Hotel Girasole

“Charismatic Hotel”

We last visited Sorrento thirty six years ago, this was our first time at this hotel. It is situated on the Corsa Italia, it was busy then, now even busier. Not an enjoyable experience walking alongside it, but we usually took the backroads , to walk into Sorrento, which was a longer route but mu... more

We last visited Sorrento thirty six years ago, this was our first time at this hotel. It is situated on the Corsa Italia, it was busy then, now even busier. Not an enjoyable experience walking alongside it, but we usually took the backroads , to walk into Sorrento, which was a longer route but much more pleasant. The area of St Agnello is well worth exploring and a change to Sorrento. The hotel was quirky, the owners not wanting change, think it must have last been decorated in the 1970's maybe. However it is clean, comfortable and obviously well loved. the beds were comfortable, food delicious and the staff were professional and friendly. The pool was forty paces from the gorgeous gardens and when we were there, nobody hogged the beds with towels. It is well worth paying the little bit extra for a garden view room, as the views are beautiful and there is some respite from the road noise, our room had a large terrace, with the usual plastic table and chairs. If you like small friendly hotels, you won't be disappointed.

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“Traditional family hotel”

We booked with Newmarket for the guided tours of Pompei Capri and Almalfi, we were met at the airport by the wonderful Juliana who guided us to our coach for the short transfer, during which time she provided us with constant local information and what to expect from our holiday. To be honest r... more

We booked with Newmarket for the guided tours of Pompei Capri and Almalfi, we were met at the airport by the wonderful Juliana who guided us to our coach for the short transfer, during which time she provided us with constant local information and what to expect from our holiday. To be honest reading the reviews before leaving I wasn't expecting much from the hotel, initially after checking in we were taken to garden annex which I wasn't too impressed with paying quite a bit for this holiday, the room was clean , basic and a little dated , but we had a brilliant night's sleep as we were away from the traffic noise which is constant. The food was plentiful and varied, the pool area very clean , quiet with a lovely little snack bar , all the staff were friendly and helpful. Our other tour guide Dania was also amazing and informative, really attentive, made our holiday having such knowledgeable friendly reps on hand. A little traditional hotel, a hidden gem , breakfast and evening drinks under lemon and grapefruit trees in the garden added to the whole traditional vibe

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“Hidden gem in Sorrento”

The two of us booked through TUI as part of a Sorrento / Pompeii / Naples holiday and this hotel really exceeded our expectations! The hotel was exceptionally clean and all of the staff were incredibly friendly. Our room had a balcony which looked out to the sea and Mount Vesuvius. The shower wa... more

The two of us booked through TUI as part of a Sorrento / Pompeii / Naples holiday and this hotel really exceeded our expectations! The hotel was exceptionally clean and all of the staff were incredibly friendly. Our room had a balcony which looked out to the sea and Mount Vesuvius. The shower was great, the aircon worked and had a spacious wardrobe. The rooms are a little basic (lacking tea making facilities, beds aren't anything to write home about) but suited their purpose. The breakfast is a mix of hot and continental options and served from 7am to 10am. The dinner options you pick in the morning from a set menu (3/4 starters, 3/4 mains and 2 puddings to choose from). If you have children or are a picky eater, you may struggle but we found the food absolutely amazing. It came out quickly and was always piping hot - traditional Italian food. The bar you expense to your room and pay the night before your departure. We did hear a few people say they had a room that faced the main road which is incredibly busy and noisy - just pay the extra couple of quid for a garden/balcony facing room. We heard nothing all week. Don't let any comments about walking to the pool put you off - it takes about 15 seconds to walk from the garden area down to the pool (it is a private road so you don't come across anyone except for other guests). We never had to fight for a sun lounger, the water was clean and clear and there is a bar there that also does light snacks (toasties, paninis, a range of drinks). The walk into Sorrento takes about 15 minutes but is well worth the trip. We got the ferry to Naples instead of the train (bookable online or at the port) and we found it was much more rewarding than battling for the train. We also booked an excursion to Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius. All in all, we would say this hotel is much more deserving than 3 stars. It is a gem in the Sorrento area (plus the TUI rep seemed to be there most days so if you are wanting extra support than just hotel staff, they have a presence). Highly recommended for couples or small families with more grown-up children. **Photos taken on the only hazy morning of our week**

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“Family run hotel”

A lovely family hotel. The rooms are rather dated but clean. The beds are not particularly comfortable but the gardens are wonderful and the swimming pool pristine . The scent of jasmine as you walk to the pool is heavenly and it was not at all crowded. Food excellent although a limited choice. V... more

A lovely family hotel. The rooms are rather dated but clean. The beds are not particularly comfortable but the gardens are wonderful and the swimming pool pristine . The scent of jasmine as you walk to the pool is heavenly and it was not at all crowded. Food excellent although a limited choice. Very near a main road but there is a quieter walk into Sorrento about 10 mins. Staff helpful.

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“Exceeded our expectations - really happy we chose this place (Genuine review 28 May - 4 June)”

We booked this trip with Tui in order to get to Sorrento area without the hassle of booking all the components individually. We had low expectation as it was one of the lowest priced options. However, what a positive surprise it turned out to be. The room was basic and balcony (room 35 ) in a... more

We booked this trip with Tui in order to get to Sorrento area without the hassle of booking all the components individually. We had low expectation as it was one of the lowest priced options. However, what a positive surprise it turned out to be. The room was basic and balcony (room 35 ) in a corner adjoining other balconies. However the rest of the hotel was splendid, as was the inclusive 3 course daily food menu (we are foodies and we loved all the food and wine we had). All our lights worked , the aircon worked, the shower was excellent, the safe worked, we had 3 plugs to charge up items, but we always carry a European multi plug with us the extend a single Socket (5.99eu China shop Estepona Spain) . and yes the decor was a little dated but this holiday for us wasn't about the room but the area. Bring your own cheap plastic cups if you want bedside water (1eu each China shop Albufeira Portugal) :-) The buffet breakfast (hot and cold options plus endless quality coffee) exceeded our expectations and the service team was first class, headed up by Francesco who would be more suited to a 5 star hotel with his rapport and service skills. The garden area with outside tables , where you could select to eat breakfast was amass with fruit trees, cactus, a water feature, and full bloom begonias, petunias, and geraniums (in May) - bliss ! The pool area (2 mins walk) down a private drive, had a bar (chargeable to room) and free sun loungers. The hotel is 20 min walk into Sorrento Centre (take the coast road and not Corsa Italia) . The walk gets you your daily steps. 10 min walk to the bus and train station for Amalfi, Ravello, Positano etc (4.9eu one way to Positano or 10eu for an all day ticket including Amalfi and Ravello and back) . Beware the bus is packed every 30 minutes and took us 2.5 hrs due to traffic and road snags. This hotel definitely punches above its 3 star rating, if you don't mind a basic room - and lets face it , you don't spend much time in the room when surrounded by such superb scenery (I hope). Having read some of the other reviews, I do not feel they all do justice to the place, but that all depends what you are seeking of course. We have stayed in Paradors in Spain and high class hotels in Asia, this a a rural family owned hotel which offers great service at an affordable price. Sitting in the sunshine for breakfast outside in a garden full of flowers is easily as good as any other higher class place, but at a fraction of the cost. We loved it, and recommend it.

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