Suite at La Tonnarella in Sorrento--Occupancy surcharge?

Posted by lgalen on 04/26/14 06:31 AM

We were thrilled to book a suite for 3 nights at La Tonnarella in Sorrento, after reading about it in Rick's books. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite sounded perfect for us--2 couples. Costing more than 50% more than a single room was pricey but economical once split between the 2 couples.

However, we have heard from the hotel (via booking.com) that the occupancy rate for the suite is 2 people, and that we will be charged an additional 30 Euros/night for each additional person! That's an additional 180 Euros! Does this sound right? Could it be a misunderstanding? If not, should we try to negotiate about this?

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

04/29/14 11:02 PM

16895 posts

I advise contacting the hotel directly. Costs are usually advertised per room or suite, not per person, but with a stated limit for the maximum number of occupants. Usually, the number of people staying is the first info you have to provide when starting a hotel booking. For a random date (May 5) their room availability search currently shows a suite for 2 adults at 350 euros and a Family Room for 4 adults at 400 euros. There is a 30 euro extra-bed charge to put a roll-away extra bed into these rooms.

Posted by Kristen

Chicago

04/30/14 12:00 AM

792 posts

Does suite mean one bedroom and one living room with a sofa bed? Then I think the two person occupancy makes sense and the extra charge is par for the course. But as the previous poster said, just contact the hotel directly.

Posted by Susan

San Francisco/Marin County

04/30/14 12:17 AM

9436 posts

We've stayed at La Tonnarella 3 times and love it. We made friends with people staying in a "suite" there and saw it. I did not like it at all. I don't know if they have more than one suite, but I doubt it. I would recommend 2 separate rooms (I liked all the ones we've had) instead. The first time, we had a room with a private terrace overlooking the Bay of Naples and it was worth every penny. Two subsequent times we had a room with a patio with a view of Capri which was nice but the view of the whole bay is much better.

Posted by lgalen OP

04/30/14 02:52 AM

137 posts

We've made peace with this extra charge, after reading all these comments and falling in love with the pictures of La Tonnarella. Just to answer some questions that were raised--Each of the suites apparently has 2 bedrooms and a sitting room. One room has a queen size bed (by the looks of it) and the other has 2 built-in twin beds, aligned head to head (so it doesn't look like it could be pushed together to make a king). As it was the only suite available when we booked, I don't know the family suite is listed as for 4 people. Other than our initial inquiry and discovery of the charge, we haven't communicated with the hotel, but our initial emails were answered promptly and professionally, with a welcoming tone.

One person responded that they had looked at the suite and didn't like it. I'd be curious to know from that person WHY they didn't like it. Another person said that the view of Capri was lovely, but the view of the Bay of Naples was spectacular. Anyone know which view the suite has?

Many thanks to all who wrote! It was very helpful to hear from you!