Apartment Alambra - Sorrento

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Oct 2007

This apartment was quirky but delightful. It is located on the roof of an old apartment building in Sorrento - yes, you go to the top floor of the building, then up narrow wooden stairs to the roof, then onto the roof and across it before arriving at the door to the apartment. It's a very spacious and nicely decorated studio apartment, through the pitched ceiling is low - one can stand upright on one side of the apartment, but must duck on the other side. The bed was comfortable and there were several futon-sofas in the apartment as well as a table with seating for four. The kitchen included a small refrigerator, a sink and a three-burner stovetop, and a good assortment of dishes and pots and pans. The owners left cookies, packaged croissants, tea and oatmeal for breakfasts (no coffee, though there was a stovetop espresso maker). There is a small TV. The entire roof is your terrace, with a table and chairs and a view of Vesuvius. My only complaint was the paltry hot water, only a few minutes worth. The location is terrific - a small street just off the main piazza, but somehow away from the tourist hordes. It was nice to return to this quiet, typical location at night and feel apart from the tourist trek. And the price could not be beat. As for checking in, after phoning the contact, I was met quickly by a woman on a scooter who led me to the apartment. Cash upfront. Note that there is a 20 euro cleaning fee tacked onto the venere.com prices.

Guest name: SM, USA

Average rating:  4.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2007

The room is centrally located, however it is a cross between a hobbit hole and the burrow (Harry Potter) If you are over 5ft you will need to duck while walking around the majority of the room.

Guest name: BJ, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Jun 2007

The apartment is in a great location just off Piazza Tasso. It has a roof top terrace with deck chair and picnic table which is great for eating outside. The lady in the flat just downstairs was very welcoming and plenty of food is provided for breakfasts (yoghurt, milk, bread, croissants, butter, jam etc) which was a nice surprise. The air-conditioning was very welcome in the hot weather. The stairs up to the apartment are quite steep so it's no good if you aren't fairly nimble on your feet. Bear in mind also that there was an additional cleaning charge of 30 euros not mentioned on the web page. I enjoyed my stay very much and can't wait to go back.

Guest name: Julie Ainge, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jul 2005

The apartment was in an excellent location, just off Piazza Tasso (the main Piazza), but was still peacful. Although the views were slightly hampered by other buildings, which is to be expected as it is in the heart of the town, we could still see Vesuvius and the surrounding moutains. My only concern would be the last flight of stairs up to the apartment, they are steep and a little worn so we wouldn't advise this apartment to anyone with mobility issues or children.

Guest name: Louise Wilton, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2005

It is an appartment on the top of a building. The entrance way and steps are a bit rough (no lift and difficult with big bags as a bit narrow). The appartment is clean, and you have the roof to sit outside and use. It is in a perfect location (off the main square) with Airconditioning and a cooktop (no tv). Before you arrive let them know when you are going to be there and call when you get there. Note well that there is an additional charge of €20 for cleaning after you leave (on top of the price of the renting). Everything has to be paid upfront in cash (including cleaning charge). I was a bit on the nervous side before staying here but for the price it is a good option if you are using it as a base for exploring the surrounding area. We had a great time and would recommend and use this again.

Guest name: Thomas King, France

Average rating:  8.3

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Sep 2004

Overall, we really liked this apartment. It's got one big room which is pleasantly decorated and well equiped, plus a bathroom and a roof terrace. The terrace is a little overlooked by other buildings but there are good views and with a few more plants it would be lovely! The landlady lives below the apartment and is friendly, but keeps out of your way. And she'd included nice touches like providing milk, tea and coffee, fruit and breakfast stuff, etc. The apartment is up a lot of stairs (no lift) and has a very low ceiling, so if you're tall and unfit you're not going to like it! Otherwise I'd heartily recommend it. One minor point: make a careful note of the phone number you'll be emailed when you book because you'll need to phone them from the town's main square and they'll come to meet you (they speak enough English that you can manage if you don't have Italian).

Guest name: Mike Robinson, United Kingdom