Sorrento, Hotel Villa Maria

Sorrento has it all, the hospitality of Italy combined with a relaxed atmosphere. It is located on the Amalfi coast which is home to some of the most scenic views in all of Italy. Sorrento is very clean and has a small centre that offers great seafood and all Italy's speciality cuisines. Sorrento is an excellent alternative to staying in Napoli - it isn't plagued by the same poverty and graffiti. The town is beautiful and offers convenient ferries to Capri, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Sorrento is linked to Naples by an inter-city train system that is fairly convenient. Early spring is especially perfect here because of all the orange and lemon groves in various backyards and gardens.Sorrento is full of shopping streets that wind themselves around the city. Never once did I feel out of place or afraid of anything. The locals were all very accommodating and so friendly! I stayed at the "Sorrento Holiday House" (www.sorrentoholiday.info), a gracious apartment on the Sorrento Hills that offers tranquillity and a wonderful sea view over the Gulf of Naples.I would definitely recommended it to everyone who wants to make the trip to Southern Italy, its worth it.

Hotel Villa Maria was very clean and friendly and the food which in the morning was buffet style having the usual cooked breakfast or cold meats,cheese,yoghurts, fruit etc or a mixture of all.The 4 course evening meal had waiter service and a choice of four different main course dishes of which one was English one vegetarian the others Italian. We thought the standard of food was excellent and the wine menu was good though as we always have Asti I can't say anything bad about it. It wasn't dress for dinner but shorts and t shirts were not acceptable for wear by male or female. The pool was of a good size oblong in shape with a snack bar which had a good selection of food, drinks and ices.

The rooms were large with ensuite, air/con, balcony, TV and phone, there is also a roof top for sun seekers away from pool. There was a jacuzzi up there to but it wasn't working when we were there. For a romantic drink at night over looking bay of Naples the coolness of the roof was the place to be. We hope to go back again to this hotel as it had all we required and it will be our fifth time in Sorrento but second time at this family owned hotel.

There was no loud music around and the hotel puts on a gala dinner and entertainment once a week. Sorrento is the place to buy leather goods and in August the sales are on so do as my wife does take another suitcase for all your purchases it saves you buying another one and you will need it. Go on a tour to Pompeii and the Amalfi coast well worth it.