We did not stay at the hotel, but we did eat at the restaurant. It was highly recommended by the owners of the house we stayed. What a wonderful meal it was. Everything was fresh - seafood bought that day from the boats. We had about 6 different courses - appetizers, vegetables, pasta, seafood, dessert - the food just kept coming out. The hotel is located in the old part of the city, and the restaurant is located in the garden of the hotel. Franca is a wonderful hostess. You cannot go wrong having dinner here. I

My husband and I only spent one night at the Albergo but it was the most memorable of our week long stay in southern Italy. The room was basic but spacious with a beautiful view from the balcony. We felt like we were staying with friends (even one of the cats slept with us).
The dinner in the garden was amazing and not like any of the restaurant meals we were used to. We were entertained by two musicians and served at least 4 courses (I lost track) of delicious local seafood and more. I wold go back and next time use this as a base to explore more of the area. As a bonus we got to see the filming of an Italian movie in the litttle town of Casttellbate during our visit. Franca was so nice and we can't thank her enough for her hospitalitiy.

We stayed at Albergo Il Castello for a week in July. While admittedly, seeing that this was supposed to be my honeymoon, I was initially quite upset at how basic the rooms were. Kinder folk might call it vintage (as my husband did), but I’d say more big white walls with the occasional piece that was added 30 years ago and not touched since, plus bathrooms in desperate need of modernisation. However, when you take into account the sheer quality of service offered by Franca and her staff, the room decor really doesn't matter. Also, our room had a large balcony with a spectacular view overlooking the hills, so it wasn't all bad.
Another plus ... the food! On our first night we decided to eat dinner at the hotel. Although we were the only ones eating in at the time, Franca and team had prepared something like seven courses (mostly seafood, all amazing). She even gave us a bottle of Prosecco and placed a bouquet of flowers on the table. All for 30 euros a head! Coincidentally, a pianist friend of Franca’s happened to be visiting and, honestly, sitting there with the food, drink, piano ... it was a truly wonderful evening. Breakfast was another treat. In addition to the biggest bowl of fruit you’ve ever seen, there was always a selection of hams, cheeses, cakes, juices, plus muesli and yogurt ... oh yes, and then a lady in the kitchen would come by offering tea/coffee plus a croissant or some other large breaded food.
The high standard of service extended elsewhere. One morning, Franca kindly agreed to drive us to the port as we wanted to take a boat to one of the local islands, however, the sea was too rocky for sailing, so Franca volunteered to take us to the train station to see if we could do a day trip via rail. Here, again, the gods were conspiring against us so we all piled into the car again and Franca drove us to a local archaeological site. Needless to say, Franca didn’t have to the spend the best part of an hour and a half being our personal driver, and when the hotel bill came she didn’t even charge us for petrol. Whatever the occasion, Franca was there with a smile and a buongiorno! to help us with whatever query we had. We always felt welcome, and there was a lovely family atmosphere about the place.
As with earlier reviews, if you’re looking for luxury accommodation then look elsewhere, but if you like a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and DELICIOUS food then this is the place to be.
A couple of tips though...the water heater is in the garden so you need to keep the shower running for several minutes before you get hot water... unfortunately, I didn’t discover this until the fifth morning. Also, our room didn't have a safe and our door didn’t lock properly so we had to lock everything away in our suitcases. No biggie though.

We are just home from our holiday with Franca at her charming, welcoming B&B in the enchanting mediaevel town of Castellabate.

Although we stayed 8 days, we did not want to leave. We loved stepping out on to the terrace in the morning to be greeted by a vivid blue sky and the most wonderful panorama following the hills round to the sea. Breakfast was an Italian feast which included succulent melon, figs,croissants, home-made cakes, cold meats, and unforgettable creamy buffalo mozzarella with delicious freshly made coffee.

Franca and her staff could not have been more friendly or helpful. Maps and guide books (and a surf board!) were offered by Franca to enhance the experience of our trips. Typically, when we mentioned we wanted to walk in the Parco Nazionale she produced a guide book detailing routes from which we choose one leading up to nearby Monte Stella with spectacular views from the top.

A 10 minute drive takes you to Santa Maria beach which is sandy with clear sea and you can find brightly-coloured fish by swimming across to the rocks. The Greek ruins at Paestum are a 30 minutes drive and it took about an hour and a half to reach Pompeii and Vesuvius.

Italy as it should be experienced. One day we will return.