Massa Lubrense holiday house: Metrano, Massa Lubrense Sorrento

We decided to give our three children an adventure holiday this year as they have never been abroad, and what an adventure it was! After sucessfully driving through Europe and into Italy, our car decided that the engine would blow up 400 miles short of the apartment. Once we knew the car was a write off, I contacted Aldo who offered any help he could give us, including translation, which we found came in handy.

On our arrival at the apartment we were met by Aldo's sister, Anna, who had very kindly bought us milk and a large bottle of wine, which we managed to polish off later that night in no time at all. As we had no car for the duration of our stay (guess who forgot the credit card needed for car hire) Aldo's family went out of their way to give us lifts to beaches, train stations and even the hotel we had to stay in whilst waiting for our flight 2 days later than we expected to go home.

The apartment itself is just as described, with everything you will need and more (thanks for the kids books, my eldest daughter now wants the complete collection of Horrid Henry), it's location is absolutely perfect, minutes (drive) from the beach, S.Agata, a lovely little town just up the road and Sorrento just over half an hour away (on the bus). For anyone without a car, there is a bus stop just outside the apartment and buses run to the timetable, train stations we used were all on bus routes and the local shop sells everything you need and takes less than 5 minutes walk and you get a cheery welcome.

Plenty of beaches around the area and more things to do than you will ever get time for.

When we left the apartment, we felt like we were old friends of Aldo whose family had given us the royal treatment, I cannot describe the hospitality we received. If you do stay here, go to the restaurant next door, you will be amazed, 3 people work there, the only waitress zips round everyone without you even noticing and the best food you will have tasted will arrive within minutes on your table. If you like walking, then S.Agata is a lovely little town reached on foot in about 40 minutes (this is with 3 tired and hot children), with a bank and cash machine, restaurants and bars as well as shops.

If you are looking for somewhere that doesn't sound like you are in the middle of Ibiza town centre at night, enjoy the best ever hospitality, enjoy history and sightseeing then this is for you, and we did it all on the buses and trains too!

We had a lovely week at Casa Carlino. The apartment was nice and cool (we appreciated the air con) and having a secure garage for the car was great, especially after witnessing the local driving! Although our boys became hooked on the Wii, we nevertheless managed to explore the surrounding areas both by bus and car. The locals were friendly and helpful, and it was easy to reach Pompeii/Herculaneum/Positano etc (which was the main reason for our visit). Aldo was very helpful with information and advice in advance - many thanks!

We have just returned from having a lovely time in Casa Carlino. From the outset Aldo and Deborah have been excellent in providing us with information about the house and responding to emails. The house is located outside Sorrento and we really enjoyed being out of the main tourist area. The house has been very accurately described in the advert and we received a warm welcome from Aldo's family. Throughout our stay it was resassuring to have this continued support during the holiday. I will be recommending this house to any of my friends and family who want to visit Sorrento.Thanks for a great holiday , Stephen and Geraldine and Family.