Hotel Villa Garden

Gabrielle made our week much easier, with great tips on destinations and pickup points, and she even got the heating changed to cooling. Her nearby family trattoria suggestions were all good, and we loved chatting with her each morning. Pepe, the night manager, was also wonderful. He checked in about our days and plans, and when the people outside were noisy, he went out to ask them to quiet down. He and Gabrielle arranged a move to a top floor junior suite on the other side of the hotel, which suited us much better. We spent seven nights here for our 20th wedding anniversary. The hotel is beautiful, and the rooms and facilities are carefully maintained. From the front and side rooms, the views of Vesuvius and Capri across the Bay of Naples are stunning, especially at sunset. That popular viewpoint does get busy, though. We first stayed in room 31, the Garden Patio room at street level beside the busy road. It had a Vesuvius view but little privacy, and it was noisy. The heating and cooling controls were individual in name only, as the system was centralized and set to heat. Hot air kept blowing whatever temperature we selected. We couldn’t sleep well in the warm room, but opening the windows meant hearing people chatting outside and motorbikes revving late into the night. I’m a light sleeper, so the move was a big improvement. The hotel entrance is on a pedestrian walkway, so cars can’t stop directly outside. Drop off is on a busy side street, and there are steps from the pavement. There’s no porter. That was manageable for us, but might be difficult for some travelers. Sant Agnello is about a 25-minute walk from Sorrento; there are also bars, shops and restaurants within 10 minutes if that’s far enough. We had dinner at the hotel restaurant on our first night. I reviewed Paravisiello separately, but highly recommend it. Luigi’s menu blends modern and traditional cooking, and you can taste the care in it. Tonino was attentive and careful with my allergens, and kept the restaurant running smoothly. The bar has a wonderful range of local wines, and Mariarca knew them well and was friendly as she helped me with my Italian. The pool area is peaceful and private. Breakfast was very good, though freshly cooked eggs cost extra. Carmella made me gluten-free pastries each morning to match the ones everyone else had, and other gluten-free choices were available. Simona and Rosella greeted us warmly every day. I’d return, but would book a top floor room away from the side road.