Guests arriving at this family-run boutique hotel are greeted in a bright lobby bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and a bank of sliding doors. It’s made more colorful by several red leather sofas and lots of potted plants adding a dose of greenery throughout, though a sitting area by the entrance furnished with gray couches has a bit of a waiting-room vibe. Nevertheless, the space is pleasant and there's a well stocked circular corner bar lined with polished brass stools. The hotel also offers several outdoor spaces to relax in, including a lovely rooftop terrace that's a popular spot to take in the majestic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The piano bar in the lush garden area is also popular in warm weather, as is the beautiful outdoor pool shared with a neighboring hotel. Overall, the property is a good value for tourists seeking to relax and soak in the spectacular tropical scenery along Italy’s legendary southern coastline.

The hotel is located on Corso Italia, Sorrento’s busy main thoroughfare. It’s about a 10- to 15-minute walk to the city’s central piazza, Piazza Tasso, along busy roads. The immediate area includes several other hotels, shops, and restaurants. It’s a 15-minute walk to the waterfront including the ferry to Capri, and an 11-minute walk to the train station. The Naples airport is approximately one hour by car or about two hours by public transit. Pompeii is a 45-minute drive, and Amalfi can be reached in about one hour by car. Vesuvio National Park is a 55-minute drive. There is a bus stop about a two-minute walk from the hotel entrance that travels to the city center and other points. 

Rooms consistently receive praise from guests for being exceptionally clean and well maintained. Renovations were completed in 2008, and rooms still appear fresh. Decor is simple yet tasteful, with light green painted walls, beige-tile floors, green-and-white floral-print bedspreads, and green-and-white patterned drapes. Simple wooden furniture includes headboards, nightstands, armoires, and writing desks with mirrors so they can double as dressing tables. Each room includes a small balcony with a table and chairs. Amenities include wall-mounted flat-screen TVs with cable, air-conditioning, electronic safes, and minibars stocked with beverages and snacks. Wi-Fi is accessible in rooms for a small one-time fee. Bathrooms have beige and light brown marble on the floors and walls, but they're small and have tiny showers that make some guests feel cramped. Simple white porcelain vanities and both toilets and bidets are included. 

In general rooms are functional and a bit small, but not overly so by European standards. Standard Rooms are the smallest, with a double bed or two tightly spaced twins. Other options include the larger Comfort and Superior Rooms with double, double-double, or queen bed options, while Family Rooms add bunk beds for kids. The best views are in the rear rooms that overlook the pool, garden, bay, and Mount Vesuvius. Rooms at the front overlook busy Corso Italia and can get some traffic noise, but adequate soundproofing keeps it to acceptable levels. 

For a small property, the Comfort Hotel Gardenia has a lot to offer. A free hot buffet breakfast garners praise from past guests and includes homemade cakes and pastries. There is a small bar in the lobby as well as a piano bar in the garden area. And the rooftop terrace offers majestic views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The hotel shares a lovely outdoor pool with its next door neighbor, Hotel Central. It’s large and nicely landscaped with lots of sun loungers, tables, and a bar that serves lunch and evening snacks. The two hotels also share a fitness center with cardio equipment and weights (for a fee). 

Guests are offered discounted rates for access to a private beach club (Marameo Beach) that's about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The full-service Spa Ulysse, located about a five-minute drive from the hotel, also offers guests discounted rates. Hotel staff can help arrange tours of area attractions as well as private transportation to the Naples Airport. Parking is available on-site in a private lot for a fee. Other features include a small meeting room and a TV lounge, plus self-service laundry facilities are available as well as valet laundry and ironing services. Wi-Fi is accessible in all public spaces, but a small one-time fee is charged for access in guest rooms.