Hotel Girasole

"The hotel is dated"... well that's what some reviews say. The hotel is not dated, it is the ‘style’ of the hotel and yes, while it does not have all the latest look, it is a perfectly nice hotel to stay in. The kit, furniture, décor and equipment, while ‘older’ in style, we found was all functional and adequate. I’d say it’s style was a traditional ‘Spanish Home’ and so you can expect to see older furniture, cabinets and wardrobes, etc, all in good order. We had a good sized room, on-suite style toilet and shower and clean towels, soaps, and such like – room was cleaned daily if needed and the cleaning lady was very helpful and gave us extra loo rolls when we needed some. The staff were always polite and friendly and on one occasion, my wife was feeling a bit poorly, too much sun, so didn’t go for tea. I asked in reception if they could do some tea and toast and they were happy to do so and even brought it to the room. Theres a TV (Spanish TV), chair, dresser, wardrobes, small fridge and free security coded safe box in the room. The dining area was clean and tidy, well stocked and breakfast had a very good selection. OK, no traditional ‘English’ but then you are in Spain! Evening meal was via a menu selection in the morning and at least 3 choices from the 3 courses provided. The food was very tasty and while the portions looked small, 3 courses was more than enough and all table service with 3 waiters, all efficient and friendly. We shared a table with two other couples and all out starters, mains and sweets all came at the same time so no couple was waiting for another. There is a nice outside area and also a pool with a bar. The drinks were no more expensive than if you had gone out, typically e3.40 for a beer, etc. Would I stay in the Girasole (Spanish for Sunflower) again? Yes, I’d be happy to stay there but then I would not go to Sorrento again, as there are so many other places to visit 😊

Firstly This hotel is geared towards the older generation (65 plus) and is a coach holiday hotel .it should not be marketed as suitable for young children as it is not . There are no facilities for children whatsoever and they are not welcomed, no childrens menu and if you dare ask for anything different you are met with hostility. Rooms dated , just one power socket , so remember to bring an extension lead if you require power points. Rooms very clean and the lovely chambermaids do an excellent job Otherwise , Staff miserable especially dining staff who really just don't want to be there and make you feel that any request is a nuisance No entertainment whatsoever not even quiet background music which gives the place an unwelcoming feel . The bar was the most unatmospheric place I've ever had the misfortune to sit in . Dinner was not worth getting dressed up for as we usually do whilst on holiday , food was unimaginative and repetitive . You chose in the morning out of three mains , three starters and 3 desserts -the menu is the same every week . No lasagne at all which I was looking forward to , pizza we had once and it was American style deep pan as opposed to Neapolitan , absolutely shocking! one night the main course was a cheese omelette . For the prices charged this is wholly unacceptable. House wine is undrinkable. Sad, as Italy is obviously known for it's lovely wines. If food is important to you on holiday be prepared to eat out . Breakfast nothing special . The coffee awful . Swimming pool lovely clean and refreshing in beautiful surroundings Love the area in which the hotel is situated , yes the road Is busy , but if you turn right out of the hotel and first right down the Lane it's a beautiful scenic walk into Sorrento Id recommend Master Hosts just down the road for fabulous excellent value food and drink . Wish we'd been able to just go bed and breakfast but the hotel doesn't allow this Shop around before booking this hotel , there are much better hotels in Sorrento, it was my tenth visit to the town and I can honestly say that this hotel is not an example of typical Italian hospitality. Disappointing experience all round.

A warm welcome on arrival, a lovely family run this hotel that helps in any way possible. The hotel is very basic, no frills but offers security, great food and a good location near the square and train station. Shame that the rooms are small and next to a very busy road. There is no soundproofing so the traffic noise is rentless. A kettle in the room would of been a welcome addition as buying coffee's gets expensive. Overall it was a great three star experience. We were told about the small side road to the first right as you walk down to Sorrento Square four days in from a returning tourist which made the walk down much more pleasurable away from the traffic with a great view.