Hotel La Bussola - Amalfi

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Mar 2008

Beautiful location, our room had a view looking over bay. Helpful staff. I would use this hotel again.

Guest name: Eve Clarke, USA

Average rating:  8.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2008

Both my partner & I would highly recommend this Hotel. La Bussola Hotel is everything it advertised. Wonderful location with great views, offering well presented, spacious, clean rooms. Breakfast was great, fresh and plentiful, with good service. The Hotel offers great accessibility. With many of the Hotel's in the area being a little distance away from the shops, buses etc and often on hilly terrain we were delighted to find the Hotel was on flat ground opposite the beach, with a short flat walk to buses and the central shopping area.

Guest name: SR, Australia

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Mar 2008

Loved the location. It was a bit noisy at night. Over all a great place to stay.

Guest name: Thomas Hines, USA

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: 

stayed in Mar 2008

WE LOVED the hotel and the location. The service desk could have been more helpful with restaurant inqueries and bus information and what we could do in the area of interest. The TV didn't have a English speaking movie channel, as our first hotel in Rome did. They also need more varity in their menu, like chicken or steak, you can only eat so much seafood, pasta and pizza. LOL

Guest name: ML, USA

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Oct 2007

La Bussola is a lovely, full-service hotel, in an absolutely beautiful location, just a few blocks from the bus-stop area. It's best feature: the outstanding location right on the coast, most room with an ocean view. Breakfast was included, decent standard fare of cereal, yogurt, and pastries. My only complaint would be the noise at night. The hotel is located right on a small street next to the harbor, where there was surprisingly quite a few noisy trucks and mopeds passing through at various hours of the night. Still, the view and the overall value are excellent and outweigh the noise factor. I would definitely stay here again, and next time for longer than our 2 nights!

Guest name: Monireh Moghadam, USA

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

The only complaint I had was servic4e at the bar was slow (not manned) but this could have been due to low occupancy.

Guest name: PE, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

This hotel is in an excellent location for touring the entire Amalfi coast. The bus and ferry service is just down the street and the town offers many excellent restaurants. The view over the harbour is beautiful.

Guest name: FRANCO BEVILACQUA, Canada

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2007

We loved our stay here. The hotel is a short walk to ferry and bus services, making the location excellent for day touring and enjoying Amalfi. We booked a terrace room enabling us to enjoy sitting outside watching the activity in the harbour. The hotel swimming pontoon immediatly over the road was both convienent and good to use. The only negative was one surley staff member. We are happy to recommend this hotel.

Guest name: RR, Australia

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2007

The hotel is located just 2mins walk away from the main Ferry harbour and is which give great access to the rest of the coast and makes the hotel arrival from Molo Beverelo (Naples Port) very strightforward (And beautiful). Very friendly and helpful staff, good breakfast and drinks priced well. Only downside is that our room was a little small but otherwise a Great hotel and fantastic Location! Probably the nicest in Amalfi :O)

Guest name: Carlo Salvatore, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2007

Our only disappointment was the quality of the breakfast otherwise we would mark this hotel full marks. Very good position, very good staff and very clean rooms - we'll be back.

Guest name: Christine Loveday, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2007

We had probably one of the best rooms in the hotel.The balcony was a fenced off part of a larger terrace, which made it surprisingly more private , as we looked over the passing road into the treetops and out to sea, and nobody from the road could see us. There were beautiful tiles everywhere, and especially our bathroom was nice. What should be pointed out ,was that the ferryboats to Capri etc. had not yet started for the season in mid March,so we had to move to Sorrento after just four days in Amalfi.The staff was very helpful in finding us a suitable place to stay there. The fact that Hotel La Bussola had a lift and was very conveniantly located to everything was important to us.

Guest name: HB, Norway

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2007

This is a great hotel with a wonderful staff -- the best from our entire 12 day trip in Italy. The rooms are wonderful with amazing views that you can see from your room balcony. The location is perfect as it is close to downtown but a block away to avoid most of the noise at night. The breakfast offered was wonderful with some of the best coffee we had on the trip. This really was a wonderful experience for us and the hotel lives up to their great reputation in service, quality, and value.

Guest name: James Carstensen, USA

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Feb 2007

Very enjoyable stay. Breakfast could be better. Excellent location, beautiful part of Italy

Guest name: PC, Australia

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Nov 2006

El hotel es muy lindo, los cuartos son pequeños, la ducha del baño es muy incomoda, cuando no hay bañadera y solo es ducha. El desayuno es bueno, la cercania al centro de Amalfi es excelente con una lindisima vista al mar. Tiene parking pero hay que pagarlo.Existe la posibilidad de cenar en el restaurante del hotel un menu fijo, bastante bueno.

Guest name: MB, Argentina

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Sep 2006

We were fortunate enough to have a balcony full sized room - our friends had a smaller corner balcony room with only 60% of the space in our room but paid the same price. The reception and porter staff were excellent and spoke English very well - there were no communication problems. The restaurant staff were relentlessly unfriendly and never once smilled. The value for money for breakfast was quite OK but the Dinner value for money was quite poor - you can eat much better in a friendly aptmoshere for the same money at almost any other of the many restaurants 5 minutes walk away. Thank god they didn't turn off the airconditioning when it was advertised - we would have cooked. The hotel says air con is not needed after the middle of September - boy were they wrong about that. Car access to the hotel is chancy- but every where on the Amalfi coast is chancy with a car. Once we were at the hotel the porter took the car and we didn't need it until the morning of departure - it was delivered to the front door. We used local buses to get around the area - cheap and no driver stress - just enjoyed the scenery. Location of the hotel is right on the water front with lovely views day and night and away from the crush and noise of the centre of town - highly recommended position

Guest name: John Gray, Australia

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2006

Based on former experiences form other hotels, we were doubtful that La Bussola could live up to the prospects sent us in advance. We had nothing to fear. The hotel had a superb location close to the harbour and in walking distances from the town center and the beach. The room was very spacious with a beautiful view overlooking the harbour. The standard of cleanliness was excellent, and the staff friendly and serviceminded. We have no doubts in recommending La Bussola for any future visitor in Amalfi.

Guest name: Helge Simonsen, Norway

Average rating:  6.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2006

The hotel staff/owners were very helpful and it is easy to see that in its 'heyday' this was a very fine hotel - it still has nice spacious public areas and a large restaurant etc. However, it no longer has the wooden Lido/Solarium that is shown in the photograph that is on the sea in front of the hotel - we booked for this aspect - we seaswim. Also, the noise from the street is high, especially 7-10 year old letting off 'bangers' from 4pm - 7pm every evening. Then the garbage trucks come at 4.30am - followed by the commercial bus depot opening at 5.30am (next door to hotel) - in short is you wake easily, this will not suit you. So,noise aside, and no Lido, and its nice enough for a short stay.

Guest name: Leo Duffy, Ireland

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2006

Great location, however a little nosiy for us on the first floor with traffic right below. We loved the hotel and the staff was wonderful. Would stay there again maybe on the 4th floor.

Guest name: CF, USA

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2006

Good value and superb situation - no steps to climb! 2 minutes from town centre and restaurants (but don't go to the Lido Azuri just over the road). Breakfast only average, should be fresh fruit and hot coffee. A kettle in room would be good and proper chairs on balcony. Bar drinks much cheaper than in town. Altogether an excellent choice.

Guest name: William Cormie, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2006

An excellent hotel in an excellent centre for the Amalfi coast. We really enjoyed our stay there and appreciated the position of the hotel and the landing stage for swimming. AS stated by many previous reveiwers breakfast should be better with more choice and there is little point in a mini bar if a bottle opener etc isn't provided!

Guest name: Peter And Margaret Woodhams, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Mar 2006

Beautiful location even though we stayed here in a driving rainstorm. We had a large Double room overlooking the bay with a small balcony. Room and bath were very comfortable. Due to the rain we ate at the in house restaurant which was a little dissapointing for our first night in Italy. breakfast was included and that was very good. I even exchanged my books for some other paperbacks to continue on our trip. I would recommend this for spring, summer and fall, any time other than a driving rainstorm!

Guest name: Matthew Bailey, USA

Average rating:  6.9

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Aug 2006

I stayed in a single room w/o air con....big mistake. If staying in the middle of summer request a room with air con. Room was quite clean although the bath towels were more like oversized kitchen towels. Great location, 5 min walk from port. Can get noisy in the evening but dies down about midnight.

Guest name: OG, Australia

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2006

Perfectly located, charming and welcoming. A wonderful view especially from the 5th floor terrace. The breakfast could use a quality upgrade.

Guest name: RH, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in May 2006

Great location.

Guest name: Michael Edwards, USA

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2006

We really enjoyed the hotel, it is in an excellent location right on the water and maybe 100 yards from the main Piazza. The rooms are clean and large by Italian standards. Breakfast is great. Rooftop bar service and seating is a nice touch. Dinner was generally good, but you'd be missing a lot of great local restaurants if you stayed in the hotel for all meals. There is some street noise, but the sound of the waves from the sea drowns that out some and I did not find the noise to be a problem. Rates are very reasonable, however the hotel would be better served by raising the rates to include things like the safe, allowing personal food in the minibar, etc, rather than charging guests extra euros here and there for many little things. We plan to return.

Guest name: Rachael Edberg, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in May 2006

One of the highlights of our trip to Italy. A nice, reasonable room overlooking the Med. Sea. The usual european plumbing but what a view. The drive in was a little scary, no Italian driving schools for the locals. Take the bus trip out to Pompeii. A nice trip to Capri available also. Breakfast a little skimpy but one of the better cups of coffee. Many restaurants close by and we did have a nice dinner at the hotel. Great spaghetti bread. In the evening a lot of street noise comes up to the rooms but the local charm cancelled it out. During May the temperature was OK, but I did not find where they hide the AC for hot times in the summer. A few fans would be nice. Parking is tight. We would come here again.

Guest name: THOMAS WILLIAMSON, USA

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Apr 2006

The room was a great value but I was not impressed with the restaurant. We arrived during a rainy time and did not want to walk to town.

Guest name: AA, USA

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Mar 2006

Very good hotel, located just on the sea, close to the mean square in Amalfi (50 mt). If you require a sea-view room, it will be wonderful! The price is very low, I paid 60 Euros for a double room with breakfast. The room are no large but confortable. Hotel also has a parking: I think that the price is included in rate, because I didn't pay other money for parking my car.

Guest name: Marco Sgambati, Italy

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Mar 2006

Our group had a wonderful time and would definitely stay there again. The staff was most efficient and helped us with all of our needs. We look forward to our next stay at the La Bussola.

Guest name: Barbara Odell, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Mar 2006

We had an excellent stay at La Bussola. The hotel was very,very nice, and the rooms were very clean. It was a bargain! We were lucky enough to have a balcony, but it's important to know that they are doing a lot of outdoor renovations on the hotel, therfore much of the outside is actually covered by scaffolding. None the less, we enjoyed it very much. The breakfast was what you would expect: croissant, toast peices, cereal, juice, and coffee (though it was more like espresso). The staff were welcoming and friendly, and spoke wonderful English which was incredibly helpful. One catch: this hotel, like many in Italy charge you for EVERYTHING. Meaning, if you ask them to place a call for you, even if it is not long distance they will charge you. One of our friends unfortunately was without his luggage for 4 days, and we asked if they would call the Naples airport to see what was going on. They charged my friend for this phone call, but i suppose it was to be expected. The location of this hotel was also great, because it was right near the bus station and the center of Amalfi. Overall, we would recommend this hotel to anyone, especially to people on a budget looking for class at a low price.

Guest name: Tara Carnright, USA

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Mar 2006

Thank to the off-season, we had a great price. The view from the room was wonderful. It is very central,but still quiet. Very close from the bus station if you intend to use it. The breakfast is on the other hand very very average.

Guest name: GF, France

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Feb 2006

LaBussola is the perfect place to stay in Amalfi. Our room overlooked the sea and was beautiful, spotless and comfortable. Staff is friendly and helpful. There is even private parking--a real benefit in the tiny towns along the Amalfi coast.

Guest name: Robert Gatty, USA

Average rating:  6.2

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Feb 2006

Ottima posizione. Stanze pulite e vasca con idromassaggio.

Guest name: FV, Italy

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Dec 2005

La Bussola was much better than I expected! The web pages do not do the property proper justice. The location and views were excellent as the property is accross from the Marina with rooms facing the ocean. I visited in November when the weather was too cold to go in the water, but I can imagine that this place must be heaven in the summertime. The staff was warm and endeavored to make my stay as comfortable as possible. I will definately return when the weather is warmer!

Guest name: Dominique Trammell, USA

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Nov 2005

Beautiful old hotel that maintains its charm regardless of its lack of updating. The only complaint I had was the employees kept pushing their dining facilities on us and tried to get us to stay another nite when we said we were moving to another location up the coast. We felt that was a bit pushy. Otherwise I would stay there again. Amalfi is amazing and the hotel was a perfect location.

Guest name: Andrea Harrison, Canada

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

Don't be put off by other reviews on Venere for Bussolla. This review is up to date (sep 05) and the Bussolla one of the top three hotels in Amalfi itself and definately the best value. (believe me, we had 50 guests at other hotels and none could touch it). The Sun deck accross the road overlooking the harbour is perfect for a dip and sun lounge and a beer at the bar was cheaper than any restaurant. The sea view balcony was great but not well sound proofed so a bit noisy in the mornings from mopeds and refuse trucks going about their work. Overall, a great hotel

Guest name: Paul Godsall, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

Had the best holiday but was a little dissappointed when I got a room with 2 single beds pushed together when we booked a room with a double bed.

Guest name: David D'Argenio, Australia

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2005

Superior oom had great terrace overlooking the harbour and first class bathroom. Great location for whole coast with good transport - buses and boats. Very friendly and helpful staff. Swimming platform unfortunately under construction.

Guest name: Tom Mitchell, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2004

The position was fantastic, we had a wonderful room overlooking the harbour with a balcony, admittedly we paid the supplement but it was worth it. We didn't eat in the hotel mainly because the the breakfast was so pathetic we preferred not to waste time trying the evening meal and there were lots of excellent restaurants in the town. Off road parking was a bonus and the proximity of the htoel to the main town was very conveneient -- would go back but do something about the breakfast!!!

Guest name: Richard Edy, United Kingdom

Average rating:  6.9

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Sep 2004

We enjoyed our stay at La Bussola. The location of the hotel is fantacstic - so close to the sea and the town, however we found the staff to be very unfriendly and seemed to be put out by any request we made.

Guest name: LB, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2004

The hotel was quite old fashioned and a pleasant experience to stay at. For Italy seems like good value. Was noisy on occasion as it was next to the road & promenade, but situated well for everything you could need in Amalfi. Watch out for the small pink jellyfish - they have a nasty sting! The staff were helpful in booking us onto excursions and readily got information about ferries & rail trips to help us get to our next destination. Lack of vegetarian choices in the restaurant but only 2 mins walk into town & plenty of other restaurants to choose from. Amalfi itself is lovely and we were not disappointed.

Guest name: David Reeson, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Sep 2004

The hotel is in an ideal location - close to the centre of town and the private/public beaches. The hotel doesn't have a beach with sand however if you just want to take the sun, it is fine. the hotel is also close to public transprotation. The staff is courteous, helpful and very accomodating. I would recommend this to anyone who stays in Amalfi.

Guest name: Jessie Della Sala, Canada

Average rating:  6.5

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2004

The Hotel is well situated in a lovely location . Two things which let the Hotel down were the food, which was very poor and secondly the bar area.

Guest name: DJ, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.4

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Aug 2004

The quality was commensurate with the very affordable price. There was virtually no greeting upon our arrival, and questions asked during our stay were answered by the personnel on the desk somewhat abruptly, borfering on rudeness. All other personnel were extremely nice. The location and the view were spectacular. Beds were quite torturous.

Guest name: CB, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jun 2004

Amalfi properties are in such demand that one assumes bargains cannot exist. La Bussola is the exception that proves the rule: location and quality are without parallel at this price. Some reviews refer to inadequate A/C, but our room was quite comfortable throughout our stay. The chance of our returning is 100%.

Guest name: Alan Heatherington, USA

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2004

Good value for money, and perfect location, as we were just a minutes walk from the centre of the town. We did find that the hotel was a bit noisy though, as our room was side onto the road. Spacious room though.

Guest name: PH, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.9

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Jul 2004

Older-aged staff was not friendly at all, but the younger staff was very accomodating. This is an aging property which has not been upgraded in quite some time, and they need to re-think their pricing structure. Foreign visitors such as my group found it offensive to be "nickel and dimed" for charges such as $10 per night for air conditioning, and $1.50 per nite if you put your own water in the honour bar. They should just raise the nightly rate. Since I could not specifically ask for air conditioning while reserving on your web site, we needed to change our room after the first night since it was so warm. We were not offered or given any assistance by the hotel staff to move our belongings. The hotel's benefits: you are withing walking distance to the center of Amalfi and the dock to get boat transportation to Sorrento, Positano, Capri, Ischia, etc., and there is a beautiful view of the harbor.

Guest name: Michele Pascetta, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2004

We had an absolutely fantastic stay at La Bussola. The staff were friendly and very helpful. Our room was very spacious with two balconies and the hotel was beautifully presented throughout. There are plenty of places to eat within walking distance and no uphill slog to get back to the hotel!! The hotel bar was the cheapest place to drink! We'd definitely stay there again.

Guest name: Julie Robinson, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2004

Excellent holiday. Food excellent but a little more variety would be good. Hotel very convenient for all amenities.

Guest name: Allan Maddern, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Feb 2004

My only mistake was in NOT reading closly how may nights on the confirmation. We only needed 2 and somehow the resv. said 3 nts. However the hotel which we called a day or two before arriving said all was ao and made the adjustment. My parents had been there the year before and loved it.

Guest name: LA, USA