Casa Rachele — Hotel in Piano di Sorrento

We chose Sorrento because we heard that it has a few nice places and the way to the island of Capri is a lot cheaper than from Napoli. We found Villa Rachele by chance on Hostelworld, and what you just know of hostels, you don't really expect much. We had prepared ourselves for the bare minimum, although my friend hadn't told me that Rachelle had a rating of 9.9 on Hostelworld (which is actually almost impossible with over 200 reviews). Right when we arrived, we got a little taste of the best stay in a hotel/hostel/place I've ever had. Right at the beginning of our meeting, she offered us the best Limoncello in the world, which we gratefully accepted. Rachele is a nice and extremely sympathetic southern Italian woman who rents out rooms of her apartment to travelers with the goal of making them feel at home. If you come from Austria like me, you're not really a fan of Italian infrastructure, but Rachelle's apartment puts even apartments of Austria into shame. So beautifully furnished, with soo much details! And so incredibly clean! At our check-in, she not only took care of the usual stuff, but also gave us all the tricks and tips on how to make the most of our trip in Southern Italy. We ate at both restaurants she recommended - the "Spaghetti alla Nerano" is an absolutely unique recipe found only in the Sorrento area, and this one we ate at both restaurants she recommended to us, and I'm not exaggerating, it was the best thing I've ever eaten on this planet, it was not of this world. Breakfast is also included, homemade crossaints by Rachele, with coffee, tea, you name it. Her efforts are out of this world. She cleaned our room every day, cleaned the whole place every day, even cleaned the non private elevator every day!!!! One morning she bought another guest a birthday cake because it was their birthday that day, I was just speechless. Rachele is known and loved throughout in this city, so much so that we even got a VIP reservation on a ship to Capri in her name, and didn't have to worry at all about our trip to Capri. Even though Casa Rachele is not directly in Sorrento, but in Piano di Sorrento, in hindsight we are glad we chose this little town. The apartment is right next to the town center, where the restaurants are also located, the location couldn't have been better. Piano di Sorrento - the world turns a little more slowly here. We liked the authentic flair of this town, whereas Sorrento is quite overshadowed by tourism. My review could seem like a paid report, but that all really happened here, I can almost not believe it myself. Saying goodbye to you Rachele was very hard, we will miss the conversations with you in the kitchen so so much. It almost felt like I had to say goodbye to my Italian grandma, I am sorry, I meant aunt 😉, you have truly shown us the southern Italian hospitality, YOU made this trip!

The only bad thing about this place is that I will compare it to my future stays in other places and it will never reach the level of Rachele .But that's not so bad, maybe we'll see each other again soon, you'll definitely get a postcard from us.

Stay healthy, and stay the way you are, because you deserve...

I stayed here for 2nights 3days. This BnB owner, Rachele is so kind, opened-mind, and gives all guests big hospitality with the biggest and warmest love. Every room is so cozy and I'm surprised there are any Japanese items here as an interior. Her travel tips are the best in Campania Region! If you ignore hers, you'll get regrets...! For example, Her recommended-restaurants, bakery shops, hidden spots and so on! Especially the pizza restaurant where she recommends and locates near this is amazing tasty pizza, A whole of pizza (I chose whole of Vegitable pizza with white cheese) is the best since ever! I said "OH MY GOD! SO DELICIOUS!!!!!!" When i had eaten that anyways!

Next, she prepares breakfast the freshest croissants or special / classic breads everyday, she buys them for all guests every early morning. And when they are going out, she so clean up all rooms. So all floor is so shining everyday, no dusts and insects! So clean, It's all okay if you have allergies! Of course, bathroom is also clean! Every day, so shiny. No molds or bugs!

Location is very good! Nearest station is "Piano di Sorrento" and it takes 5mins around on foot. And there's a bus stop of airport shuttle bus for Sorrento (and going for Airport) between Piano and SantAgnello. It also takes about 5mins on foot. If you have a plan to enjoy your journey around Sorrento or coast side without central of Naples, you should book this right now taking an airport shuttle bus because Naples central station's public order is so bad, there are many thieves to get target for all people (especially Tourists). It's better to get on an airport shuttle bus running for Sorrento area. Otherwise, your phone, accessories and others would be a target. (If you missed the last bus, go there by train to pay attention... (on the other hand, Naples Int'l Airport doesn't work for 24hours) Piano square's public order (security) is better than any other places in Naples area. People living there are very friendly and they always greet "Ciao' "Bonjorno" and like these words! It's not cheating! Sorrento is crowded and Sant'Agnello is quiet, but Piano is different! You can feel warm of heart of citizens and history of Naples Bay. There are any shops of clothes, toys, souvenirs and extra with more reasonable price than Sorrento areas, of course restaurants are also good price!

She like talking with someone and her story within travel tips are very interesting, you'll get the real love from her.

So, all i wanna say is.... BOOK IT RIGHT NOW!!! Thank you Rachele, for giving me special hospitality with love! When I come back there again, I'll absolutely...

Our stay at Casa Rachele was our best ever holiday. Rachele is so warm, welcoming and friendly that from the minute you step into her house you feel like a member of her family, and a part of the community at Piano di Sorrento. Rachele will help you with planning your excursions, and has all the brochures and tickets with prices. The breakfast are delicious, and her beautiful home is scrupulously clean.

Our bedroom was lovely, with a view overlooking the bay and one of the town squares, which was lit up for the festival of St Michael. The windows have a mosquito blind, as well as a drop down shutter to keep out the light, and two lots of glazing to keep out noise. It was very quiet anyway. The other bedroom is bigger, and has the most beautiful antique furniture. Rachele changes the linen and towels every two days.

Rachele lets you know the best restaurants and shops, and you are extra well treated if you mention her name. We walked into the wrong restaurant by mistake once, and could really tell the difference in quality. One of Rachele's recommendations, Pepe's, has the most fantastic real Italian food. It is really atmospheric, and Pepe was a really wonderful host. Andrea the grocer sells delicious sandwiches, with local tomatoes and real parma ham and the best mozzarella. If you are looking for handmade sandals, for which the area is famous, then Andrea the shoemaker will make you a pair to fit in 10 minutes, and at around half the price of Anna Capri. He has just the same styles, and gave me the option of a non slip sole too. Some of the clothes for the more expensive shops in Sorrento and Capri etc are made in Piano. My husband bought some beautiful shirts very cheaply, and on our last day he wanted to buy a shirt for our son. The shop, Corso Italia, was closed for stocktaking, but opened especially to let him purchase the shirt.

Piano di Sorrento is a lovely little town to explore, and the beach area is very beautiful, and so quiet. We met a few other tourists who were staying in Sorrento, who were really impressed, and wished they had booked for Piano. Unlike modern Sorrento, which is lovely to visit, but very busy and full of tourists, Piano is a taste of the real Italy.

We really miss Rachele, and Piano. Casa Rachele is il...