Reviews of Villa Serenatella A

Self catering apartment in Marina del Cantone, Sorrento Coast, Italy

Tanya C.

Bristol

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2014 - Villa Serenatella A is a lovely property in a great location which allowed for a relaxing break with a little sightseeing.

The villa was spotlessly clean and spacious, with a well-stocked kitchen containing all the utensils you would need.

The balcony and terraces made best use of the views and have breakfast on the terrace was idyllic. Even in the dark we could tell the view was going to be exceptional and we were not disappointed to wake up to fantastic sea views.

The swimming pool was well maintained and cleaned during our stay. As it is only shared with the apartment below we were able to use the pool as much as we wanted. The deck area around the pool has plenty of sun beds and takes advantage of the view. The villa also has a roof terrace which is huge and has some sun beds for relaxing on, however there is no shade up there so you would need to be a real sun worshiper.

The staff were great in dealing quickly with any problems and arranging meals and days out if required.

I would definitely recommend Villa Serenatella A and would return if we wanted another trip to this area.

Thanks for a wonderful holiday.

Travel tips

  • I would recommend, if at all possible, to arrive during daylight hours. The route has steep and narrow roads!
  • About 60 minutes from the villa there are the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum which live in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius
  • We arranged a great boat trip from the town along the Amalfi Coast stopping at Amalfi and Positano. It is also possible to go to the Island of Capri by boat from the town.
  • There is a bank and supermarket in Sant’Agata, which is cheaper than the local shops. You can reach, with a 10 minutes drive down a steep hill, the town where there are some public stony beaches, restaurants and pizzerias. Here you will also find the reserved beach area which we found was not well used by other guests and we could enjoy a relaxing time there reading and swimming.
  • Beware the rocks you will need to climb over to get to the sea are very sharp so some beach shoes would be an advantage.

Patricia A.

Washington, DC

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2013 - The villa works very well for 6 people. We especially enjoyed the swimming pool itself and the area around the pool. It's deep enough and long enough to swim laps.

The view from the pool area of the village and seascape below is sublime. We would gather here in the late afternoon. Mosquitoes in this area can be a problem unless you are using your repellent. Garden area here and surrounding the decks is nicely designed but needed a little upkeep in late summer. The patio area off the living room was spacious enough for the table to be augmented with the tables from Serenatella B to fit our group of 12 for dinner (we rented both floors which are set up as separate rentals).

All the furnishings and decorations -- the lamps, candelabras, coffee tables, followed a nautical theme and were very attractive.

The kitchen was a bit lacking and needs a microwave. Existing cabinets could be reorganized to allow storage of groceries. The pantry essentials, salt sugar, olive oil, etc. were left from previous renters which was very much appreciated. The espresso machine which used capsules was great until it malfunctioned. Then we had to go back to a older system which worked well with individual packets.

AC worked well and we frequently needed it at night to keep out mosquitoes. Otherwise the front rooms could be opened up for delicious breezes from the sea.

Bedrooms were very nicely decorated, each with a different theme and matching drapes and bed covers. They were not spacious but big enough. Some rooms need a chair as there was no place to sit but the bed. Lighting was very good in all the rooms. Floors were the beautiful ceramic tiles produced nearby.

The family who owns/manages the villa is well known in the villages of Marina del Cantone and Nerano. Olga and her sons could not do enough to insure your carefree stay. Whenever we needed anything, they were quick to provide it. Their complimentary shuttle service is a god-send after a day at the beach. A huge bonus for guests is Olga's private beach area (with lounges, umbrellas, changing cabins and a refrigerator to keep your drinks cool). Swimming here is from the rocks but there is a ladder to get in and out of the water.

We appreciated that the owner was willing to take a check in US$ for the deposit.

Travel tips

  • We availed ourselves of the groceries and wine at the store in Nerano, a 5-minute drive from the villa. If you needed anything between regular visits, Alfonso or Marco would deliver promptly. For a wider and somewhat less costly selection, we visited the Margherita Supermercato in Sant'Agata, a 15 minute-drive. This was also the closest place for an ATM. We used the one at Deutsche Bank.
  • In addition to Olga's private beach we also visited the Recommone Beach which you can walk to in about 30 min but going up from the villa through the campground and down a winding paved road. If you prefer to return an easier way, hire a boat for E10 which will bring you back to Marina di Cantone (and call Olga for the ride back up to the villa).
  • We enjoyed lunch at La Conca del Sogno in Recommone.
  • Note the beaches in this area (ditto for Positano) are stoney so bring water shoes if you're a tender-foot. We loved swimming in the clean, clear water of this area. Many boats and large yachts are moored in Marina del Cantone but the swimming areas are delimited and safe.
  • We enjoyed dining at the beachside restaurants in Marina del Cantone, especially Il Cantuccio, Pappone and Lo Scoglio. Above the beach heading towards Nerano, we enjoyed several dinners at Casale Villarena where the owner kindly provided transportation for our group.
  • If you want to arrange for any special trips, i.e., Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, Roman villa at Castellammare di Stabia, Vesuvius, Boscoreale or to the Amalfi Coast, I highly recommend Sorrento Silver Star. Their drivers are the best! We also enjoyed our visit to a patrician villa, Astapiana, for tour, wine/antipasti on terrace with views of the coast and Vesuvius at sunset, and pizza making, a memorable evening.
  • Finally, I must mention hiking in the area, especially the path from Nerano to the Bay of Ieranto (we bailed out before the rough drop to the bay), and the path from Termini.

Harald W.

Oslo

Norway

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2013 - This superb apartment has just everything one could ask for in a summer holiday setting.

The view is spectacular, the apartment is very large, airy and very stylishly decorated. High quality in every detail.

Everything was ranked excellent, except the bedrooms and bathrooms, which are very good. The reason we did not give "excellent" to the bedrooms and bathrooms is the fact that there is a complete lack of hooks on the walls. Nowhere really to hang up your towels in the bathrooms, and in the showers; no shelves to put your shower gel. This is really annoying, but of course easily corrected if the owner puts his mind to it.

The pool is fantastic with a glass wall towards the seaview. Thus, you swim and look at the Ocean at the same time. Also the owner's representative came every day to clean the pool and check the apartment for any faults. The owner's "shuttle service" (free of charge) to the beach is also a great asset. They normally came within 10-15 minutes no matter what time of the day we called. A unique service. The private beach is a great advantage on crowded days. It has sun chairs, fresh water shower, and easy access to the sea via a stairway (no sand beach as such). Also a refrigerator is available for your cold drinks which you bring along. The owners provide suitable towels to bring to the pool and the beach at no cost. Great.

All in all - this is one of the absolutely best places we have had our holiday, and we do recommend the two Serenatalla units. We were 10 people (6 adults and 4 children) and occupied both units. That was ideal since there is a door and staircase inside connecting the two apartments [locked when only one apartment is rented].

Best regards from 10 happy Norwegians.

PS: The two local grocery shops are very small and have available only basic items in Limited quantities. Do shop in a large supermarket before you come to the apartment. The drive back to a half decent supermarket is fairly long and with endless number of curves.

Charlotte G.

Cheltenham

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2012 - Villa was fantastic! We had an amazing stay and would happily recommend to our friends.

Very impressed with service and had a fantastic holiday - thank you!

Travel tips

  • Bring some DVD's, CD's, games if you enjoy them as none supplied.
  • Hire a car and be brave with driving, you will get used to it! It was wonderful to travel around the area and explore.
  • Don't take too many clothes, washing machine is available.
  • Marco and Alfonso [the owners] were fantastic and shuttled us to the beach (only 2 mins away but steep walk home!) as well as restaurants in the evening whenever we asked.

Fidaa H.

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

VERIFIED

Very good

August 2012 - Excellent choice.

Alfonso and Marco [the owners] were great. The quality was superb.

Your support was great and very resourceful.

Travel tips

  • Keep food in the fridge otherwise ants will get into it.
  • Enjoy the night time peacefulness and the absolutely spectacular views.

Louisa K.

Upper Darby, PA

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

April 2012 - We had a wonderful time at the Villa. It was clean. modern and very comfortable. There were three bedrooms each with a full bathroom. The master bath had whirlpool that overlooked the sea. All of the views are incredible.

The owner, Olga and her two sons, Alfonso and Marco were like family. They went out of their way to make our visit special. We really hated to leave there. I do wish we could have taken advantage of the pool and sun deck, but the weather did not permit it.

It was a bit off the beaten path, closer to Sorrento than we thought, as opposed to Amalfi. You need either a car or a driver to explore the coast. Alfonso runs a shuttle around the nearby towns to restaurants and shops. We were worried that during the times without the driver we would be stranded at the villa, and that was not the case at all.

It was easy to do business with Summer In Italy and we will use your services again. Thank you for helping our family have a great time!

Travel tips

  • For the best experience, hire "Jack the Driver" to take you around. For short trips around the town, the owner's son Alfonso shuttles you around. He can pick you up at the villa and take you into Nerano, to Olga's shop to buy fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, milk, eggs, etc. and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Make sure to go to Amalfi and Ravello. In Ravello, eat at Trattoria Cumpa'Cosimo. Order the sampler platters which include 5 different selections of appetizers, pasta and meats. It's really delicious and makes it worth the trip to this charming town with great views high on the mountain.

Gil B.

Ramat Hasharon

Israel

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2011 - We really liked Villa Serenatella A.

Travel tips

  • Our mobile phone had no coverage.

David D.

Wayne, New Jersey

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2010 - What a family vacation! The Villa Serenatella A was one of the best times we have ever had. The view was spectacular from every window. We enjoyed the rooftop deck every night and we even saw a shooting star.

The owner, Alfonso, was so helpful. Whatever we asked for, he was there for us. We have referred the villa on to friends of ours. I miss it already.

Everyone in Summer of Italy was great, so co-operative. They did everything we asked them to do. Please recommend Sorrento Auto Rental. They were fantastic and Tony was so helpful.

Travel tips

  • The small village of Marina del Cantone was fantastic. Ask for Pepe, he was the key for our boat rides. The village had everything you want, great restaurants, views, swimming and great walks.

Tracy M.

Huntington, NY

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2009 - Our 2 families stayed at the villa for a week and it was fantastic.

We would definitely stay at the villa again and highly recommend people stay there.

The owners of the villa could not be nicer, more supportive, informative and lovely!!!!!

You guys were wonderful too and we will use you for any travel we possibly can. The whole experience was easy, friendly, and perfect... bottom line.

Travel tips

  • he platform for sunbathing and swimming was amazing and we felt like we had the best place on the coast for our personal enjoyment.

Jan Ketil N.

Fredrikstad

Norway

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2009 - The villa was excellent, above all expectations.

The local management was wery helpful.

Everybody was very satisfied.

Everything was working perfect with Summer In Italy. We will come back.

Travel tips

  • My advice for future guests: rent a boat take a trip around Capri and along the coast.

Michael G.

North Vancouver

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

April 2009 - Our hosts were absolutely fabulous and went above the call of duty morning, noon and night and early-morning to make our stay enjoyable.

The kitchen was a little tight - only one person could realistically work in there. Rooms were really nice and well-appointed, pool looked lovely (too cold for us to use), great area to visit and tramp around in and a million-dollar view!

I would return in a heartbeat, and I would also recommend it to my friends.

Travel tips

  • Make sure you drive a smallish car - the Amalfi coast is not conducive to larger vehicles.
  • Bring your music CD's and DVD's as the music system is very good.
  • Gelato and capuccino on the beach were good.
  • Bring hiking shoes.

Unfortunately, Villa Serenatella A can not be booked at this time.

We would love to help you find a suitable alternative. Please be in touch for personal advice from our staff!