Via Degli Aranci 108, Sorrento, Italy | (618) 248-8274
Traditional hotel with value-added amenities
Short stroll from Sorrento's buzzing historic center
Set in pleasant and spacious gardens with orange trees
Rooftop terrace with pool and panoramic views
Tidy guest rooms with AC, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and safes
All units have furnished balconies
Some top-level rooms have sea and Mount Vesuvius views
Bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers and bidets
Free buffet breakfast that's of decent quality
Room service and half-board dinner plan available
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Decor is dated throughout
No gym
Some units are prone to street noise
Parking costs extra
Cesare Augusto is a three-and-a-half pearl, sixties-era hotel set on busy road just on the edge of Sorrento's charming historic center. Taking center stage is its rooftop terrace with narrow swimming pool and spectacular views that include Mount Vesuvius. Less impressive are the 120 guest rooms that, like most of the property, feel dated and in need of a makeover. Some are also prone to street noise, though a few top-floor room are treated to sea views. Still, they're tidy and comfortable, and all have furnished balconies, AC, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and free Wi-Fi. The leafy gardens also make for a pleasant oasis of greenery, though for a something a little more 21st century the Hotel Plaza is around the same price and closer to the city center.
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Scene
Dated sixties-era hotel with Mount Vesuvius views and pretty gardens
With its redbrick facade, white wrought iron balconies, and geometric tile detailing, the Cesare Augusto certainly makes for a distinctive presence. Stepping inside, the hotel's late sixties origins are very much in evidence, with wood paneling, gray marble, and decor that could politely be called retro. Much of the property, however, feels undeniably dated, especially the hallways, which look slightly institutional. The hotel is set in spacious, leafy gardens, with colorful flowers, mature pines, and orange trees. While still lacking a little in modernization, the hotel highlight is a fabulous rooftop pool terrace, with panoramic views that take in the surrounding hills, Mediterranean Sea, and, most impressively, iconic Mount Vesuvius. Clientele tend toward vacationing couples from all over Europe, and the hotel also attracts a fair share of families with kids.
Location
Set on main road minutes' walk from Sorrento's buzzing historic center
The Cesare Augusto Hotel has a decent location on a main road just on the edge of the historic heart of Sorrento. The numerous restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias surrounding the Piazza Torquato Tasso -- the city's bustling main square -- are just a few minutes' stroll away. Around 10 minutes away on foot is the marina with its collection of seafront eateries, plus leisure boats offering trips around the coast. Bus and train stations are also a five minutes' walk from the hotel for day trips to Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius. The closest airport is Naples' Capodichino Airport, which is about 75 minutes by car. Alternatively, trains from Naples Central Station take roughly the same amount of time.
Rooms
Old-fashioned, with balconies, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges; some have sea views
The hotel has 120 rooms, all of which are decorated in a rather dated combination of varnished wood furnishings, patterned green fabrics, and traditional patterned tile floors. Despite feeling very last century, interiors are well-maintained and clean. All units open to furnished balconies, most overlooking a busy road with lower levels prone to noise, though many top-floor rooms feature sea and Mount Vesuvius views. Amenities cover the basics, with small flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electronic safes, and all rooms come with air-conditioning. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge, and generally works well. Tiled bathrooms have up-to-date fixtures and include walk-in rainfall showers, bidets, wall-mounted hairdryers, and simple sachet toiletries.
Features
Rooftop pool terrace with spectacular views, spacious sun terrace, and bar, but no gym
Certainly the hotel's standout feature is its rooftop terrace, with a narrow swimming pool, loungers, and stellar views of the surrounding hills, Mediterranean Sea, and Mount Vesuvius. The next level down is a spacious sun terrace with more seating, as well as a bar with weekly live music that says open late. Guest start the day with a decent breakfast buffet (included in the rate), with items such as bacon, eggs, pastries, fruit, cereal, and breads, plus tea and coffee served at the table. An optional half-board rate also covers dinner, which offers a choice of four starters and mains, typically traditional Italian cooking with at least one fish and one vegetarian option. Food quality is generally good, though reports also suggest it can also be a little hit-and-miss. Room service is also available until late. Aside from the pool, there's nothing else in the way of health or leisure facilities on-site. Underground parking is available to guests, for a daily charge. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
