Sorrento!

Wrapping up my week in Sorrento, and my week at Sorrento Lingue Language School; I have formed some new feelings for this town at the beginning of the Amalfi Coast that I did not previously have.

Hotel Bristol was amazing http://www.bristolsorrento.com/en/index.php  It was the perfect place to relax and study, especially with my head full of the language of love! I ADORED the roof top pool terrace with many private loungers and spots to cuddle up with a book, every nook and cranny overlooking the Bay Of Naples.

I was more impressed with Sorrento this time around as I had more time to explore. I managed to find a small grocery store 'CONAD' just below The Bristol and Hotel Capodimante, but be aware they are some of the rudest people I've ever met. Get in, get what you need, and get out. There is also a small hole in the wall wine shop just across and down from The Bristol where you can grab panini during the day, beer, wine, and snacks. The main tourist area at Piazza Tasso is always busy, and on the weekend closed off to vehicular traffic which was nice.

At the water you will not see beaches as we know them. They are mainly rocky with some loungers, so if a soft sand beach is your thing- carry on. I like to use Sorrento as a starting off point to explore the neighbouring areas such as Positano, Capri, Amalfi, Ravello, etc. The hotel was actually full of British people when I was there and they mainly seemed to be staying on the hotel property relaxing, eating their meals in. I personally would rather explore, but if relaxation is what you're looking for- then do as you please. The flight is not long for them so it is an ideal spot to come and stay.

Some extra details regarding the Bristol- the coffee sucks. I know you come to Italy expecting great coffee anywhere you go...but it really is bad here. The safe: I had major issues when first trying to operate it, thankfully the hotel owner came and showed me how to work this tricky one. The street in front of the hotel: beware-its dangerous! The super busy road around a bend makes it difficult to cross, be prepared to wait a while when crossing. Cafe Veneruso- Once you get to the bottom of the main road from Bristol where town starts, you'll see the big red awning on the right side. Stop in for pastries and coffee. This was my morning ritual that I am now cursing it as I work off the extra weight. The owner behind the cash register was even so cute to try to teach me new words in Italian each day since he knew I was studying at Sorrento Lingue :)
The pool: unheated so even in the hot midday sun it is freezing. Be sure to tip the pool waitress. I unfortunately cannot remember her name (names are not my strong point) however she is there day in and day out and works her butt off. The sun stayed hot until 7pm at least so it made for a long afternoon at the pool, which around 4:00 or 5:00 turned into 'tea time' with my Brits!
Get to know Giancarlo (owner), Ercole and Salvatore. They are always at the hotel and would check in with me every day to make sure everything was ok.
Housekeeping: Grrrrrr.....I have a tiny issue here. Every day at turn down time, she would knock briefly and lightly and storm right in the room. The first 2 times she did this I let her know she did not give me enough time to get to the door, but she wasn't really understanding. By the 7th day I almost lost it. I also heard many other people at the hotel saying they had run ins with her as well, just walking into their rooms.
Bottle Opener: Bring your own! I asked several times and could not get one. Considering the mini bar is full of  bottles that require an opener, I am not sure why they don't provide one. I considered going back to my high school days of keg parties and trying to pop the top off myself, but after breaking a few nails I just went and bought one at the grocery store.
In room dining menu: I could not get one. I asked and asked and they basically directed me to the menu posted outside the restaurant. I went the first day and wrote down the menu to keep in my room, but by Day 4 I just would call chef and ask him for what I felt like, knowing you can get away with this in Italy. Every kitchen has many pastas available, and the ingredients are fairly standard so he had no issue whipping me up tagliatelle with seafood, or roasted chicken.
TV: It did not work most of the time I was there. I did not bother making it an issue since ....well....I was in ITALY! I was not there to watch TV. I had a balcony jacuzzi and an amazing view of Mt. Vesuvius, not to mention all that walking and studying made me exhausted. I could fall into bed and care less about TV.
Transportation: I had the most amazing driver as of yet: Paolo Bellantonio car service at www.bellantoniolimoservice.com or +39 081 5342293, was a fantastic driver that picked me up from the airport, drove me to Positano, and from Positano back to the train station in Naples. He was so professional and funny, sweet and generous. He also offers day trips around the Coast and really does know it inside out. He navigates the curves and turns with ease and has a selection of vehicles to suit. A Mercedes from airport to hotel, and a van from hotel to train station after much shopping and heavy luggage :) I have used many car services and this one takes the cake.

I have to say The Bristol renewed my confidence in Sorrento as a destination. I am partial to Positano and make that my #1, but I have already decided to go back again and study, staying at the Hotel Bristol. The service is unparalleled, they pour their hearts and souls into their work and the property and it shows. For a week straight I felt a part of the Bristol family and enjoyed getting to know the staff. Best of all- my week was relaxing and easy and a perfect setting to study.