Hotel Eden

Hotel Eden is situated in a 1960s building with a square, yellow facade and terra-cotta roof. The lobby is fairly small, but pleasant, with a white marbled floor, wood reception desk, and modern blue chairs paired with more ornate pieces like a gold table. The reception area extends into a small bar and lounge with a similar atmosphere, but from there most of the indoor areas, such as the restaurant with its two-toned walls and wicker-backed chairs, are fairly ordinary and dated. The outdoor area, with its small pool, patio and well-manicured gardens, is a standout spot, especially for a hotel in the budget range. Many hotels in the heart of Sorrento have higher pearl ratings -- but also higher price tags. With one- to five-person guest rooms, this budget spot is ideal for couples, families, and small groups looking to stay in the city center without breaking the bank.  

One of Hotel Eden's best features is its location near the water on Via Correale in Sorrento's town center, an area that's filled with many pricier, higher pearl hotels. There's also a back exit from the hotel that leads directly to Corso Italia, a lively shopping street. Piazza Tasso is only a three-minute walk and plenty of restaurants and bars are in easy walking distance. It's about an 11-minute walk to the harbor where guests can book 40-minute boat trips to Capri or 45-minute trips to Naples. Pompeii and Positano are about 25 to 45 minutes by car. Naples, home to the nearest international airport, is about an hour's drive. The Sorrento train station is about a seven-minute walk. The hotel offers on-site parking, but it costs an extra fee.

The rooms at Hotel Eden are simple and dated with tiled floors, bare white walls, blue doors, red-and-gold striped comforters, green lacquered furniture, and open wardrobes. While decor may be uninspired, guests find the rooms clean and well-kept, and housekeeping comes daily. All rooms are air-conditioned and have desks, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, but safes cost a fee to operate and in-room Wi-Fi costs extra. 

Bathrooms are fairly contemporary with beige tiled floors, white tiled walls, and lime-green accents. They include toilets, bidets, square sinks, and shower/tub combos. Toiletries and old-fashioned hairdryers are provided. 

Most rooms measure around 190 square feet and are designed to accommodate one to four guests, though Family Rooms can sleep five. The main difference in room designations is view. Economy Rooms overlook the courtyard, Double Rooms have garden views, and Superior Rooms have views of the sea. The latter two room options also offer French windows and small balconies. Guests occasionally complain of noise from neighboring rooms.

For a budget property, the hotel has several nice extra property features. There's a restaurant with a half-board option -- it gets mixed reviews, but it's managed by the Villa Rubinacci, which is attached to the hotel and some guests find its a better choice. The hotel offers a free buffet breakfast with a decent range of classic choices: cereal, bread, cheese, ham, and scrabbled eggs. Breakfast room service is available. A 24-hour lobby bar only has one bar stool, but there are some places to sit nearby.

The outdoor garden is well-manicured and features a small path, benches to sit on, and children's play areas. The lawn extends into the pool area. Though the pool itself is small, the area is quite nice with a patio surrounded by loungers and umbrellas. Guests can get poolside drink service, but during high season seating gets crowded.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk for tourist information or to arrange for laundry service or airport transfers. Wi-Fi in the lobby is free and there's a computer in the lobby for guests' use. For those traveling with children, the hotel has high-chairs and cribs for an extra fee.