Italia Day 1-Sorrento

I arrived to Sorrento this morning to begin my solo journey of eating (lots), praying (hard),and loving (myself first); and I couldn't have received a better welcome than the one I got at Hotel Bristol after a long flight from Toronto to Rome, and Rome to Naples.  http://www.bristolsorrento.com/

The reason I went with this hotel, of the many reasons there are to choose from, was namely the copious amounts of positive reviews I came across on line. Normally I try not to let reviews skew my decision, but it was really hard in this case to come across anything substantially negative. Of course I didn't book solely on this regard, but for my second criteria being a POOL! With the amazing weather this time of year in Italy, I wanted to take full advantage and make sure I get some tan time in amidst the lemon and olive trees, vine and pastries. Oh yea, and Italian Language School!!!

The hotel is located a 10 minute walk into town or the main square-Piazza Tasso. I also needed somewhere close to the school I am attending 'Sorrento Lingue'. It is a 20 minute walk for my language lessons (sans heels...the cobblestone can really kick your ass), however the walk is beautiful winding through narrow streets and pathways down to Marina Grande, the whole time taking in beautiful views of Mt. Vesuvius across the bay.

I have visited Sorrento times previous for cooking classes or a day trip, and have loved the shopping in Piazza Tasso but I haven't spent much time in the city. I am a HUGE fan of Positano on the Amalfi Coast, and usually take the boat or hydrofoil back and forth, so this week should have me learning something new resting my LV's and Loubou's long enough to get to know the place.

Starting with the hotel front desk staff... whoa charmers! Upon check in (Grazie to Giancarlo AKA Mr.Hotel Owner) I was offered my choice of a junior suite with outdoor balcony jacuzzi and full view of the sea and Vesuvius, OR, the Bella Garden Suite hidden up in the ancient gardens behind the hotel, more for honeymooning couples. I decided to go with the jacuzzi suite as it was just a LITTLE too quiet for me up in the gardens, and the villa would have had me hiding in the closet all night with its size and stillness.

Back to check in...the second I walked thru the lobby door I was greeted by all 3 reception staff members instantly as well as the owner himself, who actually owns many notable hotels on the coast. They did not wait a second and whisked me off to choose my room while my luggage etc was taken care of. None of the usual signing in routine that makes you feel like a paying customer, they knew me by name upon arrival and treated me like a family member. When I asked about how to work the in-room safe, Giancarlo took me right away with the hotel manager to teach me how to use it. He also took me on a tour of the hotel showing me the various restaurants and bars, lounges, and amenities. The pool is gorgeous, probably one of the nicest I've seen on the Amalfi Coast-on the top of the 7th floor and overlooking the Bay of Naples. A poolside bar and lunch venue, gorgeous gardens, cabanas and loungers, a small exercise room and a sauna/hot tub combo all spot the property.  These hotels have been in his family for years, and he shows so much pride working more often than not, and maintaining an impeccable staff.

The hotel itself has 3 restaurants. Most of the rooms are modern with flat screen tv's, English channels, mini bars, and bath tubs. As I mentioned before, having a balcony of this size WITH an outdoor jacuzzi bath tub is enough for me to book the room! Combine this with the indoor bath tub, I'm sold! Bath tubs in Europe can be hard to find, so I consider this a score.

The hotel also offers a pick up service, so whereas my flight was into Naples, a driver was waiting in a fresh new Mercedes to deliver me to the hotel- AND at a better rate than any of the other companies or the school I was attending! The driver was so friendly, kept me entertained the hour drive to Sorrento and gave me a history lesson about all the sights we were passing such as Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius.

Keep in mind like Positano in my earlier reviews, the town is in the cliffs and walking, especially on inclines, is common. Heels are going to be difficult, but I have devised a plan around this.... I simply wear a pair of stylish flip flops or flats where I'm going with my heels in my large purse or hand bag, and once where I'm going, I just switch! This actually works well as most of the time I have a larger purse or shopping bag anyways from all the splurging you MUST do here, or in this case I am equipped with a book bag coming and going from language or cooking lessons.

Another reminder, the streets are narrow and often times it seems there is only enough room for 1 car when in fact two will squeeze by AND many pedestrians on both sides of the street. Stay alert and mind the traffic, The main Square does close off to traffic on Sundays but it is otherwise a very busy spot and only seems to get more and more congested each year with growing notoriety.

As I settled in tonight, enjoying a candlelit outdoor jacuzzi on my balcony with a bottle of prosecco, I was sure I made the right decision to come to Sorrento and especially the Hotel Bristol. Especially traveling alone I feel safe and cared for, the staff remaining professional at all times and ensuring that everything is perfect. This is the best way to savour Italy, to make sure you are rested and ready when it is time to taste the food and drink the wine, living like the Italians do for a short while...