a car and it was not a problem at all, there is a bus stop right outside of the gate at the entrance to the property. Also, being able to stay at Elena's moms in Rome was very nice, she is a really great lady and so, so helpful. If you are thinking of going and have any questions that a guest might be helpful on, please send me an email and I will try to respond.

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Guest: Leah Taylor (Australia)
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/01/09

This apartment was fabulous. Praiano is such a wonderful location and the ability to just go down the stairs and swim in the Mediterranean Sea was superb. We had a wonderful 2 weeks and wished we had stayed for a month.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/28/09 Review Submitted: 01/28/09

I loved the apartment and the views were spectacular. It reminded me of Bermuda in a number of ways--the ocean, the ruggedness, the boating, the flowers, the climate etc. The apartment was spacious and very comfortable and I loved the tiles--so pretty and cheery. The morning sunrise was nature at its best. Your unit is in a wonderful location for visiting the entire Amalfi coast area. I really loved Praiano as it is less touristy. The church in town was by far the most beautiful one that we visited. The family that run the Alimentari were so kind and helpful. Thank you so much for opening it up to visitors so they can enjoy such a memorable vacation.

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Guest: Nancy and John Wilkinson (Carlisle, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/02/08 Review Submitted: 11/02/08

Beautiful villa and great weather for all two weeks of our stay - had such a lovely time exploring the Amalfi Coast with Praiano as our base. Would highly recommend.

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Guest: Lorraine Rattell (Calgary, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/28/08 Review Submitted: 10/28/08

Truly a beautiful location. It is indeed paradise. Thank you Elena for all of your suggestions. Mrs. Pina is a gem.Until next time...Ciao!!

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Guest: Jackie and Jay Rushforth (Rye, NH)
Date of Stay: 10/14/08 Review Submitted: 10/14/08

What a fantastic honeymoon. We really could not have asked for a more romantic, fun-filled getaway! Every night, we just enjoyed the beautiful sunsets from our cliff-side deck overlooking the ocean. We only wished we could have stayed longer!!

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Guest: Susan Frances (Arcata, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/12/08 Review Submitted: 10/12/08

Gorgeous location and very comfortable apartment!

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Guest: Barbara Fabris (Calgary, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/27/08 Review Submitted: 08/27/08

We had an amazing time in this area! The apartment had a spectacular view of the ocean which we enjoyed every morning for our breakfast. The apartment was clean, well stocked, spacious and Elena was very helpful with her suggestions of places to visit. The natural pool was fantastic and soothing after a hot day touring the coast. I would definitely rent it again!

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Guest: Ed Plumlee (Auburn, Washington)
Date of Stay: 07/27/08 Review Submitted: 07/27/08

We had a wonderful stay in Priano at the Residence Denab. There were four of us in our group and the accommodations were spacious, clean and comfortable. Two in our group basically stayed on the terrace overlooking the Tyrannian Sea for three straight days except for walks down to the sea to swim and snorkel. What a life! Shopping is nearby and the people at Angela's Store are really nice. This was a very nice relaxing stop for us as we readied for three days in Rome and then home. The owner Elena was very easy to contact and she had several recommendations on what to do and where to eat. All of her information was accurate and helpful. This was a beautiful home and we wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.

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Guest: Nick and Kathy Piscionere (Carmel, New York)
Date of Stay: 07/09/08 Review Submitted: 07/09/08

6/22/08 - 6/29/08 Paradise! Residence Deneb was the perfect retreat for us. After spending our days touring the Amalfi coast it was wonderful to return to this lovely apartment in Praiano. While it was very warm (37degrees C)in southern Italy, cool breezes with magestic ocean views awaited us! Our 22 yr old absolutely loved both the apartment and the town of Praiano. Many thanks to Elena and Signora Amato (the owners). I was so grateful for all the travel help Elena had given me. It was like having our own travel guide! Special thanks also to Mrs Pina,Angela(groceries), Claudio Lucibello (Taxi Co)and Josephine Benvenuti (Taxi Co.). The people in Praiano made us all feel so welcome!! We would definitedly come back in a heartbeat! Signora Virginia thank you for a fabulous vacation in Rome!! It was an honor to have meet you!

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