Hotel Mega Mare

The views are beautiful, but the trip there is a struggle: the road is rough and feels dangerous, taxis cost far too much, there is no public transport, and the steep walk is tiring and risky. Inside, the price didn't feel justified. There was no Wi-Fi in the rooms, breakfast was cold and tasted awful, and guests weren't allowed to bring food back. We also had to ask for the air conditioning to be turned on whenever we returned because it was centrally controlled. On our last day, the owner was rude and openly racist to us. That was shocking and completely unacceptable. Think about all of this before booking. I don't recommend it.

Getting to the hotel is the main drawback: the road is difficult, taxis are costly, there isn't a bus up there, and walking is both exhausting and dangerous. Still, the view is extraordinary at any hour, from daylight through sunset to night. Our old-fashioned room had a balcony and a little fridge, while the bathroom was spotless and well equipped. The pool was clean, peaceful, and nice for a quick swim. Breakfast was only average. Restaurant staff didn't speak English, which made things a bit awkward, though it wasn't a major issue for us. If you can manage the access, the scenery is worth it.

The view was the one real plus. Breakfast was barely a meal, with nothing hot, and although outside food was forbidden, there was no food provided and no nearby restaurant. The sandwiches for sale had no vegetarian choice, and the waiter wouldn't make one vegetarian when I asked. Getting around was hard too: a taxi to Meta train station cost 30-35 euro, and walking uphill meant dealing with a busy road and stretches without a path. The balcony wasn't private either. While I was getting dressed, someone who worked there came onto it to water the plants. I wouldn't recommend staying here.

The view from Mega Mare Hotel is stunning, and it's very close to the center of Sorrento. The employees we met were generally decent and wanted to help, but the restrictions seemed to leave them with little freedom. Even the receptionist who tried to help with our room issue could do only so much. The room wasn't clean on arrival: the toilet seat was dirty and there were hairs on the sheets. We arrived late and hoped it would be sorted the next day, but after housekeeping had been in, the toilet still hadn't been cleaned and the sheets hadn't been changed. At checkout, the manager apologized and asked us not to “make a fuss,” though the problem hadn't been dealt with earlier. We had a poor impression before arriving, too. On the phone, whether we were speaking with staff or the owner, the tone was abrupt and impolite. We were told they were “too busy” and that we were “wasting their time.” We asked about an early check-in or using the restaurant while we waited, and were told no. Once there, they did let us go to the restaurant by the pool, but we didn't feel welcomed or accommodated. There were rules everywhere: no food in the room, no alcohol, and we couldn't take the room key with us, even to the pool. They required us to leave it whenever we went out, despite the safe sign saying they weren't responsible for belongings lost. If hungry, the only option offered was two very poor-quality sandwiches. Staff seemed under pressure and watched guests closely, so it felt more like school than a hotel. Breakfast was among the worst we've had. Parking was extra, in an open area above the hotel with no gate or security measures. Despite that remarkable view, the stay disappointed us and I wouldn't return.