Grand Hotel Parco del Sole

We booked this unusual-for-Italy all-inclusive stay through Jet2, at a price similar to other local hotels offering bed and breakfast or half board. We weren't expecting much, but were very pleasantly surprised. Grand Hotel Parco del Sole sits in well-kept grounds about a kilometre from Sorrento centre, and a free shuttle runs to the central bus station. Our room was spotless, and the food was superb, with plenty of choice at breakfast and dinner. Lunch by the pool, weather permitting, had a great spread of pizza and pasta. Dinner only felt rushed once, when a bus arrived late with hungry guests. Drinks were included, with recognizable brands and generous pours, and the catering staff were very friendly and polite. There was nightly entertainment, mostly solo singers, plus one evening with traditionally dressed folk dancers who got everyone involved. We had an amazing five-day stay in early November and would highly recommend it if you want a good hotel that isn't too expensive.

We had a great stay at Grand Parco del Sole Hotel and would happily come back. The room was clean and comfortable, with a good view of San Agnello, and the hotel was tidy. Staff throughout were friendly, helpful, and accommodating. We got a useful information sheet on arrival with meal times, events, and other hotel details. Food was excellent. Breakfast had a good cooked selection, especially the freshly made eggs, plus nice fruit and sweet treats. We only had lunch once because we usually ate out, but the hotel's famous pizza was delicious. Dinner always had plenty of tasty choices, and several nights there was a barbecue in the outdoor restaurant. The shuttle to Sorrento could get busy, but everyone waiting managed to board. We often walked instead, about 20 minutes each way. We'd definitely recommend the hotel and stay again.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and the bathroom was modern and clean. Breakfast and lunch were good, with a reasonable selection and freshly made pizza outdoors at lunchtime. The regular shuttle to sorrento was available, though we preferred walking, which took about 15 minutes. Dinner offered plenty of food and choices, but was usually disappointing: it was often lukewarm and overcooked. Pasta cooked to order on a couple of evenings was pretty good. The restaurant felt too small for the number of guests, with tables close together, waits for seats, and queues for food like a school canteen. Only one bar was open while we were there, and it wasn't large enough either. I don't know why the other bar stayed closed. Some nights we couldn't find a seat and took our drinks to reception. The room was clean, but the furniture was tired and worn, and the walls were so thin we'd have needed earplugs with noisy neighbours. The carpeted corridors were dirty and worn too, and badly needed vacuuming. I'd call this three stars at most, hardly four.

The location is handy, just off the main street and around a 15-minute walk to the centre. Our room was clean and pleasant, with comfortable beds and a great shower. Drinks like Perroni, prosecco, and spirits were great, and the food was good too. We had one or two small problems, but the excellent staff sorted everything out.