Guestbook

I think we had the best... I think we had the best appartement on top of the building with a wonderful view to the Gulf of Salerno. The appartement is large and has nice old furnitures. We felt very well and will come back.

Secret Place On The Sorrento Peninsula Just coming back from our trip to Italy we are very impressed of the excellent service, the delicious meals and the overwhelming kindness, especially to our little daughter at the age of 12 month. The Casale Villarena is a hidden, little residence, located at the far end of the Sorrento Peninsula, surrounded by a nice lemon garden. Our apartment offered everything, we expected and more. We can recommend the Casale without hesitating. Thanks to Amalia and Mario for their immediate help and service, thanks to Guglielmo, who is a fantastic host and cook. We´ll come back. Mariska, Hans and Marieke

The road's end on the Sorrento peninsula Reflecting on our four weeks in Italy this May, Casale Villarena stands out as the highlight. We booked online and flew Vancouver, Toronto, Rome and then drove a rental Nissan Note direct to Casale Villarena, about a 4 hour trip. Our Garmin Nuvi GPS did very well but for the last couple of kms when the switchback roads sort of overcame its abilities. I had driven in Italy before and had a pretty fair idea of the traffic but nothing can really prepare you for the Naples scene. Having travelled for 23 hours, we arrived. Our host Guglielmo greeted us and since we hadn't eaten suggested dinner in an hour or so at 7:00. We installed ourselves in our suite (10 stairs 5 stairs 12 stairs up) freshened up and walked down to the patio area. Guglielmo, on his own prepared and served a fabulous 4 course meal. That evening set the tone for our week. The road on the Sorrento peninsula ends at Marina de Cantone about 1.5 km past Nerano. (Google Earth can show you the topography). Our suite, three rooms in the Casale had 15 ft domed ceilings, a useful kitchen and a private deck that overlooked the village and the harbour. Each morning over coffee and cereal, we watched the village come to life as commuters (at least 5 people) left for work and the local bus (Sita) bugled its way through the swichbacks TA Dah at each blind turn, the church bell tolled the hours and the halfs and the lemon orchard grew lemons. It is so beautiful it can move one to tears! When we didn't dine at the Casale, Charlot, Massimo's place just up the road was our favourite. We went back three times. Our meals ran to about $100 Canadian for the two of us but in true italian style we have learned to linger over each course and each delicious mouthful dining from 6:30 to 9:30 enjoying choosing and discussing the food and being entertained by the view, ending with a Lemoncello that tastes so apropos in an area loaded with lemon groves. While our evenings were quiet and occupied with dining and conversation, we did day trips to Pompei, Positano and Capri, retreating to the Casale after our forays. We took two hikes, one to the headland above the village and one out to the tip of the peninsula. Getting up on top is very rewarding as both Capri, the whole island, and Vesuvius, the crater, are clearly visible. The Bays of Salerno and Napoli curve across the horizon on their respective sides. We took part in a cooking class one day, Diane cooking and I eating. How nice to do things together! The lesson was really fun and even my Italian Canadian wife learned some new cullinary lore. So - If you are walking fit and seeking a slightly deeper understanding of Italy than the Best Western chain offers - the Casale Villarena offers an unforgetable experience. Travel to the area is slightly challenging (compared to say Cinque Terre which is served by train and shuttle bus) so either take the boat or bus or be prepared to dart and dice along one lane winding roads. I can see it all now in my minds eye, 5 weeks later - it brings a smile.