Re staying in Sorrento rather than zoo-like Naples, I checked the internet and found very few budget lodgings in Sorrento. Is there a particular area of Naples you recommend avoiding? We saw a pleasant looking hotel in the a residential area (Villa Medici) between Puzzuoli and Posillipo. I'd just like a place that's reasonable, clean and safe (is that an oxymoron for Naples? no offense!) since we'll be two women with five girls.

BTW, I found a great website for hotels in Italy at http://www.ghrs.it (Global Hotel Reservation System), that lists 1 star thru 5 star hotels, as well as B&B's, residences, apartments, farmhouses, etc. All the hotel links are designed in a similar layout, but best of all, they don't charge a deposit to hold a reservation! Your credit card number is used to hold the room, but not automatically charged unless you are a no-show. You're allowed to cancel within a set number days (usually from 1 to 3 days) before arrival with no penalty cuz there's no deposit!

Another cool site is http://www.digsville.com a home & hospitality exchange listing in the U.K. I love the idea, but am skeptical of the logistics & practicality of pulling it off on both ends. If we do it, I'll let you know how it goes!

Cheers, Rhonda