This weekend was my wife’s birthday… so we escaped to Sorrento. Some friends loaned us their car and off we went on our weekend adventure. We stayed in a wonderful hotel just outside of town… so call this a trip report!
Leaving Rome early Saturday AM we battled the “holiday” traffic heading out of town. With the Anniversary of the Republic on June 2, most folks here are taking a four-day weekend. We hurried down A1, bypassing Naples and heading into “downtown” Sorrento. Because I misplaced my US drivers license, I was a nervous passenger as my wife barreled through Sorrento. I spent most of my time hanging on… or folding in my side-view mirror… hard to do when you’re trying not to look at the road.
Driving the Amalfi Coast is always a challenge… and we were in an oversized American car (a Honda Element) … and I was not “in control” … so it was an even more exciting trip! Above and below are pictures of driving the highway near Sorrento…
Using a GPS we zeroed in on our objective, a small hotel and spa located on the other side of Sorrento.
We had a weekend planned at the Francischiello Hotel & Spa Bellavista, located at Via Partenope 26, in Massa Lubrense. (Click here for the Tripadvisor description). We were looking for a place to just crash and spend the weekend… as we’ve been to the Sorrento area previously. The Francischiello Hotel & Spa Bellavista fit the bill perfectly!
The hotel is a family-run organization. It was clean and modern with GREAT views of Capri. Make sure you DO get an view of the Sea. The island of Capri is just outside your window! There is bus service into town, about 10 minutes, but we just wanted somewhere to sit and soak up the sun – with the rooftop pool and accompanying view, this hotel fit the bill for us. Our room was €109 for each night … in season! The rooms have AC, minibar, TV, and a safe. Very comfortable (although the bed was FIRM!).
We did eat in the restaurant – which was good. A little noisy, but all GOOD family Italian restaurants always seem to be loud! Breakfast was a free and consisted of a typical cold, Italian meal. The coffee and juice were wonderful. The waiters do speak English and the service is as better than many trattoria we eat at here in Rome. The menu is extensive with a focus on fresh fish. We ate a four-course meal for under €90 combined – that includes wine!
As it was my wife’s birthday she did enjoy the health spa. It is new, and although small, very well-done. It has an indoor pool/spa , beauty salon, sauna , and some limited gym equipment.
Just outside the Spa is a large, covered area used for wedding, meetings, and get-together’s. Above is the view from the 3rd floor meeting area looking towards Capri.
The rooftop pool was great – and included a bar. The water was COLD but felt great in the afternoon sun. We stayed until the sun started to set then showered and headed to dinner on-site.
Be forewarned – If you’re looking to stay IN Sorrento, this hotel is not for you. It is about 10-15 minutes outside the downtown area. It is accessible by local bus which comes about every 45-60 minutes. You DO NOT want to try and walk into Sorrento on the road. There are no sidewalks and it is very narrow. Free Parking is available, but limited. We parked our huge American car in front of the restaurant, alongside the road. For us, this worked out GREAT. The hotel IS NOT near a beach so you will have to travel downhill to find one… and of course, then come back uphill! So if you;re looking for a getaway – this is the spot. If you’re looking for beach front in Sorrento… then this IS NOT your spot! In addition, you are sitting directly on the road. For us, living in Rome, this was NO ISSUE. But for folks unaccustomed to motorini rolling by this could be a negative.
The staff was great – very helpful and attentive. The husband and wife team that run the hotel speak English and were very accommodating. (She is expecting in July – Congrats!). The family was present in the hotel but were not a distraction as you see in other family run hotels in Italy. We’d certainly go back again!
A good map can do more than tell you where you are at … it can help you see more in less time and give you peace of mind. You’re never lost when you have a good map! These are a few of the maps you could use driving through Italy! Click on any of them to purchase now. For USA guests, see more guidebooks, maps and travel accessories for your upcoming European trip at our Travel Store, or look in amazon.com. Non-USA Guests can search for more travel items at amazon.co.uk
A good map can do more than tell you where you are at … it can help you see more in less time and give you peace of mind. You’re never lost when you have a good map! These are a few of the maps you could use driving through Italy! Click on any of them to purchase now. For USA guests, see more guidebooks, maps and travel accessories for your upcoming European trip at our Travel Store, or look in amazon.com. Non-USA Guests can search for more travel items at amazon.co.uk
Let Me Coach You, if you’re looking for travel assistance or some help creating an iitinerary! If you want to build your own vacation, please feel free use the information in the articles of the Ron-in-Rome website to help plan your next trip. If you need consulting, head to the Coaching page; For a list of all articles on this website, head to the Postings page. Or use the SEARCH Box, on the top right of each page!
Header: Sorrento – Photo by TOPIDE
