Originally Posted by Aldebaran

In recent days I stayed at La Medusa in Castellammare di Stabia and the following day at the Grand Hotel Furore, both SLH.

Here are my impressions.

La Medusa (lamedusahotel.com) is an excellent hotel in a somewhat isolated location from the city center, in my opinion it is essential to have a car, but you can also get there by train (Circumvesuviana line from Naples, stop at “Via Nocera” station from where you can request pick-up at the hotel or go on foot (about 20 minutes, but solution that I do not recommend). It is located on the “Passeggiata Archeologica” so called because near the hotel there are two important Pompeian villas: Villa Arianna (5 minute walking time from the hotel, simply turn right at the exit, or 1 minute by car) and Villa San Marco (3 minutes by car, turn left at the exit of the hotel, walking not suggested).
Both archaeological sites have free admission. For those who want to visit the area of Pompeii (about 10-15 minutes driving time) this is the best hotel in the Hilton family.

For my stay I spent 266 euros, which is more than adequate for the quality of the hotel. Booking on the hotel's website the rate was 238 euros, while on other sites you could get it down to about 210 euros, but of course without Honors points or upgrades. I booked a “Traditional” room and received a garden wiew room with balcony. Parking is free. The hotel has a beautiful spa (for a fee), a large park and pool. There are a couple of restaurants, but I preferred to go to Sorrento for dinner, which, without traffic, can be reached in just over 15-20 minutes by scenic coastal road and in about 10-15 minutes by expressway via tunnel. In Sorrento the Achille Lauro city underground parking on Via Correale costs 2 euros per hour.

Breakfast is on the 4th floor of the hotel, on a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the sea, the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, and I consider it my best breakfast at a Hilton family hotel in the past two years. Obviously it is an Italian-style breakfast, with lots of local products, but I am sure no one will be disappointed. That is why I would recommend the hotel as an alternative to the Sorrento Hilton, which at this time costs at least twice as much as the Medusa and is inconveniently located.



Grand Hotel Furore. Only hotel in the Hilton family on the Amalfi Coast. Price for the basic room during my stay 1377 euro or 120000 points. Funny thing is that if you buy 120000 points, with the current promo that offers a 100% bonus on points purchased you spend 571 euro, so it's definitely not worth booking paying cash at those rates, even considering the large number of points you would receive as a Diamond member.

It is a beautiful hotel on the steep hill of Furore. It can only be reached by car because the bus stop is quite far away. I booked with points, one night only, which I think was more than enough for my needs. No upgrades received despite ample room availability. A welcome drink is offered upon arrival (you can choose any drink from the bar, even the more expensive ones).

All rooms have a sea view, so even the cheapest option is a good choice. Two pools and two restaurants. One of the restaurants is a Michelin-starred one, but if you are intent on choosing a Michelin starred place, and there are several in the area, I recommend the Ristorante Glicine at the Holtel Santa Caterina in Amalfi, with a wonderful terrace end fantastic service (and after the dinner a free shuttle to Amalfi and back) For wine lovers, one of the best Italian white wines (Fiorduva, Cantina Marisa Cuomo) is produced in Furore, and I suggest tasting it if you visit one of the restaurants in the area. Breakfast is only à la carte and for bookings via Hilton.com the breakfast is only continental. For nthe full breakfast there is a 35 euros charge pp.

The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus to Amalfi and Positano. Parking at the hotel is 50 euros per day, but during my stay I wasn’t charged for the parking.

As already mentioned my suggestion to get a rental car, and in the low-cost rentals at Naples airport you can find cars for about 10 euros a day.

I am available if you need more information or pictures about these hotels.