Naples/Sorrento/Pompeii

We prefer not to stay in a hotel just one night. Packing & unpacking, checking in and out, carrying bags to and fro, takes more time and energy than you'd think. So either I'd stay in Naples 2 nites and use it as a base for visiting not just the Archeological Museum but other attractions in the city and also Herculaneum, or stay in Sorrento the entire time. Naples itself isn't everyone's cup of tea, its a crowded hectic place, but we loved it! If you've ever seen those old black-and-white pictures of NYC or other large metropolis with street vendors, laundry flapping from windows, etc. then Naples is that come to life and in color. But its perfectly understandable that some people are not comfortable in an environment like Naples, so if your only interest is the Archeological Museum then you can actually reach it by taking the train up from Sorrento and then the subway to the museum, avoiding the streets almost entirely.

BTW take a look into the Artecard which (depending on which one you pick) offers transportation and discounted/free museum admission. The website is a bit confusing, but here it is: http://www.campaniartecard.it/en/

We stayed 2 nights in Naples and 5 nights in Sorrento. We took a boat from Naples to Sorrento. Sorrento is an excellent base for many day trips.

I'm with John. I love Naples. Well worth 2 nights. Sorrento is your best option for transportation.
We like this hotel. http://ilnido.com/
For the Campania Arte card you want Tutta la Regione 3 day card. This includes transportation.

Thank you all. These are great tips! Never thought about actually staying in Pompeii and will check that out. Also thanks for the idea about the all-in-one art card. We love funky neighborhoods and since I'm a plein air artist, we'll probably stay there a couple of nights to soak up the atmosphere. Does anyone have ideas for a hotel in Naples? Thanks again...

Casual family-run B&B near the train station in Naples is Sweet Sleep, basic rooms w/bath but the rooftop terrace breakfast area has views of most of the city, and a hot tub and sauna for guests. A few blocks' walk from the train station,. The family is very helpful with information and will spot you the 10-centesime coin for the elevator (but you need to bring one coin with you for the ride up). It's an old building and the management will not remove the pay-elevator. Adds to the quaint factor, in my opinion.

Because you wrote "funky", I agree that you should stay in Naples, which is actually a shorter train ride to some of the named ancient sites. But consider whether you want to be able to walk to the Circumvesuviana station, or whether a tram or bus is satisfactory for you. We stayed five nights (May) in Sorrento, but that is more of a resort town. Naples is more of a history and culture town, if gritty, noisy, and crowded. Note that you did NOT mention visiting the Amalfi Coast, which might produce a different answer.

We spent one night at the Palazzo Decumani, due to late flight scheduled arrival. This is what Rick calls a "worthwhile splurge". They operate other hotels in Naples as well. I noticed a hotel across the street from Pompeii Scavi, but it is remote from the modern city, to say the least. Your eating and walking options are far better in Naples. I've never read any food reviews for modern Pompeii, which is not the same as Pompeii Scavi. (Before someone corrects me, I mean "the excavated ancient city", rather than the Circumvesuviana train stop with that name ... )

You didn't say if you will use a car-not actually needed for the destinations you listed.

For something completely different...

We will be in Campania in a few weeks and decided to base ourselves in Salerno for 5 nights. It is not the popular place to stay, but for all the destinations close by--Naples, 35 min train; Pompeii, 45 min train, Amalfi, 1 hour bus--it's going to work out fine. And I assure you, Salerno will not be 'touristed' up, and cost-wise it can't be beat. We're staying at a great B&B with very reasonable rates.

Two B&Bs' we like.

http://www.bbbellini.com/eng/bellini.html located in the centro storico wonderful owner.
Metro line 2 to this area.

http://www.orsini46.it/index_en.html by the port Chiania area bus to this area.

Both are in good locations.

Thanks for the B&B info. Quite nice!

Jay, Paestum is close to Salerno - definitely worth a visit.