Donna Giulia - Luxury House

I went two years ago and held off on writing anything because I didn’t want to be mean, but Chris Brunssso’s review describes exactly what we experienced. We refused to stay and checked out straight away. The listing doesn’t make the setting clear. Donna Guilia gives the impression of a standalone hotel, but it’s inside a building that isn’t a hotel, and it didn’t meet our personal standards. There are no exterior photos of the building, either. Anyone can put “luxury” in a title. To me, luxury means a Four Seasons hotel, not this.

The location was good and the service okay, but I wouldn’t recommend staying here. The building was surrounded by scaffolding and construction, and workers could look into our room (see photo). The work blocked the “ocean views.” We booked two rooms listed with ocean views, but one had no view at all. At least that room was farther from the others, which were packed close together, so we stayed in it. Both rooms had sheets that smelled moldy, like old socks, and we had to ask for replacements. Reaching the elevator meant going up and down a few steps, and the elevator itself was extremely old and smelled of sewage. I’ve stayed in dozens of Airbnbs and B&Bs around the world, and this wasn’t one I’d recommend.

We chose this place on Google Maps because it was on the lungomare, and it turned out to be a lovely surprise. The room, bed, and bathroom were all great, the location was excellent, and the owner and her colleagues made us feel welcome and helped us out. Breakfast was good in a bright, comfortable area, parking was easy to arrange, and their advice for day trips came in handy. The price was very good for what we got. Go to Paestum, and don’t drive along the Amalfi Coast on Sunday. A terrific choice for a very nice long weekend in Salerno.

We’ll be back! The apartment was beautifully designed and very comfortable, with a wonderful view and a great location. The staff were professional, and Donna giolia was a lovely host. The fresh English breakfast was a treat, and we thought the value for money was hard to beat. The historic building’s exterior is being renovated and looks neglected, but inside it’s luxurious and beautiful.