Hotel La Certosa

This charming hotel, a converted monastery nestled directly on the beach, offers a truly unique and memorable experience, making it a standout choice for those seeking a tranquil escape. Its signature feature is its direct waterfront access, providing breathtaking views and immediate proximity to the sea. Guests consistently praise the hotel's warm, family-like atmosphere, the exceptional quality of its dining, and its prime location for exploring the stunning Amalfi Coast. It is an ideal destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway, families seeking a relaxing beach holiday with easy access to water activities, and sightseers eager to explore nearby attractions by boat or bus. To maximize your stay, consider taking advantage of the convenient boat trips departing directly from the hotel's jetty and be prepared for the scenic, winding roads leading to this hidden gem.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel, originally a monastery, offers a blend of rustic charm and essential comforts. Guests appreciate the convenience of a private beach right at their doorstep, complete with sunbeds and umbrellas included in the stay. While some rooms feature a small balcony overlooking the sea, providing a lovely spot for relaxation, the hotel does not have an elevator, which some guests found challenging, especially with luggage. Rooms are generally equipped with a king-size bed and some include two deckchairs. A laundry service is available, though some guests noted it is done by hand. While a fridge is present in rooms, some found its cooling power to be minimal. The air conditioning and heating systems are effective, though some guests mentioned they can be noisy.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, noting that rooms are spotless and well-maintained daily, often described as feeling "like home." The rooms are spacious and generally comfortable, with many featuring a pleasant, simple decor. Most guests found the king-size beds to be comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The bathrooms are typically spacious, with some featuring a tub, though a few guests reported minor drainage issues or noted that some bathrooms are internal with signs of mold or older, repainted furnishings. While the rooms are generally quiet, some guests experienced noise from the air conditioning or heating units. Some older reviews mentioned a lack of curtains or heavy wool blankets, but more recent feedback indicates comfortable and well-appointed rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant, often referred to as "Da Pappone," receives widespread acclaim for its exceptional food quality and delightful dining experience. Guests rave about the superb dinners, highlighting dishes cooked to order with fresh, local ingredients, especially the fish dishes. The restaurant atmosphere is highly praised, with options for both indoor dining by a fireplace and outdoor seating directly on the beach, offering priceless sea views. While many guests found the breakfast to be good with a variety of options and excellent coffee, some noted it was basic, lacking hot food items like scrambled eggs or bacon, and wished for more variety in pastries and fresh bread. Despite some mixed feedback on breakfast, the overall consensus is that the hotel offers a genuine and delicious culinary experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an enchanting location directly on the beach in Nerano, a charming fishing port. This prime position offers immediate access to the sea and is conveniently close to the center of Marina del Cantone. Guests appreciate the ease of exploring the Amalfi Coast, with boat trips to Capri, Positano, and Amalfi departing directly from a wooden jetty in front of the hotel. A bus stop to Sorrento is located right outside, providing an affordable and scenic route, though the journey can be lengthy due to twisty, hilly roads. While the area is generally quiet and offers a relaxing contrast to busier towns, some guests noted that the proximity to the pier can lead to noise and congestion from tour boats, which some found to be excessively large for the cove. Parking is available but can be expensive.

Staff & Service
The hotel is widely praised for its exceptional staff and warm, family-run service. Guests consistently highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the entire team, often remarking that they felt treated like family. The staff are described as attentive and accommodating, promptly addressing any requests, such as providing extra towels or adjusting hot water temperatures. Many reviews commend the professionalism of the cleaning, dining, and beach service staff, noting their dedication to ensuring a pleasant stay. The owners are also recognized for their efficiency, availability, and courtesy, contributing to the hotel's well-oiled operation. Overall, the personalized and caring service is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience.

Additional Information
This unique hotel, originally an ancient monastery, offers a distinctive charm that sets it apart. It operates year-round, providing a consistent experience. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by many guests, though some noted challenges with suitable areas for pets on the beach. Guests should be aware that while the hotel is well-maintained, its historical nature means it lacks an elevator, which can be a consideration for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage. The hotel also offers a laundry service, though it is done by hand. Some guests mentioned the presence of stray dogs in the area, which occasionally caused disturbances on the beach.