Hotel dei Congressi

We have just come back from a week's half board at Dei Congressi and we had a fabulous time. If you're looking for a spoon fed TUI experience, this is not for you. There's no rep at the town and all contact is by text / email. But, if you are happy doing your own thing and being independent, it's perfect. The hotel itself is a little dated but it is immaculately clean and the rooms are very comfortable. It is up a hill and there is a fairly busy road outside so if you like silence and don't like walking, it isn't for you. The view from the balcony of our room was of mount Faito opposite and we could see the cable car going up and down. Road noise didn't keep us awake but we live in a city. The town itself isn't touristy but has gelato shops, a lush bakery and the train station is only a 10 minute walk away. We preferred it as a base to Sorrento, which was obviously very crowded in August. We travelled by train to Pompeii, Herculaneam, Mount Vesuvius and Naples and by bus to Agerol and Amalfi and my boat to Positano and Sorrento. All independently and much cheaper than a tour. The real surprise was the cable car from the train station at Castellamarre to Mount Faito, only 8 euro return and the walks on the summit are lush. But what really makes this hotel is the staff, they are exceptionally friendly and helpful ,and I can't reconcile some of the comments on previous reviews as it certainly was not our experience. Maurizio on the bar was a wonder with cocktails and very funny! Always smiling and happy to offer advice and to hear where we had been. His choice of music on the rooftop bar was perfect and it just added to the fabulous view. Lloris at the pool was friendly and attentive and if you wanted a drink or food you never had to wait. The pool was clean and there were plenty of sunbeds. The handyman, cleaners, reception staff and waiting staff were all lovely and really make the hotel. We would definitely go back!