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Customer Reviews
Overall:
Wonderful position with beautiful views.
Enjoyed Most:
Magnificent views.
Enjoyed Least:
The climb on foot up to the villa would not suit anyone with mobility issues. Unfortunately, not all taxis would come up the hill. Also not sure why housekeeper needs to be there nearly all day, every day, except Sunday. For those who didn't want to be off exploring every day, and wanting to appreciate just being at the villa, it lacked a bit of privacy. We were told the housekeeper would be there for only 3 hours a day. This was not the case. Editor's Note: The owner reports that housekeeping hours are from 9:00-12:00 daily, Sunday excluded. Future renters will be notified of this schedule (and any changes thereto) upon arrival at the villa. July, 2015
Surrounding Area:
Great town Sorrento. Lots of cafes and shopping. Good location for visiting Capri Ischia Amalfi coast and Pompeii.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento. It's walkable, but it might be a challenging climb for some.
Directions:
We had a shuttle pickup from Rome. The drivers were from Sorrento so we had no problem. I would recommend their company and this form of transfer.
Check In Out:
Make sure you have exact money for check out as housekeeper would give no change.
Barbara, June
Overall:
Fun and easy.
Enjoyed Most:
The wonderful view.
Enjoyed Least:
The HILL. It was a hard walk up and some of our group could not do it. Taxis would not go up the hill. Finally we found Mel's currency exchange a the bottom of the hill. He would call a driver who would go up the hill. We could not carry all the groceries up the hill for 15 people. We had to use a taxi.
Surrounding Area:
Loved our visit to Pompeii and our walk down to the Marina Grande for lunch.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is in Sorrento. It is within walking distance but a tough trudge back up the hill. Sorrento is very crowded with tourists especially when a cruise ship or 2 are in.
Tips or Restaurants:
Have Giuseppina cook for you. She put on great meals. Her English is limited but better than my Italian.
Directions:
We used taxis from Naples train station. Fortunately they knew the villa and its location. However, the 4 of our party who used a driver from Naples airport were lost for 2 hours and the driver threatened to drop them a the bottom of the hill in the dark. The directions call the street Via Capodimonte. I believe it should be referred to as Traversa Capodimonte.
Check In Out:
Be sure to have money to pay the cook at the time you use her. She wants to be paid on the spot.
Marcia, September
Overall:
Overall experience was absolutely outstanding.
Enjoyed Most:
It accommodated our group of 13 perfectly. The views from the balcony were outstanding and remarkable. We were on the balcony every evening enjoying the views of the Gulf of Naples, the lights across the Gulf on the coastline near Naples, the lights of Sorrento and of course limoncello.
Enjoyed Least:
The climb up the hill got to be tiresome quickly but, as they say, no pain, no gain.
Surrounding Area:
Sorrento itself, Pompeii, Capri, and Positano.
Tips or Restaurants:
We enjoyed restaurants we read about in reviews from previous renters: Delfino's, La Fenice, and L'Antica Trattoria. L'Antica was the most expensive but a great experience. We also liked O Sole Mio near La Fenice. It was the simplest and least expensive yet had great fresh fish not listed on the menu. We did make arrangements with Giuseppina to prepare a meal for us one night and it was fabulous.
Directions:
We used a car service and Giuseppina led us up the hill. For renters coming in a car, following Via Capodimonte the entire way is a bad idea. After making two switchback U-turns, renters should look for a sign for Hotel Bristol and go straight instead of making a 3rd switchback U-turn, "as if" they were going to Hotel Bristol. That would take them straight to the entrance to the villa, flanked by 2 tall stone columns, to the left of the entrance to Hotel Bristol.
Check In Out:
No, both went smoothly.
Andrew, July
Overall:
We truly enjoyed our time at Villa Sebastiano - 15. Eleven of us shared the space and enjoyed the views, the outdoor fireplace, and the patio space. Cooking, eating, drinking and visiting with each other when we weren't in town or on a planned excursion was wonderful.
Enjoyed Most:
The outdoor patio options were spectacular. Each patio space allowed for a different and spectacular view and different experience. The roof top patio was wonderful. We could all gather on one patio or find quiet solitude on a patio of our own!
We appreciated Giuseppina's (house manager/housekeeper) presence on a daily basis as she was able to answer questions and tidy up. We arranged for her to cook a meal for us and it was OUTSTANDING!
Enjoyed Least:
Larger vehicles had difficulty in traveling the access road to the villa. We arranged for van service for our planned activities for the eleven of us and the driver had difficulty or simply could not make the tight turns required to pick us up at the villa. The downstairs area felt damp, especially the bathrooms.
Surrounding Area:
Sorrento is a great town. Lots of options for eating near the water (boat rental), grocery store close by, close enough to Isle of Capri, Pompeii, ruins of Herculaneum and the Amalfi Coast to allow for day trips.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento...walked into town daily...did the grocery store and wine store trip almost every day...down the hill and back up the hill with bags on our backs! It was at least a 1 mile walk into town (including the villa hill) and even further to the main square.
Tips or Restaurants:
Do a boat excursion with Capitano Ago, Sorrento.
Eat at RISTORANTE O' PARRUCCHIANO LA FAVORITA, SORRENTO.
The local "no name label" wine in the little liquor store at the bottom of the hill is quite good for 2 euros, 20 cents!!
Bring coffee filters. No dryer! Be prepared to hang dry everything...clothes pins. No Iron...wash and hang and wear.
Directions:
GPS did not work with the address we provided to a car service company. One poor driver spent an hour trying to find the place. It can be tricky to find. Perhaps the hotel lot would be a good landmark to point out as you go up the hill.
Check In Out:
Check in and check out were fine.
Laura, May
Overall:
We had a great time at the villa.
Enjoyed Most:
The view, privacy, so many decks!
Enjoyed Least:
Like all reviewers before me, I can confirm that the climb up from town was very steep.
Tips or Restaurants:
You don't need to bring toilet paper.
Directions:
Hire a car to bring you in.
Steven, May
Overall:
Beautiful view and plenty of room for our group of 10.
Enjoyed Most:
Views.
Surrounding Area:
There were plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Stock up on extra soaps, detergents, paper products.
Deb, May
Overall:
The property was beautiful! The pictures on the web site do not do it justice! When we first arrived we were taken aback by how beautiful the views were and by the layout of the property.
Enjoyed Most:
The views and the location.
Surrounding Area:
Sorrento is a beautiful town. The property sits high above the town with panoramic views.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento is closest town. It is within walking distance but the walk back to the house can be difficult for some. The house sits on top of a steep hill.
Directions:
Directions were fine but be aware that if you have a large group and are traveling in a large van, it may not be able get up the narrow hill and driveway.
Check In Out:
The key holder does not speak English; this can pose an issue for some.
Florence, April
Overall:
The property contributed to a wonderful vacation. We enjoyed the terraces and the view, the spaciousnesss of the villa, and the convenience to downtown Sorrento. We were greeted with a freshly baked caked and chilled limoncello.
Enjoyed Most:
See above. The view can't be beat. The groceries available for purchase at the villa were great. We were stocked with wine, pasta, olive oil and other basics.
Enjoyed Least:
The firmness of the beds and the lack of a clothes dryer. We would have liked a change of towels during the week but without a dryer, we couldn't wash them ourselves.
Surrounding Area:
Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Sorrento.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento. It was an easy walk for the healthy.
Tips or Restaurants:
Check your GPS. The villa is a little bit further up the hill than our GPS calculated. We enjoyed La Fenice. Check out Record Sports for sporting goods.
Richard, November
Overall:
The villa is large and lovely and the views are fantastic.
Enjoyed Most:
The views.
Enjoyed Least:
The drive up a very narrow, single lane road. Would have preferred that the daily cleaning was optional as we really did not need it. The housekeeper was wonderful but we would have preferred to have the villa to ourselves as she was often there.
Surrounding Area:
Proximity to Sorrento--lovely.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento was walkable.
Tips or Restaurants:
Liked the little "store" in the villa. Add laundry soap and dishwasher soap to the "store". The kitchen was well-equipped with things like salt and pepper, etc.
Donna, October
Overall:
A great experience.
Enjoyed Most:
Wonderful views and terraces to enjoy them from. The decor is comfortable, and everything is in very good order. The house, garden, and the views are all quite lovely.
Surrounding Area:
Being able to walk to Sorrento, the boat to Capri, the train to Pompeii, and the other sights in Naples.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento is just a few 100 yards down a fairly steep hill.
Tips or Restaurants:
It really is walking distance from town and you don't really need a car. On low energy days or if you are getting a lot of groceries, you may find yourself using a taxi now and then. Probably cheaper to do it that way.
Directions:
The GPS got us within 100 yards, but oddly you have to go past "8" and "12" before you get to "4". The directions could do with a bit more clarity just at the end.
Check In Out:
Its all very easy. Guiseppina who manages the property is really on top of everything.
David, July
Overall:
We had a fantastic week. The pictures don't do the property justice. Many in our party remarked that it was the best vacation they had ever had.
Enjoyed Most:
The view is incredible. Many outdoor areas to enjoy the surroundings.
Loved the opportunity to cook for ourselves, but the best meals were made by the property manager, Giuseppina. She was fantastic!
Enjoyed Least:
At times it was too warm to sleep comfortably. Having a fan in the room would have helped immensely.
Surrounding Area:
The beauty of the Amalfi Coast! Took a private boat tour around Capri with Whales de Wendy. Incredible! Sorrento was a very friendly town. Easily accessible to the villa.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento. It's just a short walk downhill, but quite the hike back up. Most members of our party really enjoyed the exercise after a big meal, but a few had to rely on cabs due to health reasons.
The cabs are expensive-25 Euros a trip. And not every cab will agree to drive on the narrow road leading up to the villa. However, we started negotiating at cab stands and started paying 15 Euros.
Tips or Restaurants:
You must have Giuseppina cook for you. It was the best food we had in all of Italy.
Megan, July
Overall:
Everything was wonderful: the villa, the property, the amenities, and the spectacular views.
Enjoyed Most:
It is hard to single out any one aspect. If my arm was twisted, I would have to say the views would be the best--Sorrento below spread out to the right, the Isle of Capri to the left and the Bay of Naples, Naples itself, and Mount Vesuvius in the middle. It was all unbelievably beautiful.
Enjoyed Least:
The steep, winding road up to the property, but that was only a minor inconvenience.
Surrounding Area:
The accessibility of Sorrento. It was very enjoyable to stroll through town, exploring the many shops and partaking of the local cuisine at the many, very good restaurants.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento. Yes, it is within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
The suggestions from RentVillas were very on target.
La Basilica down the alley from Caruso's is great.
Directions:
A GPS is very useful.
Nicholas, June
Overall:
Very nice.
Enjoyed Most:
The views.
Enjoyed Least:
The towels and lack of a box spring.
Surrounding Area:
Easy access to Capri, Pompeii, the Amalfi coast and
amazing pizza.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento is within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Il Bucco; it's a very expensive, but excellent, Michelin Star restaurant.
We also enjoyed cooking with the local ingredients.
Lynna, May
Overall:
Absolutely wonderful experience!
Enjoyed Most:
The view of Sorrento and the Bay of Naples is priceless.
Enjoyed Least:
The drive up from Via Capo to the entrance.
Surrounding Area:
Sorrento is a great base camp for visiting Pompeii, Naples, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. The town itself is lovely.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento is absolutely in walking distance. It's a bit of a walk up from town but by no mean difficult or bothersome. It's worth the few extra steps to get that view!
Tips or Restaurants:
You must have Giuseppina make you a meal. She prepared two meals for us and they were fantastic. Plus she is so nice and charming; we loved having her around at dinner time. Our favorite restaraunt in town was Il Buffalito. I would also rent small cars to get up into the villa. The 2 hairpin turns you need to make are nearly impossible with a large car or van.
Check In Out:
Guiseppina is wonderful!
Kathy, April
Overall:
It was a dream vacation for our family. We had our adult children, spouses, and grandchildren, ranging in age from 7 months to 7 all under one roof. They live from one coast to the other, so having everyone together at one time is a rarity. The villa was perfect for our family.
Enjoyed Most:
The outdoor space was fabulous. We were a group of 12, and the table on the back terrace was perfect for our meals. The gardens off the terrace were also a real plus. We picked tomatoes, squash, lemons, and herbs from the herb garden. We spent most of our time outdoors.
Enjoyed Least:
The first floor units smelled a little musty.
Surrounding Area:
Sorrento was a perfect spot for all of our day trips. We visited Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi, and Positano. There were so many things to do in the area to keep us busy.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento was an easy 10 minute walk downhill. The return walk was strenuous, but very doable. There was a grocery store and beverage store at the foot of the hill on our way into town, very convenient.
Tips or Restaurants:
The villa was very well equipped. If you intend to swim at the beach in town, you will need to bring beach towels. There was a large area with clothes lines for laundry hanging. I brought extra clothes line because we had so much laundry with the kids. We ate in many good restaurants. The best meal we had was the one prepared for us at the villa. I would suggest having it early in the week because we had delicious leftovers to eat all week.
Directions:
We never had directions to the property. We were to call the villa and then meet at the hospital. We did not have GPS, but the hospital was easy to find by following the signs. It was a very busy street, and we had some difficulty finding the person we were to meet. We then followed her to the property.
Check In Out:
We were given a tour of the whole place, and all appliances were explained. There was a freshly baked cake and a bottle of limoncello on the table as a welcome gift. Guiseppa was as friendly and helpful as anyone could be.
Ed, October
Overall:
We loved this villa. It exceeded our expectations and the walk up the hill from town is not as bad as some have said, and we were all over 60.
Enjoyed Most:
Location and view were great. There is plenty of room for a large group, with many areas to relax without being under each others feet.
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing to do with this property, but the whole city water system shut down for several hours one night.
Surrounding Area:
Sorrento is a pleasant place to walk, shop and dine.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The main center of Sorrento is only 15 minutes walk down hill, a little longer coming back up hill. Watch out for scooters and cars on the winding road up to the villa.
Tips or Restaurants:
Many good shops and restaurants, but L'Antia Trattoria stands out.
Directions:
We had a driver that knew the area, but might have had trouble on our own the first time.
Richard, April
Overall:
Absolutely wonderful! The pictures on the website do not show off the beauty of this villa.
Enjoyed Most:
From the moment we drove into the parking area I fell in love with Villa Sebastiano. Every room had something absolutely charming and inviting about it. We rented the whole villa even though we were only a party of eight.
Enjoyed Least:
I wish that we would have reserved the villa for two weeks.
Surrounding Area:
We rented a large vehicle since there were eight of us so we traveled to a different town every day.
Nearby Events or Locales:
You can walk into Sorrento. There is a hilly road to the villa but it was not difficult if you take your time.
Tips or Restaurants:
Absolutely have Giuseppina prepare dinner one evening. Do not miss the kind hospitality of this delightful woman. She is charming and takes beautiful care of this amazing villa. Also prepare a meal in the pizza oven.
Debra, April
Overall:
It was wonderful! The property was beautiful and well-maintained. The pictures on the web site do not do it justice.
Enjoyed Most:
All of the beautiful outside areas. There were many places for us to sit, relax, socialize, and just enjoy the quiet and the view. The walk up from town isn't the best, but we were prepared for it due to the information on the web site. It was good exercise after eating so much delicious pasta in town. And the view makes the walk worthwhile!
Enjoyed Least:
NA
Surrounding Area:
There was so much to see and do. A tour of the Amalfi Coast, Capri, or Pompeii were day trips to arrange.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento was closest, and that is where we walked each day to sight-see, shop, or catch transportation for tours to local areas.
Tips or Restaurants:
the information about the villa on the web site had us totally prepared.
Directions:
We had a driver pick us up at the bus stop in town when we arrived. He called the villa and transported us.
Check In Out:
We were welcomed by Giuseppina...she was very hospitable. She gave us a tour of the property and had a delicious homemade dessert waiting for us.
Brian, April
Overall:
Overall, the villa was perfect for our needs. We had 4 couples so we needed 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and the villa was perfect for accommodating us.
Enjoyed Most:
The terrace and the views.
Enjoyed Least:
The long walk up the stairs and hill back to the villa.
Surrounding Area:
Sorrento was great and was a great home base for seeing the entire Amalfi coast and Capri.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento. Yes, it was in walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring comfortable walking shoes. Il Buco and Ristorante Favorita were both outstanding. Il Buco is more upscale but in a very relaxed atmosphere with staff who will do anything for you, including making dishes that aren't on the menu.
Directions:
We met the villa manager in front of the hospital and she then brought us to the villa.
Carmine, September
Overall:
It was perfect in every way. The Villa was well equipped with plenty of space for everyone.
Enjoyed Most:
The views were spectacular. We met Giuseppina at the Hospital just down the road from the Villa and she was wonderful. She did a couple of trips to the villa in her car with all our luggage so we didn't have to carry it up the hill. She took great care of us, coming to clean everyday and making sure we had everything we needed. We were expecting a hard slog up the hill to the Villa but it actually wasn't bad. We were a bunch of pretty fit people so it we didn't find it difficult at all. We felt like we were working off the huge dinners we were eating
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing!
Tracey, May
Overall:
It was perfect in every way. The Villa was well equipped with plenty of space for everyone. .
Enjoyed Most:
The views were spectacular. We met Giuseppina at the Hospital just down the road from the Villa and she was wonderful. She did a couple of trips to the villa in her car with all our luggage so we didn't have to carry it up the hill. She took great care of us, coming to clean everyday and making sure we had everything we needed. We were expecting a hard slog up the hill to the Villa but it actually wasn't bad. We were a bunch of pretty fit people so it we didn't find it difficult at all. We felt like we were working off the huge dinners we were eating
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing!
May
Overall:
Most enjoyable.
Enjoyed Most:
The location, views and roominess.
Enjoyed Least:
The dishwasher and washing machine are not adequate for the size of the villa, and a clothes dryer would also be useful. The quality of the towels could be improved. Also it would be helpful if there was a start-up basket of tea, coffee, sugar, milk, dishwasher detergent, etc. Editor's Note: Dryers are quite uncommon in Italy.
Surrounding Area:
The scenery and the wide range of sights that could be visited.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento was within walking distance.
Robert, October
Overall:
A dream come true. I would do it every year if I could afford it.
Enjoyed Most:
The view of Naples Bay and Giuseppina who made delicious meals for us. She really became a friend of the family and my friends adored her. She was so very helpful and fun.
Enjoyed Least:
The lower bedrooms were somewhat damp. Fans to help circulate the air would improve this problem. Taxis would not drive to the Villa. Anyone unable to walk up hill and down should not consider staying at this Villa. We had a driver who helped with day trips and late night engagements.
Surrounding Area:
We absolutely loved everything. The scenery is spectacular.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We walked to Sorrento at least once every day and sometimes twice. Walking the hill was hard at first but we adjusted.
Tips or Restaurants:
El Pozzo for pizza and the Garden were 2 of our favorites.
Directions:
Our driver knew the Villa.
Check In Out:
Guiseppina made everything very easy.
Norma, September
Overall:
Fantastic villa.
Enjoyed Most:
The views, the outdoor spaces, the size of the rooms.
Enjoyed Least:
The downstairs bathroom was musty. The road up to the property was difficult to navigate in a car.
Surrounding Area:
Gorgeous.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento -- yes, definitely within walking distance
Tips or Restaurants:
Don't plan on driving very much once you get to the house. Bring good walking shoes.
Directions:
The name of the road up to the villa is almost impossible to see until you know that it's there. And the road is more like an alley. The day we arrived, we passed it a few times thinking that it could not possibly be a road.
Kelly, June
Overall:
It was very good. Everyone will consider it one of the top vacation experiences of their life.
Enjoyed Most:
The view. The space. The ability to comfortably put 15 people in a great spot. The dinners were fantastic that were prepared by the caretaker/chef Giussepina.
Enjoyed Least:
Some of our people needed taxi's to get to and from the train station upon arrival and departure. There seems to be difficulty getting taxis down the road to the villa. The folks at La Badia Hotel, the adjacent property are not helpful in sharing the road-gate.
Surrounding Area:
Again, the view is unbelievable. We went to Capri, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast. Ravello is the best, and did some great hiking. There are two great 1 1/2 hour round trip walks that start right behind the villa. One goes to Marina di Pollio and one goes to Marina di Puolo. If you want to do any hiking in this area get Landscapes of Sorrento by Julian Tippett for details.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Even though up a hill, it is very well located to Sorrento, including the marina, the main town, the train and bus station, shops, even hiking trails. Yes, the hill is significant, but so is the view. However, my 75 year old mom, and 76 year old Uncle Gus, made it up the hill walking several times a day. You don't get the view without a little work.
Tips or Restaurants:
Make sure every single person that is arriving separately understands how to get to the villa. Giussepina met some of us and walked us there, but with 15 people she couldn't do this for all.
Restaurants--We had a fantastic time at Delfino's in the old port, right under the villa on the coast. This is a very affordable yet high quality restaurant. You should have at least one Giussepina meal, although she will likely prepare more than you could ever eat. We had some great meals prepared by our guests and ate on the many terraces of the villa.
Bar-Disco-Karaoke--Bagatelle American Bar just off Piazza Tasso is a blast. We had people from 17 years old to their fifties enjoying several evenings there.
Check In Out:
Giussepina handled this very well.
Mark, May
Overall:
Fantastic - the villa was more spectacular than we had imagined, with heaps of space and great views from several outdoor terraces.
Enjoyed Most:
Views, space and location - very close to Sorrento. Great outdoor areas too. Fantastic greeting with cake and limoncello!
Enjoyed Least:
Some did not like the hill from Sorrento, but most of us were fine with the climb - good way to burn off some pasta! Please be aware that there is an extra charge for firewood for the pizza oven. We had to pay 200 Euros for one usage!
Surrounding Area:
Lots to do and see in day trips.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento is a 10 minute walk.
Tips or Restaurants:
Clarify charges for firewood and use of pizza oven. San Antonio restaurant is fantastic - had our wedding reception there and the food and service were great.
Jenny, April
Overall:
The Villa was better that I had expected, but there were many stairs. Not a problem for us but should be considered by some.
The outside areas are wonderful, although the weather did not cooperate with us, but it was October and that is always an unknown.
Enjoyed Most:
The views from the villa were great but Giusepina really made the visit! She is wonderful and the meals she prepared were really enjoyed by all my guests. Very entertaining. I had her prepare three dinners and they were all very fun and filling.
Enjoyed Least:
The walk back UP the hill from Sorrento! The Villa is very close to the town center, which is what I wanted and we had been warned, about the hill....It is an easy 10 min walk DOWN to town but a very steep walk back up and takes much longer. Most of my guests, staying in the Villa and in the hotel next door ended up taking a taxi for 22 to 25Euros to get up the hill. The bus you talk about is difficult to find... You must catch it at the Train Station, 5 Euros in cost, and it drops you off in the street with very small shoulder to walk on, about two blocks from the hotel next door to the Villa.
Surrounding Area:
Sorrento is a wonderful town and is the gateway to many enjoyable places to visit.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Downtown of old Sorrento is just a short walk DOWN the hill
Tips or Restaurants:
There are many great restaurants almost everywhere you look.
Bring small flashlights to carry in your backpack or pocket to find your way up or down the hill to town.
Mitch, October
Overall:
The view was spectacular and it was relatively quiet with easy access to town.
Enjoyed Most:
Giuseppina was a dream. She was always readily available for questions and helped us with acquiring taxi's. The meal she prepared for us upon our arrival was a banquet, enough for several days at least.
Enjoyed Least:
No microwave oven.
Surrounding Area:
The tranquility and views were wonderful.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento was in walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Condiments were not readily available. We had to purchase sugar and pepper.
Directions:
This was not a problem for our group as we had hired a local car hire service from Rome to drop us at the door of the villa.
Check In Out:
Giuseppina was at the villa on our arrival with a meal prepared. Again, Guiseppina was very professional in completing our final bill.
Janice, October
Enjoyed Most:
The view was just spectacular. The villa itself is first class. Giuseppina is
a great cook and very helpful in all situations, She kept the rooms and outside in
tip-top shape. Due to problems at Rome airport, our arrival was very late 11:00 PM. To our surprise a fabulous dinner was waiting, table set, etc. We were starved and tired, making this welcome so pleasant. During our stay we had her cater another dinner which was delicious. Our hats off for her.
Enjoyed Least:
Tough driving up the narrow road. Be sure to have a small car, even at that, it is a bit of a trick to get there. No other negative comments.
Surrounding Area:
Sorrento is magnificent. Food and wines at all restaurants were reasonable and first class. Easy access by boat to Capri and Positano and by train to Pompeii.
We rented two boats in Positano and enjoyed a full day of swimming and snorkeling along the Amalfi coast. The weather was beautiful every day.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento is just below the villa. Easy to walk down, but a bit tiresome to walk back up.
Tips or Restaurants:
We tried several restaurants and never went wrong with any of them.
Bring beach towels. The best swimming we found was just outside Sorrento 3km at the Sea Club.
John, July
Overall:
The villa was spacious enough to allow 12 of us some privacy and yet had the terraces and other areas that were large enough o meet as a group. Be sure to walk through and explore the trails and terraced gardens.
Enjoyed Most:
The villa had a tremendous view of Sorrento and the Bay of Naples area. It was a short walk to downtown, a little more challenging coming back up the hill.
Enjoyed Least:
It was NOT a problem but it is a change to not have a dishwasher, microwave, AC, color TV, etc. We didn't miss them but it was different without them.
Surrounding Area:
It was very easy to tour the entire Peninsula including the shoreline up to Naples. We didn't even need to rent a car!
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento was 10-15 minutes. Massa Lubrense was a 10 minute cab ride.
Tips or Restaurants:
I would highly recommend Giuseppina, who was a great housekeeper and cook - we had her prepare dinner 3 nights.
Directions:
We hired a car service to take us to the villa from Rome. He was very familiar with the area and spoke fluent Italian.
Chris, June
Enjoyed Most:
Quiet, lots of room, comfortable, view, close to town, Giuseppina.
Enjoyed Least:
Directions to the property are difficult to follow-understand
Surrounding Area:
Lots available close by -- Roman ruins, fishing village, trails for hiking, access to boats to Capri and Amalfi Coast
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sorrento. A 10 minute walk
Tips or Restaurants:
Giuseppina was loved by our whole family. She is there every day and she is a delight. She does not speak English, but she is constantly learning new words. She is a fabulous cook. We had her cook two dinners for us 11 and both were great. She served us outside, did all the cooking from scratch with fresh local produce-fish, provided inexpensive local wines, and completely cleaned up. It is so nice after a long day to have dinner served outside at this quiet property rather than going out. It is also much cheaper than Sorrento restaurants. I would have her cook dinner every night and go to local restaurants for lunch while out sightseeing.
Directions:
Once there, it is easy to walk to town and back. Until you go there, it is hard to understand the directions. You do not need a car when staying at this villa.
Christy, October
Overall:
I would recommend it highly.
Enjoyed Most:
The view, and the many terraces from which to enjoy it. The villa was also set up in a way that the 10 of us could be together, but also could have some solitude and privacy if we wanted.
Enjoyed Least:
One of the bedrooms was small, and the some of the showers would act up occasionally, but nothing that would diminish the enjoyment of the villa. The villa is up a rather steep hill, so those who don't like to hike should keep that in mind. We used the hike to counteract all the good food we were eating. The road up has several sharp switchbacks making car travel a challenge. We turned in our car after the first week.
Surrounding Area:
Everything! The view was spectacular - flowers and lemon and olive trees everywhere. There were also many hiking trails that gave you a real sense of the countryside.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Apart from Sorrento, which is just at the bottom of the hill, the nearest towns are Sant'Agata and Massa Lubrense. Each is a healthy walk or an easy bus ride.
Tips or Restaurants:
Our best restaurant find was Verdemare on Via Capodimonte on the outskirts of Sorrento. The owner of the local wine store The Wine Corner - another great find - recommended it and it was fabulous. I also strongly recommend our chef, Giuseppina. She made us fantastic local dishes and was charming and fun. Her prices were very reasonable, and it was great to come back to a wonderful dinner after a day of sightseeing. I also recommend using a car service. Persico was a life-saver with personable, knowledgeable drivers willing to take us anywhere.
Directions:
The directions were ambiguous, though after seeing the property I can see that giving directions would be difficult. Our driver from Persico knew of the villa and took us directly there.
Patricia, June
