Amalfi Coast

I usually take buses but I understand that there are ferries to most of the places you mention, except Ravello, which is up the hill from Amalfi. There is frequent local bus service between Amalfi and Ravello.

Part I: Sounds like a great trip! Here's a link to the ferry: http://www.coopsantandrea.com/index_en.asp I love Positano & the ferry for transportation all along the Amalfi coast. However the ferry schedule runs seasonally & can be affected by weather. I train in to Salerno and catch the ferry to Positano. It's a reasonably short walk from the Salerno train station to the dock at Piazza della Concordia. Google map it & get the walking directions (or use Michelin to route it). By May the ferry "should" be back running. The website says they start back in April but that doesn't mean they are actually running their full schedule of trips, which are supposed to be: 8.40 - 9.40 - 10.40 - 11.40 - 14.10 - 15.30. My personal experience traveling in the shoulder season has been that service is more likely to be suspended from Salerno after noon, so I try to arrive in time to catch the train before noon. Of course if service is suspended you can catch the SITA bus. That said, the cliff-to-sea views riding from Sorrento to Positano or vice versa are amazing. (From Sorrento toward Positano you want to be on the right side if you're taking the bus.) With your passenger numbers check out what a driver would cost from from Sorrento (or Salerno) to your hotel. That would give you the views, plus driver commentary & GREAT convenience. Once you're in Positano use the ferry & you'll be comfortable with it for departure to Salerno to catch your return train.

Part II: I have stayed at Hotel California in Positano repeatedly & I love it. Spacious clean rooms & baths, great beds: http://www.hotelcaliforniapositano.it/uk/index_uk.htm I would recommend requesting an upper floor with a balcony. Also, print out & take with you the written confirmation(s) of the room agreement & the cost. Although I think she is toning it down a little now, Maria can be a bit of a mess & I have had to show her in writing what had been agreed to in order to get it. On one occasion she actually put me in a nicer room (the agreed one was occupied) & I just watched to make sure she didn't charge me the increased room rate. Also, don't take her recommendations on restaurants, she is likely to steer you to one up in the mountains where "the driver will pick you up"- it does not measure up to her flattering description. Just up the street from Hotel California there's a little place called Bruno's with great food and reasonable prices- and outdoor seating.