“Sharon House was Homey, Bright, Colorful, Convenient, with friendly, personal service.”
To me, the reviewer who wrote, "Sharon House not for us" simply means they prefer the amenities of a full-service hotel. As a B&B, Sharon House had all that I could want or need in a B&B: bright, colorful, totally modern rooms, glistening tiled bathrooms with very modern fixtures, gracious and caring staff, a varied and adequate breakfast (including hard-cooked eggs, not offered at most B&Bs). Hardly a dorm environment to me. Front-desk Andrea was indeed very sweet and personable. Owner Lisa does respond to reasonable personal requests.
Roberto di Palma (amalficoastdestination.com) drove me from Sorrento to Amalf, walked me all the way up the "hidden" (there IS a sign on the main street) entryway. Directly next-door to the B&B entry is a convenient supermercato with food and basic necessities for residents and travelers alike.
Located where it is ("long, dark walk to the entry") does cut back significantly from any street noise. However, because the B&B shares walls with apartments, it's possible to hear people climbing up or down those entrances. I loved waking up (early riser) to the church bells and looking into the sun-filled garden of a neighboring property, just in time to watch a black cat sunning and grooming itself after a rain.
One disappointment -- I decided to re-book for one day sooner than my 2-night booking, and Andrea & Lisa gladly accommodated me in a larger room at a lower rate than my 2-night room. Hoping to save some money, I asked to stay there; but the next 2 nights were already promised to someone, so I had to move to my originally booked (smaller) room for those 2 nights for the higher rate. Andrea said she did not have the authority to lower the rate, even tho' it was a smaller room.
On the weekend, Rafaella, who normally attends to guest rooms, set out breakfast in place of Lisa. She was a delightful host and server, so welcoming, friendly, attentive. One morning, the shower water was barely lukewarm. Rafaella checked it and agreed it was not quite warm, let alone hot, and sent for someone to fix the problem. Surprise! The water WAS hot, possibly because earlier many people had showered at the same time. But the fact that help was sought, and provided, was a big plus for the can-do attitude of this B&B.
On the day I was scheduled to attend Mamma Agata's cooking school, Lisa gave me directions and drew a map from the bus stop in Ravello to where the class would be held. Her English was quite limited, so I "winged it," and got lost. Luckily, a woman on the bus heard me ask for directions, descended from the bus with me. She walked with me down the half-mile curving road. In the clear-sky sunshine, we had a delightful conversation about our lives, kids, grand-kids--even with my broken-Italian. It made me feel like I had known Rita for years. Experiences like this are what make independent travel so special.
Two days of rain and high winds did cast a pall on my 3-day stay. On my last day, Roberto suggested the walk along the road (half-mile??) to Atrani, a small, charming seaside town. I had lunch at I Palmi Ristorante & Pizzeria -- excellent seafood! Rather than sit outside, I asked for a table inside. While there a couple was celebrating 50 years of marriage, and there were about 25-30 guests--and myself. Much to my surprise, in walked in a 4-piece combo who played several songs for the celebrants. Another serendipitous event for a solo traveler!
Yes, I heartily recommend Amalfi as a base and especially this B&B, which I think of as Homey Sharon House.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
