Grand Hotel Hermitage - Sorrento, Italy     

We stayed in the Hermitage 2 years ago and loved it. Afraid that it may have changed we were nervous this time. However it was even better. In our opinion Sorrento is quite hot and noisy at night and therefore "escaping" to the hills with a cool breeze and breath taking views is the way to do it. Having access to Santa Agata gives an insight into the less touristy side of Sorrento. The locals are so welcoming and the price of food and drink is amazing for the quality (Call to Orlando!) The hotel bus and the frequent local buses available beside the hotel make Sorrento and the region very accessible. Everyone speaks English and are kind to tourists. The bus stops at the train station and for a couple of euro you can go to pompeii and herculaneum with ease (no need for pricey excursions). The buses also go to amalfi and positano from here. The port has trips to Capri, Ischia and Naples. If you don't want to take the steps down to the port take the local bus from Tasso (don't take a taxi unless you are prepared to remortgage your house. And they will do anything to get you into the car before giving you a price so beware!) Overall we loved Sorrento but we loved Santa Agata even more. The hermitage is the ideal place to stay. The staff are absolutely exceptional from the courtesy bus driver, reception staff, bar staff but most especially the dining room staff. The gentleman in charge is charming and gracious and nothing is too much bother. He converses in several different languages. He told us he once worked in the Dorchester ! The happy working relationship is evident in the friendly atmospere in this hotel. The staff had not changed in two years (surely a good sign). We are recommending this hotel to family and friends and no doubt will return in the future ourselves.