Palazzo Tasso

Named after Italian poet Torquato Tasso, the Palazzo Tasso is an 11-room hotel situated in a narrow, four-story building with a coral facade. Renovated in 2011, the hotel feels fresh, but decor is simple and property features are limited -- the only common areas are a tiny lobby and a small breakfast room. Minimalist interiors feature lots of all-white modern decor that's tasteful and functional, with clean lines and few extra frills. The hotel attracts tourists seeking a conveniently located base for exploring Sorrento. 

The Palazzo Tasso is located in the heart of central Sorrento, on a narrow side street just behind the cathedral. The pedestrian-friendly, shop-filled Corso Italia, one of the city's main streets, is on the other side of the hotel, and many of the guest rooms face it. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes within walking distance, and the waterfront is about a five-minute walk away. The hotel's eponymously named piazza (the Piazza Tasso), the Mills Villa Comunale Park, and the Deep Valley of the Mills are in a three-minute walk. For ferries to Capri, the departure point is about a 10-minute walk from the property. Those traveling by car should note that the alley leading to the hotel doesn't accommodate cars, so guests will have to carry their bags. The hotel can arrange valet parking with a nearby garage for an extra fee. Naples International Airport is an hour away by car, or guests can get there by ferry in about two hours. 

Rooms are small and simple, with minimalist modern decor that ranges from stylish to stark. Classic Rooms are usually all-white, with white walls, floors, bedding, and furniture offset by an occasional bright accent, while Superior Rooms have green walls with white accents. Some of the Standard Rooms have a skylight and no other window, while some of the Deluxe Rooms have extra features like balconies. All rooms include individually controlled air-conditioning, LCD satellite TVs, safes, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars stocked with beer and non-alcoholic drinks, and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms also have work desks and lamps, but some of the smallest Standard Rooms do not. Bathrooms are stylish with two-color tiling and decorative shower tiles. Bathrooms include toilets, sinks, and standing showers. They're stocked with hairdryers and individual toiletries.

The Palazzo Tasso has few common areas and offers limited features, but the petite lobby is stocked with a selection of guidebooks, while a small cafe-like room on the fourth floor makes for a pleasant breakfast area. The breakfast is free, and guests say it's decent standard fare like meats, cheeses, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, breads, and cappuccinos. Wi-Fi is also free throughout. Staff can assist guests with planning excursions and boat trips, dinner reservations, or renting a car, driver, scooter, or bike. They can also assist with laundry and dry cleaning and can arrange airport transportation. Valet parking is available for an extra fee, through a deal with a nearby garage. Guests should note that the street leading to the hotel doesn't accommodate cars, and the elevator is small and stops at half-floor landings separated by stairs, so guests often have to navigate stairs with their luggage.