Best place to stay along Amalfi Coast

I've only stayed in Positano, but I do think your hotels might be slim pickins at this point.

Try Praiano, between Positano and Amalfi, or Minori, toward the end of the Amalfi Coast. I like La Maurella in Praiano (parking lot onsite) but they may be full by now.

First, consider Ravello
Second, dump the car, driving is a hassle on the Amalfi coast, use the buses. We dumped the car in Naples airport and took the ferry from Naples to Positano.
Third, Positano.

Fourth, Amalfi

Treviso is a long ways from Anzio (390 miles) and the Amalfi coast is another 180 or so. Plan your driving accordingly.

Be sure and see Venice while there.

We stayed in Positano and really loved it there. It was our relaxation break in the middle of our trip.

Don't take a car to the Amalfi Coast (or Sorrento, for that matter) without knowing your parking arrangements. If you can see the water from your hotel, you will have trouble parking the car, and getting in and out of town. It's true that public transportation can be crowded, but, for example, Positano has only one road. Every night in Sorrento, we saw cars lined up for fifteen minute waits to enter underground parking garages. Even in September, the busses have to stop traffic to make the turns on the coastal road. That slows your mighty steel steed of independence.

Tim, La Maurella and several other places are between the water and the main road, with onsite parking. Easy to get in and out.

We stayed in Atrani, which is about a 10 min walk to Amalfi - we didn't have a car, but there was a paid parking lot at the entrance to Atrani (only residents could park along the road thru the town) and I seem to recall that we walked thru a large underground parking garage (well, more 'inside the hill' parking garage) as a short cut to get to Amalfi. I'm not sure how full it gets/what the cost is of this parking garage.

I think finding somewhere for 4 nights all in one place in mid-Sept is going to be hard at this late date - not too far off and I think you'll find a lot of places booked - you may have to stay a few nights in one spot then go on to another.

I think 5 days is just about perfect. We only had 3 nights (which gave us 2 days and an evening) and I'd love to go back for 5 nights. Personally, after taking the bus and having a private driver, I wouldn't want to attempt driving those roads - it was hair raising for sure! Very tight blind spots, constantly having to watch for buses and parked cars - passing by them with mere inches to spare...ugh.

We most enjoyed Ravello. If you like hiking, there is a downhill hike from Ravello to Atrani (and it continues on of course). A bit hard on the knees as there was a lot of downhill and stairs, but great views.

There is are fancy hotels up above Sorrento with a pools which look really nice but may not be reachable with out a car.

I like using Sorrento as a base. I have to agree having a car is nice but a hassle. Best to book tours and private cars instead and use the local train for Naples, Pompeii, etc. Call your hotel to make sure they have parking and the cost.

Yes, five days is enough.

dearcangelis hasn't asked about them but if a pool is on the wish list, there are hotels with pools right in the middle of Sorrento. We stayed at Antiche Mura - which is just a couple of blocks from Piazza Tasso - and loved it. We didn't use the pool but enjoyed the surrounding garden and outdoor bar after warm-ish days running around the coast. Had fun meeting other travelers doing the same, too. Good location a reasonable walk from the train station, and terrific staff. No water views, though.

Sorrento is a hub for transit around the coast so if you decide to ditch the car, it's a good place to base.