Porto Salvo

We stayed at Porto Salvo Bed and Breakfast in Sorrento for two days and enjoyed it. The standout for us was the location: close to a lovely cliffside patio with sweeping west-facing ocean views, especially at sunset. It was near enough to the water to enjoy the breeze and neighborhood feel. Sorrento is high on the cliffs, though, so after arriving by ferry from Naples, don't try to walk up from the pier with luggage. The climb is rough, so use the small bus or van, or take a taxi. Getting down to the main harbor for a Capri boat trip is tiring too, and a taxi is worth it because of the hills. Our room was compact, with air conditioning, a queen bed, a twin bed, a small TV, a wardrobe, nightstands, and a separate bathroom. The shower was small but excellent, with strong pressure and a ceiling-mounted rain shower head. The mattresses were thin and uncomfortable. Still, the private view was unexpectedly peaceful, with flowers, citrus trees, mountains behind them, and birds singing in the morning. There was a shaded outdoor area with a wooden swing. They also rent scooters, but all were taken when we asked. Breakfast was basic and a little disappointing: coffee, croissants, prosciutto and cheese, juice, fruit, yogurt, cereal, and milk. Luna, the resident dog, was one of the best parts. He politely wandered over during breakfast hoping for food, though I wouldn't recommend feeding him. There's no laundry service, and the nearby laundromat was expensive. Walking around Sorrento takes care. Streets are narrow and hilly, and crossing can feel like Frogger, with scooters, motorcycles, cars, blind corners, and sharp turns. Porto Salvo is a charming, simple place with a local feel and a great spot near those sunset views. Just keep in mind it's not a full-service hotel, the beds could be better, and breakfast is basic.

The location is fantastic, and the staff are so nice. I’d absolutely recommend it if you’re visiting Sorrento or the Amalfi coast.

We chose this because the rate was much lower than nearby hotels, and it worked well for us. We paid €180 a night for a double room, compared with €400 or more elsewhere in the area. It’s close to the lovely Marinella beach club, with a nice view and some great high-end restaurants nearby. The staff were friendly, especially the receptionist who welcomed us. She was sweet, helpful, and spoke English very well. The room’s air conditioning was great, and having a pool with sun loungers was a nice extra, though the setup is quite basic. The rooms are dated and simple, so this isn’t the place for a bit of luxury. Since the building used to be a monastery, the stone walls and floors carry a lot of sound. Earplugs are a good idea. Breakfast was okay, mostly sweets, much like other Italian hotels without a continental breakfast. For us, it made sense to save on the room and spend more on dinners and exploring, since we barely spent time in the room.

Breakfast is limited, mostly sweets with no eggs, and the instant coffee was disappointing. With the prices in Italy, it’s hard to understand why they don’t make proper coffee. The pool is nice, though it’s in the shade for half the day. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to Sorrento, and I found it overpriced for what you get, though I guess that’s the Amalfi coast in general. The hotel has an old-fashioned feel, but the rooms are outdated.