contact: info@bownsbest.com
contact: info@bownsbest.com
I like it when really good places receive recognition. So I was delighted when I discovered that one of my favourite hostelries in Sorrento had been promoted from four stars to the magic five. Spotless and efficient, the Grand Hotel Ambasciatori commands gorgeous sea views from a cliff-top position away from the centre of the town. Both its bedrooms and its extensive public areas – the latter full of glistening marble and sparkling crystal – are immaculately maintained, and its gardens are enchanting. It was opened in the 1950s, but the atmosphere is pleasantly traditional, thanks to the pieces of good antique furniture which adorn its sitting rooms. This seems to suit the sun-seeking guests, who come to the Ambasciatori from all over Europe and many of whom take advantage of the lift which goes down to the hotel’s private beach by the sea.
My own habit was to find a quiet spot in the garden after lunch and, sitting in a wicker chair under the shade of an olive tree, gaze contentedly over the waters to the distant island of Ischia. Such afternoons were the highlight of my stay at the Ambasciatori.
My room, number 514 on the first floor, was a “Comfort Suite” (check the hotel website for the rates for specific dates) and had its own balcony overlooking those lovely gardens. Its hallway - sharing with the rest of the apartment a floor of bright blue and white ceramic tiles - had plenty of open hanging space, as well as a private safe. It led to the steps down to the bed-sitting room, where I could relax
on the long blue sofa, compose letters at the writing desk or watch the enormous, wall-mounted television from the comfort of the armchair. Good lighting came from a standard lamp, wall lights and a chandelier. The blinds to keep out the sun were, of course, electrically operated. The bathroom offered a large tub, a spacious shower, two wash basins, a loo and a bidet.
The hotel dining room - the Restaurant Ambassador - boasts more marble flooring and more crystal chandeliers, together with cream napery and fine glassware. It also has a splendid asset in its Maitre d’. Giovanni Cacace (pictured, with your correspondent) is a courteous and discreet gentleman, who looked after me tremendously well as I tucked into a typical dinner of beef carpaccio with green
tea jelly (both luscious and refreshing), sea bass baked in salt crust (smashed dramatically with a hammer next to the table) and sumptuous crèpes, flambéed next to me by Signor Cacace and served with fruit and ice cream. (You should allow around 100€ for such food.)
I also enjoyed a good dinner at the restaurant of the sister hotel, the Royal, nearby - hot foie gras, chateaubriand and crèpes Suzette (I do love my pancakes) - for around 110€.
The wine list at the Ambasciatori is mostly Italian, with a few French offerings. Prices run from 21€ for a red from Emilia-Romagna (Contessa Matilde) to 630€ for the 2001 vintage of Mr Gaja’s nebbiolo Langhe Sorì Tildin. Other bottles to catch my eye were: 2019 Planeta chardonnay (52€), 2013 Ornelliaia (270€), Cristal champagne (340€), Krug Grande Cuvée (280€) and 2018 Tignanello (164€).
I returned to the restaurant each morning for breakfast, and noted with profound approval the quality of the fruit on the buffet: absolutely delicious wild strawberries, mango, raspberries and pineapple. I also failed to resist the lovely sweets, particularly the cheesecake, crėme caramel and the strawberry tarts. The freshly prepared mushroom and onion omelettes I secured from the omelette station were good, too. All these were washed down by coffee from silver pots and, as always, my concluding cappuccino.
The Grand Hotel Ambasciatori is a delightful place in a beautiful setting, with good food and attentive service. It thoroughly deserves its five stars.
Via Califano 18, 80067 Sorrento, Italy.
Telephone +39 081 878 2025
Fax +39 081 807 1021
Email: ambasciatori@manniellohotels.com
For room rates, special offers etc. see the hotel website.
Restaurant I Glicini & Restaurant Terrace Royal
Grand Hotel Royal, Via Correale 42, 80067 Sorrento, Italy.
Telephone +39 081 807 3434
Email: royal@manniellohotels.com