Casa a Mare — Hotel in Sorrento

Until now I have almost never needed to give a negative review. This is the exception and in my opinion, it is thoroughly deserved.||On the strength of their on-line advertising and published guest opinions, we booked & prepaid the Relais for 9 nights. Once we had found the Relais - no easy task since the sign was only to be found in comparatively tiny lettering under significantly bigger lettering denoting what became obvious was their main business, a busy restaurant, in which the room we rented was nestled between the kitchen and the restaurant itself. None of this is disclosed in their on-line advertising.||A local helped us locate the Relais entrance and upon entering the building’s stairwell, we were greeted with what can only be described as a stench suggestive of sewage. In the Relais defence, I must add that it was only intermittently present and did not penetrate as far as the room/restaurant/kitchen, but it did not augur well.||The room itself was clean but small, with an obscured view of the Bay of Naples and a balcony so tiny it was impossible for two people to occupy it at the same time. No complaints about its bathroom but the room amenities were basic. No safe. The only refreshment amenities were a couple of packets of instant coffee, sugar & whatever chemicals comprise powdered ersatz milk, and a small kettle to boil water. ||Worst was the lack of sound mitigation from the noise of their busy restaurant & kitchen located not more than 5 metres from the room. Sleep was in short supply that night.||When we advised the owner/staff of our dissatisfaction, the only response was to inform us of their strict no-refund policy, even though we had not requested a refund. ||The following morning, after the included breakfast (which was quite good) we decamped in search of better accommodation. It did not take us long to find a large 4-room apartment with a real balcony, an unobstructed view, and with full amenities but without the complementary stench, not further than 100 metres from the Relais.||The bonus? It was priced at less than half what the Relais del Mare demands. Think hard before you book this place. There's...

We will never forget our stay at Casa a Mare. We had such a lovely welcome and the choice of two rooms. We chose Room 1 which had a small balcony big enough for two people overlooking the picturesque Marina Grande. We had stayed at Marina Grande three times before, but never at this accommodation.||It was a real treat to enter the front door under the pre-Roman archway to the marina. ||Our room was on the third floor (I think) which gave us a great view.||It was very hot (July/August), but the room was very clean and roomy with a fridge and air con that worked perfectly.||Breakfasts on the terrace above were varied, homely and at our chosen time.||Our hosts were so nice and friendly and did everything to make sure we were happy.||We would thoroughly recommend staying there for as long as possible to use it as a base to visit Amalfi and the Bay of Naples attractions.||We had traveled from England to Sorrento entirely by train (5 trains/2 days) and it was well worth it.||We will always remember the amazing fireworks, fab views, great food (eating mainly at Taverna Azzura da Gennaro in the Marina) and just soaking up life at the Marina Grande - the best part...

Roberta and her mother Silviana were always on hand to help with what we needed. They treated us like family, and gave great recommendations during our stay, for everything from tours to haircuts!

Nice breakfast on the terrace when the weather is good, always with a freshly baked cake or pastry and both sweet and savoury options. The best location, beside the old town and marina lined with seafood restaurants, which is a slice of the REAL Sorrento. You're literally sitting on history, as the place is above an Ancient Greek gate and beside an Ancient Roman wall. Simply an amazing place, a genuine Italian experience and a perfect home for our time in Sorrento. I am so grateful we didn't stay in a hotel, but rather a place with soul.

Just to note: we had a smaller balcony than expected, but the view from every room is incredible. Also be advised that this is an old building, you need to climb stairs to the B&B. Silviana advised they have plans to renovate the balconies and the dining room, and even adding a small bar to the rooftop room which will be an amazing addition.

Thanks for giving us beautiful memories! We look forward to our next stay....