An hour south of the bustling metropolis of Naples lies Sorrento, famous for limoncello, being a gateway to the Amalfi coast and its proximity to some famous Roman ruins.

The easiest way there from Naples airport (other than taxi, which is by far and away the easiest, but the most expensive) is to take the airport shuttle for €10. Buses run throughout the day and take a little over an hour with various stops on the way. A slightly slower and also slightly more laborious route, especially with luggage is to take the airport express to the main station and then take the train. The majority of the trains are slow and stop at every station, few have aircon but the station is at the end of the line and is scenic. It’s also less than €3. If you get lucky there are infrequent Trains which require seat reservations and also have aircon.

The Plaza hotel is a 5* hotel less than a ten minute walk from the station. It’s cool white facade and lobby is in stark contrast to the bustling heat of the Sorrento streets. It sits in a prime location in the heart of Sorrento; walkable to all the main sights, restaurants and shopping areas but far enough away from them all that you don’t get disturbed in an evening.

On the ground floor, other than the very knowledgeable and friendly reception team, is a bar and restaurant. Perfect for a those refreshing drinks and snacks after a long day sightseeing. Breakfast buffet can be found on the first floor and in a morning is plentifully stocked with all sorts of goodies, from cooked breakfasts, fruit and cereals to cakes and champagne.

The rooms vary in size and vista as you would expect and therefore also vary in price. All are minimal, clean and bright with large bathrooms. The hotel reception staff can all help you with booking travel, tours, beach club access, providing amazing restaurant recommendations and sorting out any issues you might encounter. They really are a fantastic team and a real asset to the hotel.

The real selling point of this hotel though is the roof. It is one of the few hotels in central Sorrento which boasts a rooftop pool and bar. Ok, so it isn’t a big pool, but there’s enough loungers for all and the view from the pool across the Bay of Naples is spectacular. The bar, on the opposite side of the roof provides shady areas to drink your aperol spritz and watch the sunset over the water. The drinks list is good and the service always comes with a smile. I recommend you spend an hour up here to cool off and relax than in one of the crowded bars on the main streets.

The Plaza really is an oasis of calm in on me of Italy’s busiest towns.