Villa Crawford

“Old world Italian Villa with a prime location on the Bay of Naples”

Mrs C and I had been a little concerned that I’d booked us into a nunnery for this holiday as the confirmation email referenced the religious order that owns the property. However, to put everyone’s mind at rest it is, at most, Christian Lite with the odd crucifix adding a charming, if Roman Execu… more

Mrs C and I had been a little concerned that I’d booked us into a nunnery for this holiday as the confirmation email referenced the religious order that owns the property. However, to put everyone’s mind at rest it is, at most, Christian Lite with the odd crucifix adding a charming, if Roman Executionesque, authenticity to the property. The nuns - who appear to just pocket the profits and don’t make an appearance themselves - run a relaxed ship with a full bar and ash trays outside on the terrace. Relaxed pop music plays from the speakers attached to the outside of the (unused as far as we could see) chapel in the grounds so you can enjoy a bit of Taylor Swift whilst you sip your Aperol Spritz. Villa Crawford is located one of the best spots on the Bay of Naples. Not only is it atop a cliff with uninterrupted views to Naples, Vesuvius and Sorrento, it is also at the end of a quiet street so no road noise unlike most hotels nearby. It’s a 30 minute walk or 10-15 minutes by car or bus into Sorrento which suited us perfectly. Pompeii and Naples are easily accessible by car or train (the station Saint Agnello is a 15 minute walk from the hotel). We had a hire car and the hotel receptionist helped us buy a week car parking on the street outside for about EUR15. We found a parking spot each day without issue. The hotel grounds are beautifully tended with many interesting and long established trees, vines and other planting. Inside it’s a beautiful period building with lovely furnishings in the common areas. We upgraded to a sea view room and would recommend this as the views are simply stunning. Also, if you go cheap, you might get put “out back”. There are various chalet arrangements in the garden which - from the outside at least - don’t look as salubrious. Our room was well furnished. This isn’t a corporate hotel so maybe doesnt have the “five star” polished feel but as I stay in those for work I appreciate the personal touch. In any case, if this place was turned into a “Spa Hotel” they’d easily triple the price. The hotel has plenty of terraces to enjoy the view and also a snack and drink if you wish. We had breakfast in the hotel each day. The menu doesnt real change but it’s sufficient with breads, croissants, fruit, cereals and eggs. The espressos are good too. We didn’t try the restaurant as we found an amazing little place called Il Rutttino just round the corner and went there every night. Afterwards we enjoyed watching the bats all along the cliffs. Overall then, a stunning location and highly recommend if you want somewhere quiet with amazing views and a relaxed atmosphere.

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“For those who love the old style of life, living and hospitality”

It is a beautiful location and a beautiful historic hotel with a magnificent view over the Bay of Naples and islands. The rooms are clean, beds comfortable, amazing views of the ocean, free breakfast and friendly people working the front desk - very attentive staff! The neighborhood is very quiet a… more

It is a beautiful location and a beautiful historic hotel with a magnificent view over the Bay of Naples and islands. The rooms are clean, beds comfortable, amazing views of the ocean, free breakfast and friendly people working the front desk - very attentive staff! The neighborhood is very quiet and you can walk to downtown Sorrento. We stayed for 6 nights and we saw some amazing sunsets and loved it. At the restaurant you get many local snacks as a supplement to what you ordered. It is recommended for those who love the old style of life, living and hospitality.

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“A Wonderful Experience”

We are already planning on going back next year. The position of this hotel is awesome. I had a room overloooking the sea. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner. At night they offer a set menu with two choices for each course, for only €20, excellent value, we ended up eating there every… more

We are already planning on going back next year. The position of this hotel is awesome. I had a room overloooking the sea. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner. At night they offer a set menu with two choices for each course, for only €20, excellent value, we ended up eating there every night. The two serving staff both had some English and were always smiling and welcoming. Breakfast had reasonable offerings. I would have preferred muesli to be offered as well. The only cereals on offer were a cornflake type and cocopops. No bacon, but that was okay, and they had fried eggs, which were good. The rooms were quite adequate for single rooms with single beds. I did have to ask for another blanket which arrived promptly. All the staff were very friendly and helpful and the staff on the desk all spoke English, my Italian is almost non existent.

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“Impressive location but quite a few cracks”

Set in lovely location overlooking the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius. Plenty of little spots to sit and chill, which you need after the manic crowds in Capri and Sorrento. Terrace on third floor is magnificent with a 360 view of the area. Gardens and grounds are immaculate and tended by employees with… more

Set in lovely location overlooking the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius. Plenty of little spots to sit and chill, which you need after the manic crowds in Capri and Sorrento. Terrace on third floor is magnificent with a 360 view of the area. Gardens and grounds are immaculate and tended by employees with care. I was greeted by a lovely girl Melina in reception who brought me up to my room that had a tiny peek at the bay. The room was laid out well and great bathroom. Unfortunately the bed was too hard and narrow I didn’t sleep well at all. Next morning I asked to move to another room. It was at an extra cost and not half as nice and dark. The room was so badly laid out, the power point for plug had the wardrobe in the way. Melina came to the rescue and provided me with an adapter. Too much furniture, table and chair in the way of opening the wardrobe. The single bed was dressed with a double protective mattress cover, it slid all over the place. On one occasion housekeeping didn’t bother to straighten the bottom sheet. At the top of the bed a colony of dead ants resided, they were removed promptly but it was obvious that they had been there before I entered the room as a guest. In room 408 there’s a water tank or some such nearby, it’s like sleeping in a washing machine, avoid. The decor inside the room is a little weird too and needs revamping, far too basic. Nice bathroom though with plenty of space for toiletries. Breakfast on my first day was a no no as I delayed in changing the rooms and what was left was abysmal. Italians don’t really do breakfast. I have travelled Europe and North Africa and the coffee here was simply the worst. How is it so possible to get it so wrong? The bread had a plastic consistency and the croissants were not fresh or baked early any morning. The site advertised eggs but they were not on the table. In Italy you don’t expect concentrated juice and fresh would have elevated the breakfast. So would a welcoming pleasant face not the one that greeted us first thing in the morning. Anyone can operate a coffee machine. What’s the story with one woman churning out that slop? With a bad attitude into the bargain! Re restaurant downstairs I got better food for less down town. Absolute rubbish for the evening menu. There’s pluses and minuses here. Bar and reception excellent, housekeeping needs a few tweaks, breakfast for Northern European, Americans, Aussies it needs chronic improvement. Ok for 1/2 night stay but mine as was a nine day and boy was I glad to move on. Transport is a major problem in this area and even if you had a car or bike, there’s limited parking. Looks irresistible but not really.

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