Antico Convento

The old convent has some charm, but L 'Antico Convento was a major disappointment. The lighting and service were poor. Upstairs, the shared lounge was so dim at night that you couldn't sit and read, despite a ceiling fixture with room for six bulbs that had only one. The stone stairs down to the patio had no lights at all and felt dangerous. We had to use our phone flashlights to get back to our rooms. My room was shabby and a bit grubby, the floor mats could have been cleaner, and it was cold at night. After a difficult trek on our first day, we couldn't shower because there was no hot water. Breakfast was identical both mornings: a thin, cold piece of omelette that seemed to have been sitting out, a few tomatoes, coffee and a nice croissant. The bread with every meal was rock hard. Dinner was passable the first night, then good the second because the cook was there and made it. There was no dessert with any meal. We assumed the bottles of water served at dinner were included, but checkout brought a charge of €2.50 per bottle. Our tour organiser had said the hotel could drive us to a nearby town for a moderate fee. We were very surprised to pay €105.00 for a 17 km, 30 minute ride, especially as the hotel had already been paid to take our bags to a farther next stop. If you're in Rocca Cilento, I'd stay somewhere else.

We still think fondly about our stay here three years ago. The room looked out over the valley, and both the food and hospitality were wonderful. Paolo even helped by driving our car up some tricky turns when we'd somehow arrived at the back of town. From that arrival right through to leaving, it was a fantastic visit. We'd love to return someday.

The owners are fabulous, and it's such a calm, beautiful place. We had a spacious, comfortable, clean room, with delicious food and wine and breathtaking views. Definitely worth recommending. I hope I can come back one day.

Paolo and his wife Concetta made the strongest impression on us. Their hospitality is extraordinary, and although their English is almost nonexistent, talking with them was a pleasure and made us feel at home. The house itself is around 700 years old, and the rooms are clean, spacious, and have what you need. The view is stunning too. We arrived late and were glad to have a homemade dinner there. It was delicious, restaurant quality but with a homey feel. For €25 per person we got two main dishes, a huge portion of very tasty mozarella, riccotta, bread, coffee, dessert and a big meat platter. Wine wasn't included, so it's not super cheap, but all the ingredients were 0km and cooked with care by the owners. The little village of Rocco Cilento is like a piece of ancient art, with stone houses all built in the same style and a real castle nearby. The castle is private property and under construction, so you can't go inside. I can't compare this place to anywhere else.