Sorrento, Grand Hotel Capodimonte

Our hotel room allocated upon arrival was absolutely horrible, but since it was 10 at night no one could address the problem until the hotel manager came on duty the following day. We were then offered another room that was cold, damp and stuck under a cliff face and any view obscured by trees. We eventually paid a 60 Euro per night supplement for a room that matched the accommodation that First Choice originally advertised. Major complaint to First Choice in hand!

However, I cannot understand how this hotel is rated as five star by our tour operator. Overall we experienced a disregard for what we consider quality standards. The "spectacular trail of pools that cascade down the hill with hydro massage" detailed in their advertising was non-existent; the water was cold and full of leaves from overhanging trees and in no way cascading. The "Fabulous Terrace" was a disgrace following a storm the night before we left. The next day even at 3pm there were still tablecloths blown around and scattered on the ground, ashtrays were full of rainwater and cigarette ends, parasols and chairs that had blown over remained that way. No one seemed to attempt to clear up this mess.

One night the hotel accommodated a wedding reception that totally utilised the larger of the two restaurants. This resulted in us queuing at the remaining restaurant for up to an hour for dinner. Nights were often cold (October) and the rooms offered no heating in fact the air conditioning (that could offer heat) was switched off halfway through our stay.

Sorrento generally exudes decay, filth, litter and decadence everywhere. Public buses were unreliable and many trains smothered in graffiti so much so you couldn't see out of the windows. There were two havens; one inside the cathedral and the other the Isle of Capri.

Sorry, but our first trip to Italy is definitely our last. Rural Spain know how to get it right in our case!

The Hotel Capodimonte exceeded our expectations. As we pulled up in the coach I didn't think it looked that impressive as the hotel is literally built into the side of the mountain but when you go up to reception (via a lift from the entrance area) you are greeted by a rather grand marble reception area.

All the staff were friendly and our room was very well presented and more than adequate.

Although nice, I felt the food had been altered to suit the tourists. I would have preferred if they had kept to the traditional Italian style of cooking as this was one of the reasons that we had gone to Italy.

Though I have to say that the views from the balconies and the restaurants of The Capodimonte were out of this world, you can see right over to the bay of Naples, the view is quite breathtaking.

Overall we had a lovely holiday, although Sorrento had been commercialised to suit the tourist industry. There were quite a few Blackpool style souvenir shops and a traditional English food restaurant. I go abroad to sample all of that countries culture including their food and I don't really want to eat in English style restaurants. At least they are offering the option to the less adventurous eaters out there.

I must also add that when we were out at night in Sorrento it was probably the safest I have ever felt, it was a very welcoming place to be.