Chill Out in the Sun - Sorrento, Italy

Accommodation Grand Hotel Riviera. This hotel is absolutely delightful. It's certainly not the cheapest but it really is worth the extra if you want to treat yourself. Set in walking distance from the hub of the town but far enough away to keep things quiet, the guest gets a feeling of palatial opulence when walking into the reception area.

Spotlessly clean with marble floors, there is a huge amount of space here and in the fabulously decorated sitting area adjacent. Through the sitting area and we reach the terrace and bar area. The view is simply stunning as the hotel is perched on a high cliff overlooking the bay of Naples. Over the bay is Vesuvius and panning round, we catch a view of Capri and the town of Sorrento itself. If you've a head for heights, look over the edge into the clear waters (most of the time) and the bathing platform below. A lift takes you down to the platform, although I avoided the platform myself, preferring to stone ledge at the base of the cliff where, as a redhead, I could hide from the strongest of the suns rays.

It is one of my finest memories that I sat here, with a bottle of Champagne, a book, a few minature crabs and my wife for company enjoying the view across the sea and the lapping of the waves at my feet.

The bedrooms in the hotel are tastefully decorated and again perfectly clean, as you would expect in a hotel of this class. I was pleasantly surprised that the mini-bar prices were not too expensive, handy for a sports fan like me who occasionally wanted to watch English speaking TV. The restaurant is huge and the food good, if not exceptional. We only felt compelled on a very few occasions to check out the local eateries in the area. The wines we tried were all exceptional too. Very friendly staff.

In fact, there's very little I can find to criticise about this hotel. I usually spend a lot of time scouting the area when I go on holiday. It says a lot about this hotel that I was content to spend so much time chilling out by the pool, on the terrace and by the sea at this excellent hotel.


Chill Out in the Sun
*By E MacLeod, UK*
Destination Sorrento, Italy
Categories Singles, Over 50's, No Kids
When Travelled August 2003
Length of Stay 14 Days
Holiday Cost £2500-3000
Spending Money £500
Travel Agent Thomsons Direct
Tour Operator Thomsons
Airline Brittania
Insurance via Travel Agent
Accommodation Grand Hotel Riviera. This hotel is absolutely delightful. It's certainly not the cheapest but it really is worth the extra if you want to treat yourself. Set in walking distance from the hub of the town but far enough away to keep things quiet, the guest gets a feeling of palatial opulence when walking into the reception area. Spotlessly clean with marble floors, there is a huge amount of space here and in the fabulously decorated sitting area adjacent. Through the sitting area and we reach the terrace and bar area. The view is simply stunning as the hotel is perched on a high cliff overlooking the bay of Naples. Over the bay is Vesuvius and panning round, we catch a view of Capri and the town of Sorrento itself. If you've a head for heights, look over the edge into the clear waters (most of the time) and the bathing platform below. A lift takes you down to the platform, although I avoided the platform myself, preferring to stone ledge at the base of the cliff where, as a redhead, I could hide from the strongest of the suns rays. It is one of my finest memories that I sat here, with a bottle of Champagne, a book, a few minature crabs and my wife for company enjoying the view across the sea and the lapping of the waves at my feet. The bedrooms in the hotel are tastefully decorated and again perfectly clean, as you would expect in a hotel of this class. I was pleasantly surprised that the mini-bar prices were not too expensive, handy for a sports fan like me who occasionally wanted to watch English speaking TV. The restaurant is huge and the food good, if not exceptional. We only felt compelled on a very few occasions to check out the local eateries in the area. The wines we tried were all exceptional too. Very friendly staff. In fact, there's very little I can find to criticise about this hotel. I usually spend a lot of time scouting the area when I go on holiday. It says a lot about this hotel that I was content to spend so much time chilling out by the pool, on the terrace and by the sea at this excellent hotel.

Travelogue Sorrento isn't a place to visit on a tight budget. In fact, this was the most expensive break I've ever taken. However, it really is worth it if you want to splash out. There's a relaxed ambiance here that leaves you feeling completely at ease. The rep boasted that crime is unknown here and we never saw as much as a raised voice the whole time we were there. A boat trip to Capri is easy and worthwhile, and the swimming off the side of the boat was very memorable. Take a trip to Positano and try the restaurant on the left had side of the beach. Fabulous setting and superb food. There are dozens of shops selling local arts and crafts and the inlaid wood is everywhere but fairly unique to this area. A holiday to rember and one I want to repeat.

Must See Attractions Capri Pompeii Monte Cassino Positano Herculaneum

Eating Out Any restaurant in Marina Grande Positano. Try the restaurant on the left had side of the beach. Fabulous setting and superb food.

© Fabulous Holidays 2004.