We had asked for a room with a view and were upsold to a much larger room than we needed to get the view we requested. When we arrived we had absolutely no view except for the pool. We complained and they totally stiffed us. Later we found out that what had happened was one of the hotel's "regulars" had decided to stop by at the last minute and the hotel staff just changed the room we had reserved from the one with the view to one with no view.. Ultimately, we had to have Amex intercede to get the charge for the hotel reversed, but the whole experience was terrible.

The Cocumeila has a quirkiness about it that you would expect from a converted monastery, the hotel has great service and a quiet location, however the bad points were too numerous to recommend this hotel until it has received a lot of money and some tender loving care! We chose a junior suite with sea view. You could just see the sea over the tree tops, the room was musty and felt like your granny had just left. The fabrics and furnishings, not to mention the sheets, towels and robes all needed replacing to a level you would not expect of a 5 star hotel. The room was small and cramp with all the furniture in it. We looked at all the junior suites in the hotel, so I can tell you that there aren't any ones bigger or of a different standard. Because of our disappointment, we were upgraded to a suite for the last few days of our stay (we stayed 8 nights) which was lovely, though I would say, it was the standard I was expecting all along. The suite was on the 1st floor and because of the beautiful gardens between the hotel and the sea, you had practically no sea view. The pool was peaceful and there was plenty of space. Probably the worst part of the hotel was the toilet/shower block by the pool. This needs knocking down; it is old, out-dated and was not cleaned during the day which was totally unacceptable for the number of guests using it. The hotel is at least a 25 minute walk from Sorrento and there isn't pavement all the way. There are no good restaurants close to the hotel for dinner. For lunch try La Terrazza which you can see from the Cocumella. A taxi into Sorrento is about €15 . There are some wonderful rooms in the hotel, though these are saved for weddings and external events, so the guests do not get to enjoy them, The breakfast room was tired and probably the worst public room in the hotel, though breakfast itself is great. The Cocumella grounds run right to the cliff edge, but there is no place to have a drink or opportunity to eat down there and enjoy the most fantastic views. The hotel has some great features which it unfortunately does not make the most of. The best points are: - the service from all the staff who are exceptionally helpful and professional - the restaurant - whilst dinner is pricey, it is excellent and you cannot fault it at all. (We also ate at the Excelsior Vittoria and this was no where near as good in food or service, but there is a better view.) - the quiet location out of a busy, noisy Sorrento where you are still able to get to all the historical sites & attractions very easily.

We have recently returned from a ten night stay at the Cocumella; our fifth visit in the last eight years. We didn't think it was possible to improve upon perfection but somehow or other the owners, the delightful del Papa family, have managed it. The service has always been good but now it's even better; in part due to a slight increase in staff numbers. Others have remarked upon the efficiency and excellence of the staff, but it doesn't do any harm to repeat the fact. Giuseppe, the Concierge, and Giovanni, the Maitre d'Hotel, together with their respective teams are so professional - but without any hint of stuffiness. Breakfast is amazing. Lunch is superb. Dinner is exquisite. Everything was so good, in fact, that there were a number of days when we didn't bother to leave the hotel grounds. A few have suggested that the restaurant is expensive. Well, it's worth remembering that this is a 5 star hotel. However, a very reasonable half-board option is available and the extensive wine list has some seriously modest options, particularly on a number of the truly delicious local Campanian wines. The Sommelier, Massimo, knows his job and is more than willing to share his expertise with you. And so, to Giovanni, Luigi, Tonino, Antonio, Felice, Marco, Giuseppe, Pepe, Massimo, Nunzio and all the rest at the truly 'Grand' Hotel Cocumella - Bravissimi e grazie!

My wife and I were traveling in Italy with two other couples. We made our arrangements late and ended up at the Cocumella. At first I was a little skeptical because some of the other reviews were not that great. However, we booked through American Express and there was essentially nothing else left on the entire Amalfi coast due to our short notice. Having said that, we really enjoyed the Cocumella. It was different; an old monastary that was turned into a hotel. While the accomdations were not world class-5 star material, they were interesing and comfortable. We had a two story loft, with a small living area downstairs and the sleeping area upstairs. Kind of cool and very different. There are no sea view rooms so don't bother asking for one. The service was what made the difference here. The hotel staff was outstanding and gave us world class service. The food was very good with a very nice breakfast buffet included. Giovanni in the dining room was terrific; could not have been more helpful and recommended several excellent restaurants off site when we asked. The pool area and bar/restaurant is great too. All in all, we had a terrific time.

Bearing in mind the price (390 euro per night minimum) and that it is 5 star SLH hotel, it didn't live up to standard in comparison to other hotels. Location is about a mile from Sorrento there is no beach but the pool is nice. Not a lot of atmosphere altough the staff are very helpful and friendly. Just thought it was overpriced. Also seems to be more popular with the over 45s.