La Tonnarella

The hotel began its life as a residential summer villa belonging to the Gargiulo family and still maintains that seaside, homelike ambience with a classic elegance (even if, in some ways, that elegance may be a little faded). Guests enter the property through a wrought-iron and stone gate with the sea on one side and lush trees and potted plants all around. Interiors are Old World, with bright ceramic tile in vibrant patterns utilized on the floors and as decorative wall accents throughout the hotel. Other traditional touches include terra-cotta accents, wood beams and molding, antique furniture, and exposed stone walls. The setting is cozy and charming -- though some couches, chairs, and light fixtures look a bit dated -- and there are places for guests to relax throughout. The terrace out back with tile-top tables and chairs is one of the hotel's best features as it provides spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the distance. The hotel is suitable for all sorts of travelers, though couples are the hotel's typical guests. Keep in mind that there are lots of stairs here and not all of the hotel is accessible by elevator.

The hotel is located on Via Capo, one of the main roads leading west out of Sorrento -- it's less than a 10-minute drive to the city center. The immediate area is fairly quiet. Those looking to walk into town can do so in 15 minutes, but keep in mind that certain parts of the road can be hair-raising to navigate as it gets narrow and is shared with speeding vehicles. Some guests may prefer to take a taxi instead. Public transportation is available, but it’s not that frequent. The center of town is classically Italian, with historic churches and buildings all crammed into an improbably dense hillside core. The hotel can be a good starting point for visiting Sorrento as well as the entire area, and it will take about 90 minutes to reach the Amalfi Coast by car. Naples and the Naples International Airport take about 80 minutes to reach by car, or a little over two hours by train or boat. 

By Italian standards, the rooms here are quite spacious, with enough room for a small seating area even in the entry level Classic Rooms. Guest rooms are decorated in a traditional style seen in many small hotels across this part of the country. There are charming elements, and at one time the decor was probably considered classically elegant. Now, however, the look is a bit dated and includes old-style bedspreads, simple mid-tone wood furniture, and heavy drapery. Ceramic tile floors in vibrant patters are a nice touch and brighten things up significantly, and there's a bit of Old World art on the walls. Higher category rooms have more interesting iron furniture that gives them a little more flair.All rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, tea service, safes, and beach towels. Capitalizing on its cliffside location, there are stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius from most rooms (excluding Classic Rooms), and some have outstanding furnished balconies overlooking the sea. Suites with outdoor showers and whirlpools are also available. Bathrooms feature beautiful ceramic tile and walk-in showers, but the fittings and fixtures are a dated. Lower category rooms have compact showers and pedestal sinks with limited counter space, while higher category Superior Rooms and Juniors Suites have far more spacious bathrooms. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Some guests have reported hearing doors slam in hallways and noise from neighboring rooms. 

The hotel's beach is a highlight -- especially given the lack of a pool -- but keep in mind that it's a pebbly strip of shoreline, and set in a small inlet that can get crowded. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas available for a fee, and a snack bar as well. The beach isn't private and is elevator accessible. The free breakfast includes standard continental options like pastries alongside hot options like eggs and meats. There is a wine bar off the lobby that serves a selection of regional wines along with local seafood and meats, as well as daily seasonal specials. Guests can dine inside in a charming space with small cafe tables and upholstered chairs positioned for sea views out the large windows, or in nice weather they can dine alfresco on the terrace with even more spectacular views. A computer and printer are set up in a corner of the lobby for guests to use, but Wi-Fi is free throughout. On-site parking is available for a fee.