Hotel Astoria Sorrento

The hotel offers a charming and authentic experience, distinguished by its central location in the heart of the city and its beautiful garden courtyard and rooftop plunge pool. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff and the hotel's overall cleanliness as major positives. While many appreciate the spacious rooms and comfortable beds, some note that rooms can be small and noise from hallways or outside streets can be an issue. The breakfast receives mixed reviews, with some finding it excellent and others describing it as basic. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and couples looking to explore the city on foot, as well as families who value convenient access to attractions and attentive service. To ensure a more peaceful stay, guests might consider requesting a room facing the garden rather than the street, and be aware of potential ongoing construction noise.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's various amenities, including a rooftop plunge pool which, though small, provides a refreshing escape, particularly for sunbathing. The tranquil garden courtyard is a popular spot for guests to relax and enjoy drinks amidst lemon trees. Most guests find the free Wi-Fi to be reliable throughout the property. While some rooms feature effective air conditioning, others report it can be noisy or less efficient, with some units primarily functioning as heaters. The hotel utilizes elevators for guest access, though some rooms may require navigating multiple lifts and stairs. In-room amenities vary, with some rooms offering a mini-bar and a kettle, while the television size and functionality receive mixed feedback, with some noting older models or a lack of international channels.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high praise for its spotless environment, with guests consistently describing rooms and common areas as very clean and well-maintained. Room sizes, however, elicit mixed opinions; some guests find them spacious and well-furnished, while others describe them as small or compact. Feedback on bed comfort is also varied, with some finding them comfortable and others reporting them to be quite firm. A significant recurring concern is the paper-thin walls, leading to considerable hallway noise and audible conversations or activities from neighboring rooms. Street noise is also noted, especially for rooms facing busy areas. The bathroom facilities are generally clean with good shower pressure, though some guests mention issues like slow drains or the presence of mold. The overall decor is often described as dated, reflecting a traditional style.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience at the hotel garners highly mixed reviews. Many guests praise the breakfast as excellent, plentiful, and offering a good variety of continental options, including fresh bread, cakes, and fruit. The staff in the dining area are often commended for their cheerful attitude and attentiveness. However, a notable number of guests express disappointment, describing the breakfast as mediocre, basic, or even poor. Specific complaints include the hot section being consistently cold, pastries not being properly cooked, and a lack of quality in industrial products. Some guests also note issues with the cleanliness of the dining area or the absence of proper coffee options like espresso or cappuccino. The hotel also offers dinner in its restaurant or garden, which is generally well-received for its wholesome Italian food and reasonable prices.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly cited as its strongest asset, placing guests within easy walking distance of virtually all major attractions, including the main square, numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. It offers convenient access to the port for ferry services and the train station for excursions to nearby sites. Situated in a pedestrian-only section of the city, the hotel provides a vibrant atmosphere right outside its doors. However, this central placement means the hotel is not directly accessible by car, requiring guests to walk a short distance with their luggage. Parking is available off-site through a valet service, which some guests find expensive and inconvenient due to limited access to their vehicles. Additionally, some rooms may present accessibility challenges, requiring the use of multiple elevators and stairs.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and professional demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The quick check-in process and efficient luggage assistance upon arrival are often mentioned. Staff members are commended for providing valuable local information, assisting with arranging transfers and day trips, and even offering practical help like lending a wheelchair. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few guests report isolated instances of staff being curt or less welcoming, particularly during night shifts. Overall, the attentive service, from the front desk to housekeeping, significantly contributes to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
A critical piece of information for prospective guests is the presence of significant ongoing construction within the hotel building, which has caused considerable noise disturbances, including hammering, drilling, and shouting, particularly in the mornings starting as early as 7:30 AM. This has impacted guests' ability to relax or sleep in their rooms, with some feeling the hotel is not currently suitable for accommodation given the extent of the work. The hotel's overall aesthetic is described as traditional style or old-world charm, which some guests appreciate for its authentic character, while others find the furnishings and decor to be dated and not reflective of modern four-star standards. Regarding transportation, the hotel's off-site parking system relies on a valet service, meaning guests cannot directly access their vehicles and must coordinate with staff for pick-up and drop-off, which can be inconvenient for those planning frequent car excursions or needing quick access to their luggage.