Hotel Alpha - Sant'Agnello, Italy     

We stayed 7 nights at the alpha and booked primarily because of reviews on this website. I have to say it didnt disappoint. On arriving we were shown our room and then given a free bottle of bubbly because we had told them it ws our anniversary, which was a good start. The hotel is on a side road and it can get busy. but i'm not sure where else in sorrento/st agnello you would go for this price and have perfect quiet. The resort as others have said is bustling and can be noisy. Ask or e-mail them for a garden view. These are at the back of the hotel and away from the road if you think noise may be an issue. Everything was spotlessly clean and the rooms were very presentable although the walls are a little thin and if you have noisy neighbours you will here them (especially at night). The air con was always on and worked a treat so no issues with keeping cool. The safety deposit box in our room was free so i presume this is the case for all the rooms, We had no issue regarding things being stored in the mini fridge, there is a little supermarket up the road that sells cheaper water and we stored all ours in the fridge... The pool was tidy and clean and there were plenty of sunbeds. The pool doesnt open while 9am so dont think about going and putting those towels down early. also if you disappear for hours on end (i dont mean dinner) then the staff will ask enquiring questions and subsequently your towels will be folded up neatly and put in the shade. someone else will then be allowed to use that sunbed. Just as it should be i think. The cleaners start at 7am if a room is available so dont expect a lie in if the room next to yours is available. The highlight for this hotel though is its staff and its food. Both were outstanding. 5 star in both respects. Every single member of staff from the cleaners to the manager was pleasant, helpful, and patient . i know they are supposed to be but just look at the reviews for other hotels in this region and you will see that the surly italian does exist. fortunately not at the alpha. The receptionist "isobella" was an inspiration (say hello). She was obviously helpful and professional but she was personable and relaxed and remebered your name or where you had been etc... There arn't enough superlatives to express how good the food is. imagine that special restaurant you go to for a special occasion, where everything is beautifully cooked to perfection. this is it. No crock pots or microwave meals here, everything is freshly cooked by a chef who i think the alpha will have difficulty in holding onto. The choice changed each night and usually there was a salad buffet as well All the reviews here have highlighted the food as being superb and really, it is. A nice touch as well is that if you order a bottle of wine you dont have to drink the whole lot in one evening, They will store it for you and you can finish it off the night after, ideal if only one of you is drinking. The service is exceptional and the waiters relaxed, happy and helpful The breakfasts were buffet style, the usual continental breakfasts but also choices of cereals and also a hot option ( bacon egg and toast) You can buy train tickets at the hotel and it is really a must if you go to pompeii to go on the train. The cost of an excursion via the travel company was (55 euros) cost of a train ticket and entrance fee to pompeii was (12.90 euros) and it will get you there quicker, ..any doubts ask isobella