We went to Italy in March 2011 and stayed at the Hotel Residence Miramare for three nights. After our stay at Bettoja Relais Certosa in Florence (which was magical not because we got the best hotel, but the best and most honest and friendly service from the staff..they became our family), we were disappointed by much at the Miramar. For one, I had communicated with the manager beforehand (via email) to ensure that everything would be as stated on our Expedia purchase (this included an APARTMENT with a sea view room, a kitchenette with a small eating area, etc). This was our first time to travel out of the US, so you can imagine our jitters (there were a total of 6 of us traveling together). Via email, the manager ensured that all details were correct. However, when we arrived, I found myself in a room with a sea view, yes, but definitely no kitchen (we got a little corner kitchenette which was basically a sink, mini fridge, and shelves with plates) or living room as advertised on Expedia. Ironically, my friend, who got just a standard room, got the little kitchen with a dining area. With all this said, however, the manager did say that she would switch us to a better room, but was cold and not apologetic at all. Whatever miscommunication there was between Expedia and the hotel should not have been passed down to us in such a cold manner. We decided to just stay in our dingy room (which had old, dingy, and stale bed sheets, flooring, EVERYTHING) to be close to our friends and to make the best experience or lemonade out of the lemons we received. I NEVER complain and am usually very understanding, but I can not believe how cold the staff were and how dingy the hotel is for a four star hotel. Positive reviews about this hotel astound me and as you can see, after seven months, I am finally writing a review. Sorrento itself, however, is beautiful and breathtaking. When you walk out of the hotel (which is located at a very sharp and dangerous turn in the road), all of the frustration is alleviated by the beauty of Sorrento itself. Perhaps this is why there are so many positive reviews because you can not go wrong when you are outside in Sorrento. However, since this is the case, you might as well just stay in a cheaper hotel because it's the city itself that will grab you in. Outside of the hotel, we met wonderful people and everywhere we ate and shopped brought the feelings of home and family to us. Restuarant owners came out to greet us and brought out complimentary drinks and desserts, and on the streets, we saw different vendors that we bought from walking with their families. Some waved to show they remembered us, others stopped to introduce their families, and one even walked around with us and introduced us to all of his friends in different shops. And this was NOT because we spent extravagant amounts of money...this is just how MOST of the people in Sorrento are. I recommend Sorrento highly, but definitely not the hotel. The stars are for the people and the city, not the hotel itself. We are going back to Sorrento for a destination wedding in 2013 and will be looking for another hotel to stay out. We are looking at some 5 star hotels, so if anyone can recommend a friendly hotel, please let me know. We don't mind the walk from the hill to the town center. That was part of the fun and beauty.
Anyhow, when I read the negative review about the "Bates" and creepy feeling of this hotel, I related entirely and had to put my two sense in. The staff need to learn how to be more genuine and friendly. When your business is based upon serving thosed from other countries, it would be nice to make them feel at home. It makes all the difference. Have fun in Sorrento, everyone. Love, love, loves it!!!