Paradise, Thy Name is Sorrento

Melanie and I just got back from a week long trip to Italy and it was glorious! In Sorrento, we lucked into the nicest hotel room ever, and in Naples we had some of the best pizza in the world!

We found this pizza at a hole-in-the-wall place in Naples. It was only 4 euros and it was DELICIOUS!

Our Hotel in Sorrento

We began our Italian adventure in the town of Sorrento, near Italy's famed Amalfi Coast. Our decision to go to Italy was a bit last minute so we had a hard time finding a hotel with rooms available, but fortunately Hotel La Tonnarella had a Junior Suite that cost less than a normal room in some of the other hotels closer to town.

Much to the frustration of my wife, I over-research almost everything. While looking at information about our hotel I discovered that one of the rooms at La Tonnarella is much nicer than the others. Too bad we booked so late.

La Tonnarella sits high on a cliff, overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius

When we checked in I casually asked, "So, which room will we be staying in?" The front desk clerk replied, "Let's see... you are in room 24, sir." 

I couldn't believe my ears! I blurted out excitedly, "REALLY?? We got room 24!?!" 

The woman looked somewhat confused, "Yes, sir. Did you request... have you stayed here bef -- how do YOU know about room 24?" 

I made a typing motion (for some reason), and said, "I researched the rooms. I know about room 24! I can't believe we are in room 24!!!" Based on her sly smile the desk clerk seemed to enjoy my ecstatic reaction.

So you may be wondering, what's the big deal about room 24? Well, take a look at these pictures:

The entry to our suite

The bed is on a raised marble platform

There is an inviting shower on the balcony

We sipped early morning coffee and ate lunch at this iron and tile table

This stone bed on our balcony was really comfortable... and look at that view!

We could almost swim laps in this huge jacuzzi tub in the bathroom

If you count the little stone benches this room has 24 has TWENTY chairs/seats

The view from our balcony. (That's Mount Vesuvius in the distance.)

The other side of the balcony had great views of Sorrento and an old fishing village called Marina Grande

Dining in Sorrento

Naturally, most of the cuisine near Sorrento focuses on fresh seafood from the Mediterranean. We had some really excellent meals at the hotel, and in town:

The rooftop restaurant at the hotel was very romantic

Lightly seared scallops with fresh Sorrento lemon sauce

Lobster pasta

Melanie's seafood pasta was only 20 euros!

As the sun went down they played some light Italian jazz, and I swear I saw Melanie swoon a little bit

On our second night we ate at Bagni Delfino in the fishing village of Marina Grande

Before our meal we received a complimentary appetizer with fresh tomatoes

Sea urchin pasta

Melanie's seafood risotto was incredible. A must order the next time we're at the restaurant!

Every table at the restaurant is right on the water

Many of the boats were vibrantly colored

It was so peaceful to watch the ocean (and the fishermen) while we ate our meal

The Italians REALLY know how to make desserts. This lemon cream cake was to die for.

In downtown Sorrento we picked up some bread, cheese, and meat for sandwiches. What a delicious lunch!

On our final night in Sorrento we ate at a restaurant called 'Ghibli on the Beach'

A complimentary appetizer: fried zucchini blossoms 

My lavender shrimp appetizer was beautiful... and delicious

Gnocchi with fresh clams and zucchini blossoms

Melanie really enjoyed this fried fish and vegetable dish

The docks near the restaurant, as the sun began to set

We Are Returning to Sorrento!

After our dinner at Ghibli, a friendly cab driver drove us through some super narrow back alleys in Sorrento. Suddenly, we were on a street that felt like a Disney attraction! There were colorful restaurants, bars, people laughing and dancing, live music, and some guy in the middle of the road playing songs on his accordion. Why did we have to find this place on our final night???

We were scheduled to spend our last two nights in Naples, but we seriously considered finding a room somewhere so we could spend one more night in Sorrento. Instead, we compromised. The next morning we booked room 24 for our wedding anniversary next June!

There is an Italian saying that Naples makes you cry twice... once when you arrive and once when you leave. We found that to be true. Read about Naples here.