We selected the Grand Hotel Aminta as appearing to be the the best value for money, its general rating on TripAdvisor and the fact that that one could get a sunset view room across the bay towards Capri.
We arrived mid afternoon and one could not fault the welcome we received in reception, having got over the shock of a €22.50 taxi bill for the 3 kilometre drive from Tasso Square (it’s on the meter the driver had told us – and it was).
The promise of a stunning view from our balcony out across the Bay of Naples was fulfilled, everything was clean and tidy and the double bed extremely comfortable.
The hotel have a free shuttle bus that runs every hour into the town centre starting at 9 am with a last run back at 11.30 pm. It misses a couple of hours at lunch time and again thre is no 10.00 p.m. down or return.
It is also possible to walk down the old road into town which takes about 20 minutes if one utilizes the steps which cut off many of the hairpins. Coming back up is a bit of an effort and it it easy to miss the turn off to the hotel . The staff were horrified that we had done it after dark and advised against a repeat performance.
Breakfast is buffet style although it is possible to order from the waiters who circulate with coffee and tea. Personally I preferred to mix and match continental and crispy bacon.
We did not eat in the restaurant as there was such a good choice in the town at exceptionally reasonable rates.
The bar was comfortable and it prides itself in the number of whiskeys available – apparently over a hundred including a number of Islay malts. They also have an enviable selection of Grappa without which no Italian holiday is complete.
Cons? We could hear the television in the next room even when the volume was turned down. They have them back to back on wall mounts and I suspect that the power boxes are shared between the rooms. Also any movement in the corridor was clearly audible. We had to request additional shower gel twice before it appeared and our towels were removed but not replaced on one occasion.
Pros?? Spotlessly clean and pleasant helpful staff . Beautiful views from the 2nd and 3rd third floors at least.
There were a number of regulars, who had been returning for a number of years, staying so it obviously has a great appeal for some.
Perhaps we are too picky but we will return to Sorrento but not the Aminta.