1. Italy
  2. Sorrento Coast
  3. Massa Lubrense
  4. Villa Vanessa A
  5. Reviews

Reviews of Villa Vanessa A

Vacation rental apartment in Massa Lubrense, Sorrento Coast, Italy

Dorothy S.

Guelph

Canada

Excellent

May 2010 - Overall the apartment definitely met our needs, extremely clean, magnificent view from the large terrace and the owner was very helpful.

The kitchen was small and lacked some of the basics but we weren't there to cook, although wine glasses and a kettle would have been nice to have.

Would recommend.

Travel tips

  • Don't stay here without a car.
  • Sorrento is busy and difficult to find parking. We found an underground garage close to the square that was great.
  • Massa Lubrense has many small food stores where we shopped for most things.
  • There were no staples in the kitchen when we arrived, only salt and pepper.

Mary G.

London

Canada

Excellent

May 2010 - We loved the villa, was a great location for us to cruise all around the Amalfi Coast, short trip into Sorrento to catch the train or ferry.

The villa itself was very comfortable, the owners quite willing to help out with whatever they could.

I would go back!

Travel tips

  • Don't forget to make sure you have the key! We forgot to even ask about it, we were so thrilled to be there. Once the owners left, we found we had no key and couldn't even get out of the property. Luckily some neighbours came out and they had a phone, we quickly called the owner and he came back within the hour with the key for us.
  • We loved touring thru the country, went to Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Capri, Naples, Ischia (was fabulous). There are so many wonderful places to eat, shop and relax with a glass of wine....

Jill J.

Oakville

Canada

Excellent

March 2009 - We enjoyed our stay very much. It was very suitable for 2 people. Our only complaint is that the mattress is quite hard, however we have found this to be common in lot of hotels/apartments in Italy, so perhaps that is their preference.

The parking and access was very convenient, and the apartment was very clean.

Mr Lorenzo and his family were extremely kind and welcoming.

Booking with you was a pleasure. You were so professional, organized and reliable. You made everything very easy and the information on properties at your site is some of the most extensive we have come across when researching rentals. Thank you.

Travel tips

  • There are some good footpaths for walking into Massa Lubrense so that one can avoid walking on the busy main road.
  • We ate at Il Cantuccio a number of times... very good. And Antonella, at the tourist bureau in Massa Lubrense is a real sweetheart and extremely helpful regarding area restaurants. As we didn't have a cell-phone with us, she made reservations. People seemed quite perplexed that we would travel without a cell-phone... they seem to rely on them exclusively, but the pay-phone in Massa Lubrense or having Antonella help worked out OK.
  • There are some great hikes on the peninsula, fabulous views.

Simone N.

Monza

Italy

Excellent

September 2008 - We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Villa Vanessa A. The owner, Lorenzo, was incredibly helpful and friendly. The views were amazing.

The furniture and decor were fairly tasteful but more importantly everything was spotlessly clean, more than sufficient for our needs and we were very comfortable.

Lorenzo was a very considerate host who provided us with water, wine and other useful basics such as soap, dishcloths and teatowels, toilet rolls etc.

The indoor space was adequate for the four of us (2 adults and 2 young children) and there was a huge sun terrace and also a large terrace for dining with stupendous views.

Travel tips

  • The journey to the beach is quite a hike but we enjoyed the exercise and the owner's son-in-law will provide you with sunloungers free of charge once you tell him you are staying at the villa. It is a stony beach as are most of the beaches along this coast but the water was easy to get into at certain less stony parts and ideal for young kids as the water isn't too choppy or deep.
  • Our favourite sights: the trip to Capri, the Amalfi Coast Drive and Pompeii.
  • If you want a change of beach we went to the Tonnarella Hotel beach in Sorrento and although you had to pay (and the beach was pebbly) there were plenty of things to do. You can also have a coffee in the hotel bar with amazing views.

Samuel P.

Gloucester

United Kingdom

Excellent

July 2008 - Villa Vanessa A did not disappoint us, it was a delightful apartment with superb sea views from the rear and side terrace including the island of Capri and enjoying sun almost twelve hours a day.

The owner, Mr Lorenzo, was pleasant and helpful.

We stayed for seven days and wished it was longer.

Summer in Italy was professional with all pre-holiday procedures, most enjoyable, would visit again.

Travel tips

  • Sorrento was a five minute drive away and there appeared to be a good bus service, however I think having our own transport was an advantage with many coves, small coastal towns and scenic routes all around.
  • Provisions are available just a couple of miles away in Massa Lubrense.

Nicoletta S.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong S.A.R.

Excellent

June 2008 - We loved it and would definately come back one day, even thinking of purchasing a place just like this!

The caretaker was also very friendly and forthcoming.

Travel tips

  • Rent a car.

Sid B.

Narberth, Pennsylvania

United States

Excellent

April 2008 - We enjoyed it very much. The description and photos gave a very accurate presentation and correctly set expectations.

The owner was very responsive and attentive. He made the experience very pleasant.

We booked because of the detailed descriptions, photos, and comments. They were all accurate and very helpful.

Maurice A.

St. Ives

United Kingdom

Excellent

October 2007 - It was a great place to spend a holiday.

We really enjoyed our stay there.

We would be happy to go back there, perhaps next time when it is a little warmer!

Thank you to the Summer In Italy team. The villa owners were lovely people and we had a lovely time and experience. I would not hesitate in recommending you in future.

Travel tips

  • A car is essential really. It is possible to walk to the harbour but there is more activity in Sorrento which is too far to walk. Careful of the traffic warden in Massa Lubrense. She bites.
  • There is a small supermarket just up the road before Massa Lubrense that sells some lovely food. Ham, bread, cheese...mmmm!

John N.

Isaacs

Australia

Excellent

September 2007 - We had a wonderful week in this incredible apartment. The views of Capri, Ischia and Naples from the terrace have got to be seen to be believed.

The owner is very helpful and keen to make sure that tenants are looked after.

Recommend strongly.

Great service, I would certainly recommend to others.

Travel tips

  • Book it! You'll love it.

Zoe M.

London

United Kingdom

Excellent

June 2007 - We had a wonderful time despite the fact that the weather wasn't great. The view is absolutely fantastic and the villa is comfortable with everything you need and would expect to find in a holiday apartment.

The walk in to town along the road is certainly not for the faint-hearted especially at night!

Michelle N.

St Ives

United Kingdom

Excellent

October 2006 - Our stay here was lovely and Mr Lorenzo [the owner] is very helpful and friendly.

We would recommend this to any couple who want a lovely relaxing time based near Sorrento.

There is a bus stop just a short walk away (uphill) that goes into Sorrento every hour (last bus back 11 pm).

Local restaurants are a short taxi drive away.

Travel tips

  • Restaurant Riccardo just 500 m along the main road has excellent food at very good prices.
  • Restaurant Michele's down at the marina does a great homemade pasta with seafood and lots of garlic! Again very good prices for food and wine. But note the taxi fare back to the apartment is expensive (about 25 euros, almost as much as a meal for two)!
  • Take plenty of mosquito repellent - we went in October and they were still in plentiful supply in the evenings!

John S.

Dartmouth

Canada

Excellent

October 2006 - Overall Vanessa A provided us perfect stay for the week we were there. The views from the two large terraces were outstanding. Proximity to Sorrento, Pompeii, Naples made getting around by car or boat easy.

While adequate for two people, we did find the kitchen a bit small. The bed was comfortable.

The Property Mgr. (Lorenzo) was most helpful and always available.

All of you did a great job. All our emails and questions were answered promptly. Your web site was most helpful and all financial transactions were handled in a professional and secure manner.

Thanks for everything we had a great time!

Travel tips

  • Take the full day boat trip from Massa Lubrense (only 25 euros) around to Amalfi and Positano with stops in each. A better view of the coast than driving!

Charlie O.

Celbridge

Ireland

Excellent

September 2006 - The views were stunning, very relaxing.

Not very amiable for walking so car was a must have.

Owner was very friendly and helpful and everything worked out perfectly.

We really enjoyed our stay.

Penny R.

Redondo Beach, CA

United States

Excellent

September 2006 - Everything was great. It was just the right size for 2 people.

Although there were other guests on the lower levels we never heard them.

The house managers were very helpful. They were there to greet us, helped us one night when the circuit breaker went off, and gave us a great recommendation for dinner.

We will be back, either just the two of us, or we will rent Villa Vanessa B with another couple.

The villa was just as advertised and there were no unpleasant surprises (except for no phone at the villa) when we arrived. We will use your services again.

“Yes, please note that indeed in most vacation homes in Italy there is no telephone. This is both because mobile phones in Italy are nowadays the norm (one phone per head, often including children in the family!), and because having a land line is much more expensive than activating a mobile line. If having a phone is important to you please check with us whether one is available at your desired property and what other (mobile) options could be available in case the villa does not have a land line.„

Christine C.

Chelmsford

United Kingdom

Excellent

August 2006 - Villa Vanessa A was everything we expected it to be from the website, so here are some tips:

1. the bus-stop is up a VERY steep hill, but once you get there the buses are reliable and cheap (buy tickets in advance in Sorrento or at the tourist information in the village);

2. the supermarket, just before you get to the village, is very good. excellent delicatessen, better than the shop in Massa Lubrense. The downside is it closes in the afternoon till around 5.00 pm (as you'd expect);

3. there is a coastal path leading to Marina Lobra, just watch for the "stepping stones" before you get onto a proper path. Well worth it as it avoids the hike up the hill to Massa Lubrense and takes around 20 minutes. Marina Lobra has at least 3 very good restaurants and an excellent bar, Angelo's, where everyone hangs out in the evening. They also do snacks. It is very Italian and has a really retro feel. We went to Marina Lobra every day and didn't bother with Massa Lubrense after the first day's shopping expedition.

4. There is a small shop next door to Angelo's, handy for bread, milk etc and again, saves the hike up to Massa Lubrense. It doesn't close during the day.

5. Take some ice cube bags as you'll be wanting plenty of ice.

6. There is a hairdryer, iron and ironing board and a CD player. There is a small espresso pot for stove top use and a filter coffee maker. You need to look in the living room wall units and bathroom cabinet to find everything. There are also 2 bathrobes.

7. The electricity will cut out if you use hairdryer and all aircon at the same time. The reset switch is in the meter box down the road.

8. If there is no hot water you've probably flipped the switch off (I did!).

9. Lorenzo (owner) and Maria (wife) are extremely friendly, in fact everyone was very genuinely helpful and the most friendly people I have ever met on holiday, they certainly don't put it on for the tourists.

10. At the time we visited (Aug 06) the shower cubicle was in a poor state and the water doesn't drain away very well. Also, unavoidably, it is very small. I have reported this to Summer in Italy separately so hopefully it will be replaced at the end of the season.

11. We used the aircon quite a bit and it cost 25 euros, well worth it.

12. Try your Italian, it is appreciated, but most people we came across spoke enough English.

I would go back if the shower cubicle was fixed.

“A new shower cubicle is on its way!!„

Lennart S.

Älta

Sweden

Excellent

July 2006 - We had a wonderful time, Villa Vanessa A is perfect for two persons, the apartment was really fresh, the view from the two terraces stunning, and the Air Condition a blessing.

We were received with welcoming warmth by the owner and the contact person.

We were looking for a high class apartment with a view and close to the sea, and we found it with Summer in Italy.

The descriptions of your objects are correct, which means that the tenant gets what he expects, and that you stand up to what you promise.

Unfortunately, Villa Vanessa 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!