Miramare Residence Hotel

with some intrepedation I read the previous reviews on this hotel 5 days before our departure...yes the kitchenette was in the wardrobe and the children's beds where camp beds (comfortable though - considering we have a 14 year old who never complained), but the rooms are clean, air conditioned, roomy and with a great bathroom. This hotel is a great base for Sorrento and a delightful walk into town. I would not hesitate recommend this to friends or colleagues and returning again. It has a great pool and access to a nearby beach.

My family (two adults and two children 6 and 14) booked Miramare as we enjoy eating out and exploring local sights and tastes. There is a distinct lack of self catering in Sorrento so choice was limited and most hotels seem to be half board. Firstly, the residence is quite a distance from the town centre, up a hill and situated on a horrendous bend, with no pavements, on a fast road (italian drivers!!). Reception is bright and well appointed which possibly amplified the dissapointment to be found in the rooms. We were give a 'suite' out on the garden terrace, through rosemary hedges and with one of the best views over the bay and the town. Unfortunately the rooms were from a bygone era (holiday camp c. 1950) Our rooms smelled like there had been a fire in there, there was a strip light in one room, illuminating depressing dingy-ness. The kids beds were two camp beds and there was a definite mosquito problem. It was thankfully spotlessly clean which is the only positive advantage I can think of. Our on site agent (airtours) relocated us the next day to a hotel in the town centre. The Miramare is clean and has a lovely view however the location is poor and the rooms are at best spartan. If it was a choice between here and a tent, I'd be under canvas

We booked this hotel last October (05) when there were only 1 or 2 reviews but they were positive and we'd struggled to find reasonably priced self-catering accomodation for 2 adults in Sorrento. Based on the subsequent reviews we were slightly anxious but needn't have been cause the hotel was more than adequate. We stayed in room 110 which had a balcony which pretty much overlooked the carpark but was ok and I agree that the kitchen facilities were basic but a fridge is all we really needed anyway. Traffic noise audible but didn't keep us awake or bother us too much. The maids kept the room clean and tidy everyday. Reception staff very friendly, very receptive to you if you make attempt to speak the language. Pool is small but nice for cooling off in and we didn't have a problem getting a sunbed on the terrace but the hotel did seem pretty quiet. We had a terrible time with mosquitos, not sure if it was the time of year of not and despite taking precautions ie. room plugs and repellent we got bitten several times. Take care when leaving doors open and sitting on balcony late pm. Another thing I agree on is the situation of the hotel on a pretty bad bend and a really busy road but there is only a small stretch of road without a pavement and it is a lovely walk with fantastic views into the town, which only takes 10-15 mins. Husband and I walked up and down the road a least twice a day with relative ease and I'm 7 months pregnant! Must mention the Conca Snack Bar at the bottom of via Capo, does wonderful coffee and cakes/croissants/snacks and the staff are very friendly, make the effort to converse in Italian with them. Take care when deciding where to eat and drink, head off down the back streets rather than eating in the main areas as they are much cheaper and the food was excellent. Would definitely recommend use of public transport ie. bus, train and boats at the port to see the main attractions in the Sorrento area, they are really cheap and reliable but I imagine in peak seaon incredibly busy. We found Capri and Amalfi very busy at this time of year. Would recommend visits to both Pompei and Herculaenuem as they offer different perspectives. Avoid booking trips with tour operators as they are quite pricey unless you really feel the need for a guide. My advice, buy a book/map and get out there!

The Miramare gets mixed reviews with good reason. Ok, the bad stuff first... The road on which it sits is fast (40mph +) and incredibly busy. There is no pavement either side and the hotel entrance is on a blind bend. Traffic horns (every 2 mins) continued even to 3am+ (take earplugs) and our stunning video of the breathtaking view from the pool area is ruined due to the noise of traffic. I cannot stress enough that it really is dangerous. I'm used to rapid city traffic but the scooters and cars overtake on the blind bends at high speeds and we had a couple of close calls. Not funny when you have your kids with you! Ok now the good stuff... We stayed in room 103, and ok the kitchenette was pretty useless (not even a kettle) but you go to Sorrento to get out and not to stand cooking. The space was great for 4 of us and all the windows offered just amazing views. Other rooms may not be so good. The maid service was excellent and the place was spotless. They even arranged extra pillows without us asking when they noticed I'd doubled mine over. Reception staff were also great but particular praise goes to the bar/breakfast/pool waiter who just NEVER stopped moving when on duty and couldnt be more helpful. The pool itself is small and when the hotel was busy in our second week we couldnt get near due to the die hard baskers. First week tho' we practically had it to ourselves. Sorrento itself whilst beautiful is literally choking on its own traffic. Hundreds of scooters zip dangerously close to pedestrians, loads of buses/coaches pump smoke out and you can see the smog from the roadside, let alone from up high (up Vesuvius). At night its different as they close the main shopping street and Tasso Square which is great - they should make that permanent. Oh, and dont expect drivers/riders to stop for a pedestrian crossing - they treat them as optional, especially if they are talking to their passenger or on their mobile when they come at you. Be wary fellow traveller! Its certainly a place that you need good shoes. The town is 10-15 mins down the hill and the station is about 1.5km away. Get tickets for the major sights from the newsagents at the station as they are cheaper than the packages sold from the cabin outside the station. Its the getting back after a major walkathon like Pompei or from the supermaket with supplies that the hill is a killer. We averaged 4km a day minimum. Do Herculaneum as its in far better condition than Pompei and you can actually sit in the baths etc. We also found that many shopkeepers were just miserable and almost didnt want us to spend money with them. There were some notable exceptions however and for icecream you simply must visit Davids Gelateria on the rd next to the station turning. Its well off the main road so its quiet (you can actually hear birds) and they are very friendly and helpful. Overall, we found that we could have done the sights in 10 days tops and found we were kicking around for something to do to fill the 14 days. Sorrento is a great base for the big attractions but we spent far too much time avoiding sudden death and breathing carbon monoxide. The hotel would be just great if it was on a bit of straight road but its position really lets it down - despite the views.

We just returned from two weeks at the Residence Miramare in Sorrento. The hotel is situated on the Capo Di Sorrento. The views from this hotel were breathtaking, with fantastic views of Mt Vesuvius!! The swimming pool was small but very clean, lovely to cool off in and never over-crowded! The only problem was that the road in which the hotel was situated was very busy. For trips to Pompeii and herculaneum are easily reached by train at a cost of about 4 euros return. All the staff were very friendly and helpful! Also the centre of Sorrento is only a 10 mintue walk from the hotel! There are plenty of restaurants to eat and drink at, in the centre. Try the Fauno Bar for fantastic food and wine or to just sit and watch the world go by!

We arrived at the hotel 10.30pm to find no bar open(luckily you can drink their water with no ill effects and we had brought some drinks with us) We booked the holiday last sept so expected to have a decent view! The kitchen was in a wardrobe very poorly equiped/ no toaster/ micro wave, just two rings /iron etc................ (keep in mind that this is supposed to be a 4 star so a toaster is not that off the wall a request) We woke next morning to open the windows to find a white wall some 5ft opposite with entrance to the car park of which we had a beautiful view! I approached the desk who let us up grade for 20 extra euros per night-what can i say seaview or car park?(again poor kitchen equip not even a kettle and we weren't the only ones) The hotel is clean/ the views are breathtaking the staff polite. The sun bed area may be alright in june but by july not just enough beds. There is no bar after 5pm and as already stated the town a good walk, all back up hill(mind you there is a good bus service if you can get on one) It is def not a place for children with the pool is very small and you sunbathe at a minimal distance from the edge. As stated the views over the bay of naples and sorrento wonderful but 4 star it is not i would prbably only give it a 2

we have just returned from staying 4 nights at the Residence Miramare. We stayed in one of the self catering apartments and the views from these are absolutley stunning. The apartments are fairly basic but clean and well maintained. The kitchenette is also very basic but adequate tho you are expected to clean this and have to pay if you would like it cleaned on your departure. The pool is fairly small but spottlessly clean and well maintained. If you want a towel for the pool you have to rent one. The main thing that lets this hotel down is the breakfast. It is a bit of a joke with a croissant and bread roll, orange juice and tea. If you wanted cereal or toast you have to pay extra. There is also no fruit or yoghurts etc. We found the staff to be quite unfriendly. The walk into Sorrento is lovely and only takes about 10 mins - the only problem being risking your life crossing the road to get to the hotel as it is right on a bend and the road is busy. We caught the train from the airport to Sorrento which is ok and cost about 3.50 euros, but we got the bus back which was alot easier and only cost 7 euros - it takes about an hour and a half. We got a taxi from the station to the hotel which cost us 30 euros - felt a bit conned as it is about 2 miles.

We stayed for 4 nights and had a massive room with kitchenette (fridge, hob, sink, plates and saucepans etc) and good sized balcony. All the roof spaces are open for sitting out and enjoying the view so even if you don't want to pay for a superior room with a balcony. The hotel seemed more geared up for couples wanting a quiet holiday, and would be less suitable for families. Breakfast adequate. Ours was included in the cost but otherwise 7 euros would be a bit steep for croissant + bread role, cereal or toast, orange juice or tea or coffee. There is no restaurant, but we would recommend the Hotel immediately opposite whose restaurant looks out over the bay, and does delicious food at about 20-30+ euros a head. The internet provision is a disgrace with an slow, ancient PC costing 6 euros for 10 minutes! The computer is in the lobby, and there is no network to rooms. Hotel is 15-20 mins walk outside Sorrento centre up the hill, but still on a busy road. There is a fair amount of noise from this road, particularly from coaches honking their horns on the bend. Noise wasn't too bad on third floor, where the rooms are set back a bit, but I imagine some of the rooms immediately overlooking the road would have been worse. There is a car park, but getting in and out on a blind bend is a bit nerve-racking. Check your life cover before deciding to drive in and around Sorrento too. If you come in by train, it would take 40 mins to walk to the hotel from the station. Sorreto town is pretty, but standard tourist fare with lots of shops selling the same things, and plenty of mediocre restaurants. Most of the locals in shops and restaurants speak good English. Although we booked online, it is used by Thomson, who only give it 3 Ts rather than 4 stars. There was a limited Thomson local guide, but no information about boat trips/Pompei/Vesuvius. However, the reception staff can help out here. Although Sorrento was nice, we would not hurry back. I suggest you research any excursions thoroughly before you go, as the organisation in Italy is terrible. Make sure you carry enough cash, as there are few working cash machines when you need them.

What a gem and the price was right too! Four of us stayed at this hotel in Sept/05 for 4 nights. Saw this property on the web but without any reviews we were a little dubious. The price was right and compared to everything else we were looking at we decieded to take a chance. As the previous writer said, it is about a 10 min walk into town, the view as you walk into town is spectacular. The suites are very spacious and clean! The staff are friendly and helpful. The only negative comment I have, is their continenal breakfast. You get either coffee or tea, plus two buns each. If you want cereal or juice you must pay 1 euro for each. I am a travel agent in Canada and I would not hesitate to recommend this property to my clients.

We have just returned from a 2 week holiday in Sorrento, staying in a self catering studio at the Residence Miramare. The hotel is about a 10 minute walk up the hill from the town centre which allows for spectacular views over the Bay of Naples. The swimming pool is small but in a very pretty setting, again with great views, and it is very clean and well maintained. There is also a separate area with sun loungers on the second level of the building. Overall, the hotel is very clean and staff are friendly. The only downside is the fact that it is situated on a busy road on a bend so you need to be careful when crossing, however you soon get used to it. Sorrento itself is very beautiful and there are many restaurants and bars to choose from. In particular Bollicine wine bar is excellent for both food and wine and the staff are extremely knowledgeable and friendly.