Il Gabbiano Hotel (Positano, Italy)

Management of this family-run hotel - and their members of staff - are very friendly and helpful. They're great; and always on hand to assist with planning your next excursion.

The hotel is actually on the road into the town. So, just unload and go straight in. No navigating steps etc. It's downhill all the way to the beach -and a bit of a hike to get back. Still, there's plenty of bars and restaurants en-route. That 15-minute walk back can take a good deal longer than expected! The bus-stop, though, is opposite the hotel. This will take you in to town and to other places and beaches along the coast.

Not all the rooms have a balcony and it's not doing you or your holiday justice if you don't specify the need for one. Then you can thrill to those exceptional views.

It wafts on to you from smokers on nearby balconies. Not a fault on the part of the hotel … just an unhealthy aspect of life.

It can feel a bit run down and depressing. Not the ideal place to return to after an idyllic day elsewhere. Beds are uncomfortable, showers need ‘unblocking'. It's all part of a rather dated picture.

OK … you can always go and eat somewhere else but, if you're paying for breakfast here - and this is the only real catering they do! - you'd think and expect that something more impressive would be supplied.