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Where to stay in the southern Italian town with glorious sea views
- 1/11
Where to stay in the southern Italian town with glorious sea views
From the scented blossom of lemon trees to the magnificent views across the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, it's easy to see the timeless romantic appeal of this southern Italian coastal town - and the best hotels in Sorrento offer a superb base to explore these sights.
Known as the 'land of the mermaids,' legend suggests the Sorrento Peninsula was named after the sirens of the sea who tried to lure Ulysses to his death. Resisting their siren ways, the trio of mermaids threw themselves into the sea in despair and turned into the rocky islets known as Gallo Lungo, Castelluccio and Rotonda.
Now Sorrento lures folk in their thousands as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. While many come to drive the iconic coast road or to explore the UNESCO-protected sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, a Sorrento holiday is just as charming for bumbling around in the sunshine. You can visit the 15th-century Duomo on Via Pieta or the Museo Correale di Terranova, which has a heavenly garden with spectacular views.
When it comes to the best hotels in Sorrento to make your base, you can't beat the luxurious Grand Hotel Vittoria, moments from the lemon-scented squares lined with custard-coloured villas. The town's clifftop position means that most hotels are blessed with views over the bay and Mount Vesuvius. Alternatively, for a more rural escape book into a secluded retreat like the Relais Blu, close to the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula.
Whether you're looking for a romantic bolthole on the peninsula or a luxurious palazzo in the old town, here's our choice of the best hotels in Sorrento.GISTEL Cezary Wojtkowski - 2/11
1) Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Perched on a rock with magnificent views over Mount Vesuvius and the cerulean sweep of the Bay of Naples, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is spread across three 19th-century villas each oozing with five-star glamour. Esteemed guests included Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Luciano Pavarotti, who no doubt adored the privacy afforded by the sprawling gardens. It's in the heart of town, so it's easy to explore the beautiful cobbled streets of Sorrento.
If you want to venture further, take private lift down to the harbour and hop on a boat to Capri. There are 84 rooms and suites, all plush and many with terraces and sea views. Of course, dining is a delicious treat in the Michelin-starred Terrazza Bousquet or the poolside L'Orangerie, an excellent spot for a sunset aperitivo.
Booking.com - 3/11
2) Grand Hotel Royal
Whether it's the wooden sundeck over the sea, around the palm-lined pool or on the private beach, there are endless ways to relax at the Grand Hotel Royal. Although mere moments from Piazza Tasso, Sorrento's bustling central square, this historic estate set in lush subtropical gardens becomes a serene oasis in the height of summer.
Rooms and suites are decorated in a classic Sorrento style: polished wood furnishings, tiled floors and marble bathrooms. Our favourites have private terraces with smouldering views of Mount Vesuvius. Don't miss dinner on the terrace, a delightfully formal affair with candle-lit tables and a moonlit sea, one of the most romantic spots in Sorrento.
Booking.com - 4/11
3) Parco dei Principi
As an alternative to the crumbling palazzos and elegant estates, the gorgeous Parco dei Pricipi is a dream for fans of mid-century modern architecture. Designed by Gio Ponti, a wildly influential 20th-century architect and designer, the hotel is all about style. A 20-minute stroll from the town, most guests like to relax around the saltwater pool or venture through the rock tunnels down to a private beach.
Out of the 90 rooms on offer, all brightly decorated in cool blues and flooded with light, the best ones have balconies and sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius. As for dining, well, the Principi's beachfront restaurant knocks out incredible seafood overlooking the bay.
Booking.com - 5/11
4) Relais Blu
If you're looking for a romantic hideaway, look no further than this glorious clifftop haven. Close to the very tip of the Sorrento Peninsula, Relais Blu is as exclusive as it comes. While Positano, Pompeii and Herculaneum are all within easy reach, the heavenly views over Capri from the infinity pool makes it hard to leave your sun lounger.
There are only 11 suites, all contemporary in style and draped in serene whites and natural woods. All have sea views but the best ones have private gardens with hammocks. A big draw is the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, especially its terrace with the incredible views.
Booking.com - 6/11
5) Bellevue Syrene
Gaze over Mount Vesuvius and the beautiful Bay of Naples from the hot tub on your private terrace and you'll realise that life probably doesn't get better than this. A short wander from the colourful waterfront restaurants of Marina Grande, an ever-charming fishing village, this swish clifftop hotel built on the site of a Roman villa simply exudes Italian glamour, making it the perfect spot for a romantic week away.
There are 50 rooms and suites to choose from at Bellevue Syrene, almost all have fabulous sea views. Suite Pompeiana, which has a spacious terrace and a hot tub overlooking the bay is one of the best rooms in the house. If you can tear yourself away, the Club Lounge offers complimentary snacks and drinks (including wine and prosecco) throughout the day, while a moonlit dinner on the terrace is a romantic treat.
Booking.com - 7/11
6) Maison La Minervetta
Cool, colourful and oh-so contemporary, Maison La Minervetta is just the ticket for a sleek and stylish Sorrento holiday. Pitched just outside of the town overlooking the fishing harbour in Marina Grande, this super swish boutique hotel is another bearer of magnificent views over the Bay of Naples. While there's no restaurant, it's an easy wander down to the harbour lined with authentic bars and seafood restaurants.
There are just 12 rooms, all with a fun almost nautical appeal: bold stripes, antique globes and model ships, and huge windows to admire the view. Breakfast is a highlight, an abundant feast with homemade cakes, fresh mozzarella and heavenly tomatoes served on the terrace with unbeatable views of Mount Vesuvius.
Booking.com - 8/11
7) Palazzo Marziale
Moments from the statuesque palms and ancients oaks of Villa Comunale Park, Palazzo Marziale was originally built in the 15th century and has stayed in the same family for centuries. Now a boutique hotel, behind the pink-hued facade you'll find covetable antiques, fine art and leafy ferns, and the vibe of a rather grand home.
Some of the rooms have vaulted ceilings and parquet stone floors, while all have antique furnishings and opulent fabrics. If you can, take time over a leisurely breakfast on the terrace, with its scented lemon trees and blooming wisteria, leaving little doubt of your heavenly Italian location. Bliss.
Booking.com - 9/11
8) Grand Hotel Aminta
Tucked away in the hills above Sorrento, the Grand Hotel Aminta has been gazing over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius since the early Sixties. It makes a great base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, while day trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum are popular with guests. It's off-the-beaten track setting gives its a wildly romantic appeal, while design lovers will love the retro mid-century vibe.
The rooms are decorated with warm, Mediterranean flair and the best ones have balconies with views over the bay. There's no need to venture down the hill for dinner as the hotel's fine dining restaurant is one of the best in the region.
Booking.com - 10/11
9) Villa Manning Relais
Shaded by a magnificent cedar in the romantic gardens, this white-stuccoed villa has a watch tower from the 16th century to guard the Sorrento Peninsula. A 10-minute stroll from the town, Villa Manning Relais is a beautiful and intimate boutique hotel for exploring Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Inside, there is a Belle Époque vibe: all high ceilings, arched windows and acres of marble.
The rooms are flooded with light, thanks to arched French windows and Juliet balconies, and each is furnished with beautiful antique pottery. The Junior Suite has a private terrace and a whirlpool spa. Breakfast can be served wherever you wish, but in the garden under the tree is a popular spot.
Booking.com - 11/11
10) Imperial Hotel Tramontano
There are few places in the world where the views from almost every hotel simply takes your breath away, and Sorrento is one of them. Sweeping across the Bay of Naples and the hazy peak of Mount Vesuvius in the distance, the views from the 19th-century Imperial Hotel Tramontano are sublime. From the two Michelin-starred restaurant to the opulent Sala Quattro Stagioni lounge, decorated with original frescoes, it oozes Italian Renaissance style.
All the rooms are warmly decorated with a warm gold and real blue palette. Many have balconies and views over the sea, while some suites have grand vaulted ceilings and wood-panelling. But it's the incredible food matched with those views which make this place really stand out.
Booking.com
