Relais Correale Rooms & Garden

A family medical emergency meant we had to cancel our Italy trip. Our stay was still 13 days away, but we were one day past the free cancellation deadline. The hotel kept the full amount for the 5 night stay and wouldn’t consider a lower cancellation fee or a voucher, even though we plan to make the trip later. I offered to send medical documents from the hospital and contacted them several times, but they didn’t change their decision. I feel they could have shown more compassion and worked with us on a solution.

The location in Sorrento gives Relais Correale some potential, but our stay was very disappointing. The suite had obvious maintenance problems: the jacuzzi tub wouldn’t drain properly, the hot water ran out too fast to fill it, the walls showed water damage that had been painted over, and there were broken floor tiles. It didn’t seem to have been properly maintained for quite some time. Cleanliness fell short too. The bathroom ceiling was dusty when we arrived, and there was hair wrapped around the pipe beneath the bathroom sink. Breakfast was minimal and low quality, mostly grocery-store sweets, with some fruit that was moldy. After cleaning, staff left a window to the unit wide open, which felt like a serious security concern because it was easy to reach from outside. For the price, La Limonaia didn’t meet the standard I’d expect in Sorrento. Better maintenance, hygiene, and care from staff could make it pleasant, but I wouldn’t recommend it as it is. Other reviews make clear we weren’t the only ones disappointed.

Breakfast was fabulous, served outside in the dining area among the lemon trees. There was fresh bread, cheese, meats, yogurt, juice, pastries, cakes, cereal, and fruit, all delicious. The waiter was always smiling and friendly, and did everything he could for us. On our last evening we ate at the garden restaurant, where the food and service were delightful. Reception also helped book a boat trip to Capri and was always ready with useful tips. Our room was spacious and peaceful, with a large bed and a huge jacuzzi bath that we didn’t use. I’d have preferred an outdoor hot tub like room 6. Robes, slippers, toiletries, fresh fruit, water, tea, and coffee were provided. The mini bar snacks were very reasonably priced, and the air conditioning and wifi were fabulous. The room was made up daily. The setting is lovely, and the center is only a ten min walk away. The outdoor seating area by our room could have been nicer, though. It was unkempt and not somewhere we wanted to relax, which was a shame because it didn’t match the room or resort. A couple of times, kitchen staff disturbed us, and guests above dragged furniture across a tiles floor.

We stayed five days and four nights at Relais Correale and were very happy with our choice. The villa is surrounded by a large orchard of lemon and orange trees, which made the setting especially lovely. Our room was elegant, spotless, and comfortable for sleeping, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. Everything met our expectations, and I’d gladly recommend it.