La Meridiana

Sorrento felt beautiful after Naples, Florence, and Milan, and this is a cute hotel in a great spot with lovely service. The rooftop patio is top notch. A couple of practical notes: the air conditioner doesn’t switch on until June 15, and the wall-mounted hair dryer needs you to hold the button down while using it. Also, in Italy you often don’t get washcloths or Kleenex.

The balcony view was stunning, much prettier than we expected, and we could sleep with the door open without too much road noise. The room was clean, and the location and views would make me consider staying again. We didn’t get to use the rooftop balcony, though: it was closed for weather on a sunny, clear day and didn’t open until 10:00am. Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed up there either. We were caught off guard when the AC wouldn’t work. Staff said it was switched off for the whole building, even though the booking said AC was available. We later found out it’s turned off for the season. The man at the desk in the evenings was a little rude when we raised the phone that wasn’t working, and wouldn’t check it.

The staff were polite and helpful, and spoke conversational English well. Wi-Fi worked well throughout our week at La Meridiana, and breakfast was fresh with lots of choice, though you have to pick one of three scheduled time slots. The room was clean and bright, with daily housekeeping. It’s easy to walk to shops, travel options, and the town centre. There are a few things to plan around. Check-in is at 4pm. The advertised rooms don’t include a balcony, a balcony room with a view costs an extra 30 euros per night, paid at reception, so contact the hotel before arrival to reserve one. There’s little soundproofing in this updated older building, and street and traffic noise goes on 24/7. We weren’t given daily bottled water, just one bottle for the room to share across the whole seven-day stay. The bar fridge has water and drinks at extra cost. A room safe key requires a refundable 50 euros deposit, and you only get one room key to share with your partner, so you can’t leave the AC on while out sightseeing and return to a cool room. There’s no iron or ironing board, and no way to make tea or coffee in the room. Clean and basic, but missing some conveniences I’d expect from other three-star hotels.

The best Lemoncello Spritz we had in Sorrento was on the stunning rooftop terrace. The hotel is in a quiet spot despite being just five minutes from the town centre and close to the bus and train station. Our room was very comfortable and extremely clean. The staff were lovely, friendly, and helpful, and breakfast was fantastic, especially the gorgeous pastry tarts. Dinner was good too, though there weren’t many fresh vegetables, the peas were tinned and the other veg frozen. Only a small thing, but it’d be nice to have a kettle or coffee maker in the room. We’d definitely stay again.