La Fornace Relais & Spa

We chose La Fornace for a relaxing five-night break on the Sorrento Coast, booking three rooms for eight of us, including two kids. The owners are a lovely local family, and the women running the hotel made us feel very welcome. They helped with all kinds of things, from food and trip suggestions to other needs, and even gave us honey from their family farm. Their dog Diva was there to greet us, too. The three rooms were spacious, clean, and modern. Our suite was especially magical, set in a converted furnace room, which is where the name comes from, with a great view and some of the best sunsets I've seen. Highly recommend it. Our group tried the spa three times, and it was one of our best experiences, so book a treatment if you can. The breakfast was delicious and plentiful, with pastries, fruit, coffee, juice, cereal, and eggs. I recommend the Latte Macchiato. The family's beach across the street, Bagno Elena, was convenient, and its restaurant and pizzeria were really good. We spent a whole day there, and the kids loved it. The location worked well for us, close to Pompeii, Vico Equense, Vesuvius, and Sorrento. We also visited Positano and Amalfi on a boat tour. Arrange transport ahead, or give the hotel 15-20 minutes to call a taxi. I highly recommend staying here for a beautiful, relaxing trip in the area. It exceeded our expectations.

We only wish we'd had more than two nights here. Andrea and Alissa were so helpful, and the whole place is gorgeous, clean, and made for unwinding. We liked being a little away from the city center, a nice change from all the bustle we'd had in Italy so far. The breakfast is plentiful, with lots of choices and whatever juice and coffee you want. You won't leave hungry. The beach is beautiful and very close, and even in early October the water was warm enough to swim. The staff were wonderful from start to finish, carrying my heavy suitcase upstairs as they walked us to the room, answering all our questions, and helping where they could, even with ordering pizza delivery. And Diva, their sweet dog, made us miss our own dogs back home. This may have been our best hotel stay ever!

We were sad to leave, this was easily the best of the several hotels we've stayed at over the past month. The staff were friendly, the rooms incredible, and the dog was so cute. Breakfast was delicious every morning, and having real coffee was a bonus. We spent three days in a row at the beach across the road, Beach Elena, and loved it just as much. If we come back to this part of Italy, we'd stay here without hesitation. Thanks for being the highlight of our trip so far.

The staff were welcoming and very friendly, helping us arrange several things and answering all our questions. The hotel itself is charming, clean, and lovely, with great breakfast and spa facilities.