Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
Modern, lovely room, great public spaces |
| Disadvantages: |
Pool closes early, no atmosphere in restaurant |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
To be honest, I was quite worried - what I saw on the resort website was not what I was reading on some internet sites.
However, all fears were unfounded when we checked in and found our Chalet Double with Garden view. The main room was large with a small kitchenette in one corner - two rings, a sink and a fridge. All crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils provided.
The room itself had a large bed, built in wardrobe, glass table top shelf, flat screen tv and full length mirror. The bathroom was very big with a large walk in shower (probably big enough for 4 although I never tested this out!). The finish was very "boutique" - modern and high standard. There was also a small courtyard - the "open" ends were finished with hedging so it was very secluded when you were sitting at the table which also had a very large parasol to afford some shade. It does appear that not all the rooms have yet been upgraded and some looked very small so it is definitely worth checking what you're getting when you book.
The gardens are very well maintained and there are lots of fruit trees (oranges, lemons and limes) and there is also a play area. The staff are very helpful and the rooms are cleaned daily to a v. good standard.
The Pool is set behind the bar and despite warnings to the contrary, we didn't have to wear swim hats and people weren't told off for talking around the pool although they do request that you keep quiet between 2 and 4 - siesta time. It is open until 6 pm and on light nights it would be nice if it could open for an extra hour - although you do have to return to your rooms via the bar so perhaps this is why.
The Bar, which also has outside space with funky white furniture and parasols, is also very modern with leather seats and large prints on the walls - it is very comfortable and also has a secluded corner with an internet enabled PC - you can buy a set amount of hours from Reception - it isn't very expensive and proved popular. There are daily newspapers from most countries (Daily Mail the next day for UK readers) and some books and magazines in a few languages which holidaymakers have helpfully added to.
There is a well attended cookery school on site and lessons can be booked along with accommodation.
Our included breakfast was served in the restaurant and was a plentiful typical continental affair with cereals, pastries, cheese, meat and boiled eggs and various juices, tea and excellent coffee. The restaurant offers a 3 course meal in the evenings for 20 Euros. The food is great but there is a distinct lack of atmosphere. There are a few nice local restaurants or you could always go into the centre of Sorrento. It is a fair walk away but manageable as it is flat. There is a bus stop opposite with regular services into town and the train station is around 500 yards up a gentle hill.
At £540 for a week, the stay at Esperidi wasn't cheap but as accommodation on this coast is generally fairly expensive, I was happy to pay this.
The nearest small beach is around 200 yards away - as with most of the Amalfi coast it is a climb down (and obviously back up!) so could be quite a challenge for those with small children, older people or anyone who has difficulty walking - I was told that some of the beaches have lifts so it might be worth checking with the staff before you set out.
From Sorrento harbour you can take a ferry to the Island of Capri (12.50 Euros each way) or down the stunning coastline to the busy port of Salerno . Other great days out are Naples, Vesuvius and Pompeii which are all within 30-40 minutes away. A drive down the Amalfi coastline is also not to be missed although you may spend most of it with your eyes closed - Positano and Amalfi are well worth a stop although you may want to go on an organised trip as parking is notoriously difficult.
One general point about the area to bear in mind would be that cash is still king - even a 50 euro spend at the ferry company was greeted with "no cards, cash only" !
