Naples and Amalfi Coast area : where to stay?

I can't recommend from personal experience . . . but after MUCH research, we just booked a B&B in Sorrento, Villa Monica, we learned about it on this forum and then followed up on TripAdvisor where it is the #2 B&B in the area. We are NOT taking a car, but they have a shuttle that transports you to Sorrento Town Center many times a day, and the owner will help you set up day trips to Capri, Herculaneum, Pompeii, Salerno, etc. The price is good, the views are amazing, it's a true Italian experience from what we've read, the breakfasts are supposed to be amazing. I'm sure you can't go wrong anywhere, but we are staying in lots of hotels and decided to do a B&B for this part of the trip and we were thrilled to find one in which we didn't need a car.

I love Naples but given your interests and the number of days you have, Sorrento is probably the best option. You can catch ferries to Capri, Naples and along the Amalfi Coast, as well as using the train to Pompeii and Naples.

We split time between the two. That was my only regret for our entire trip. Naples reminded of NYC in the 70s. Sorrento was beautiful. We stayed at Hotel Antiche Mura, we were off season and got a great deal. They gave us the penthouse room. Little lonely coming back late at night but wonderful views.

I would take Rick's advice and use Sorrento as a base.

We stayed 2 nights in Naples to experience it then by boat to Sorrento for 4 (or 5) nights. Sorrento is for relaxation and also it is easier to get to your sights from Sorrento.

Alex,

I'd also suggest splitting your time between Sorrento and Naples, as both cities have interesting sights. I'd suggest starting in Sorrento and then moving to Naples afterward as that will likely facilitate your ongoing travel. A few thoughts......

• you'll have to use the Circumvesuviana to travel from Naples to Sorrento, and also from Naples to Pompeii. It's a bit of a graffiti-laden clunker, but it will get you there. Be sure you're wearing Money Belts, as it has a bit of a "reputation" for pickpockets and scammers.
• While in Sorrento visit Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius and a day trip to Capri. With only 2-3 days, I really don't think you're going to have time to visit the "Amalfi Coast", as that's a large area to cover and transportation is not as "convenient" as other parts of Italy.
• While in Naples I'd recommend visiting the Archeological Museum, as many of the artifacts there are connected to Pompeii. You may also want to visit the place where Pizza was invented and have authentic Neopolitan Pizza. Other sights there will depend on what you're most interested in seeing. Be absolutely sure to wear Money Belts in Naples, as there are some VERY proficient pickpockets there.

Given the very short time frame, I'd suggest having a look at the Italy 2015 guidebook to plan your sightseeing there. with such a short time, it would be a good idea to plan efficiently and not waste any time!

I agree with mph that Sorrento is more central for what you want to do. Plan a long daytrip to Napoli, daytrips to Pompeii, Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

Also, plan in terms of nights, not days. One night is one night, a day could be anywhere from 2 hours of sightseeing time to a full day - travel time (presumably during the day) can take longer than you think.