Last updated on January 09th, 2022
Since the time of the Romans, Sorrento in Italy has welcomed distinguished guests to enjoy its dramatic setting, ancient attractions, many restaurants and the clear blue sea of the Gulf of Naples.
Oscar Wilde enjoyed the clifftop magnificence of the Grand Excelsior Victoria Hotel, today Sorrento’s finest, along with the ultra modern luxury of Grand Hotel La Favourite with its lavish accommodation in central Sorrento. There’s no better boutique hotel than Bellevue Syrene, once home to aristocracy. See our carefully selected recommendations for the best hotels for families, with a pool and near train stations and beaches.
What is the Best Area to Stay in Sorrento For First Time Visit ?
For first-timers in Sorrento, the historic centre is the perfect location for those fascinating by history and the vibrant street life of the town. Cliff-side hotels with spectacular views over the Gulf of Naples, many featuring their own private swimming pools, are ideal for those seeking a laid back holiday. Read more
What is the best hotel in Sorrento Italy ?
Where money is no object, there’s no doubt where I’d stay in Sorrento. Bellevue Syrene was once a noble private villa and a remarkable gallery, created by Lord Astor, features many ancient treasures. The location, over the Gulf of Naples, can’t be beaten, and the experience is that of an honoured distinguished guest.
What are The Best (Luxury) Hotels in Sorrento ?
On the magnificent terrace of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, looking out at the Bay of Naples, you’re enjoying the same view as Oscar Wilde and the composer Wagner. This is the grandeur of times gone by on a Sorrento clifftop. Luxury accommodation is in classical style in deep creams and deluxe gold tones. There’s a spa in a renovated greenhouse and a large outdoor pool. Among dining options is the Vittoria Restaurant, featuring domed frescoed ceilings. There’s nothing like it.
The high style of Italy in the centre of Sorrento, this five star ultra-modern hotel presents a 21st century take on a classical Italian style with pure white leather Chesterfield sofas in the lavish tiled reception area setting the luxurious tone. Accommodation is in 85 lavish rooms with antiques and traditional majolica tiled flooring. There’s an inviting pool area on the top floor with far-reaching views over the Gulf of Naples. Among the dining options is Restaurant Tiffany using local Sorrento produce. The future meets the past.
Grand Hotel Royal is set in an luxuriant estate planted with orange and lemon trees. The hotel dates from the late 19th century and played host to the aristocracy of the era. Guest accommodation today is in the classical style of that period with intricate tiled flooring, original Sorrento pieces and far reaching views from some guest rooms. There’s a large outdoor swimming pool, while a lift takes guests down to the hotel’s private beach. Aristocratic splendour.
With 1960s architecture by the great Gio Ponti, the white washed modernism of the clifftop Parco di Principi is a celebration of the best of Italy’s design. Vivid blues and whites are the signature in the striking guest rooms, with tiles and furnishings by Ponti himself. The pool area is another design classic, while a secret series of tunnels leads down to a private beach. Mediterranean classics are served in the Gio Ponti Restaurant, designed to magnify views of the sea. More than a great hotel, a designer landmark.
5. Hotel Bristol – Good Value
Run for generations by the same family, the magnificence of Hotel Bristol climbs up a Sorrento cliff. The outside promises classic luxury, while guest accommodation surprises with the best stripped back luxury design that Italy can offer, in sleek whites with dark accents. Most rooms feature floor to ceiling windows to frame the show stopping sea view that’s also a feature of the indulgent pool on the rooftop, also home to La Pergola, which serves Neapolitan cuisine. Sublime Sorrento at its best.
6. Hotel Antiche Mura – Good Value
A deluxe four star art nouveau experience in the heart of the city, offering guests the choice of 52 traditionally styled rooms with tiled floors and signature bright colours, the Hotel Anitche Mura features an elegant pool area in private gardens, overlooking Sorrento’s ancient city walls. The extensive front terrace has views over Piazza Tasso, while breakfast is served al fresco in fine weather. A central Sorrento secret.
7. Hotel Plaza – Good Value
Hotel Plaza is a boutique style hotel in the very heart of Sorrento, offering accommodation in highly contemporary rooms with dark wood floors, furnished in neutral tones with deep feature colours. A rooftop infinity pool offers spectacular views over the historical centre of the city towards the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius. This first class hotel has its own breakfast room and there’s a bar to unwind with coffee or cocktails. A skybar is the place to enjoy sunset. Classically contemporary.
8. Hotel Belair – Good Value
High above the Gulf of Naples, Hotel Belair’s spectacular pool terrace is a luxurious place to swim while enjoying the view towards Vesuvius. From this panoramic terrace, there’s a secret path leading down to the centre of Sorrento. The hotel’s deluxe accommodation is in luxury guest rooms featuring classic accents to a contemporary Italian style, with most offering a seaview. The Belair Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine in a grand room or outdoors on its own terrace. Up in the air.
9. Grand Hotel Riviera – Good Value
There are 105 elegantly decorated guest rooms to choose from at Grand Hotel Riviera, where Italian modernism meets art deco. The traditionally tiled rooms are in cool whites and sea blues with some accommodation offering serene sea views. A large pool terrace makes the most of Grand Hotel Riviera’s clifftop location with stunning views over the Gulf of Naples, while the chef at the Le Vele Italian Restaurant specialises in local fish dishes. Clifftop serenity.
What are The Best Boutique Hotels in Sorrento ?
1. Bellevue Syrene – Top
An elegant and luxurious place where history is celebrated, with ancient artworks, placed by this villa’s former owner Lord Astor, on permanent display in a dedicated gallery. Service and decor is distinctly contemporary with luxurious fabrics and classical detailing to deluxe guest rooms and suites. A serene pool terrace makes the most of the Bellevue Syrene’s elevated position overlooking the Gulf of Naples while distinguished chefs serve Mediterranean cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant.
Bright nautical colours greet guests in the luxury accommodation at Maison La Minervetta, a family owned hotel dating from the 1950s. In most of the guest rooms, large windows frame a breathtaking view over the Gulf of Naples. Striking bright tiled flooring is a feature of the hotel while family art treasures are on display. The centre of Sorrento is a 15 minute stroll and a private stairway leads down to the charming fishing village of Marina Grande.
3. Villa Eliana
Villa Eliana was built as a luxury retreat in the 1960s by Italian shipping magnate Achille Lauro. Today guests can enjoy the real glamour of this modernist white washed villa, surrounded by extensive grounds with large swimming pools, in the wooded hills near Sorrento. Bright designer fabrics feature alongside original artworks on sparkling white walls above original tiled floors in award winning luxury guest accommodation. Guests enjoy the benefits of indoor/outdoor gourmet dining.
4. Relais Regina Giovanna – Private Beach
Set in 50 acres of its own parkland, with its own private beach in an enchanting cove, Relais Regina Giovanna can trace its history back to Roman times when a summer villa stood on this site. Accommodation is just 12 airy guest rooms with beamed ceilings and locally made wrought iron furniture. Dining is on gourmet meals using ingredients grown and raised on the hotel’s own land, while cooking classes are also offered.
What’s the Best Hotel with Spa & Pool ?
1. Grand Hotel Ambasciatori – Private Beach
A dedicated spa and wellness centre with a wide range of treatments is one of the luxury features of the deluxe Grand Hotel Ambasciatori. There’s also a fully equipped gym. The hotel’s large swimming pool area includes an outdoor Jacuzzi on a large outdoor terrace making the most of Grand Hotel Ambasciatori’s elevated setting taking in the Gulf of Naples. Bright nautical colours and locally tiled floors complement the far reaching views from many outstanding guest rooms.
What are the Best Family Hotels in Sorrento ?
Set among ancient olive groves with far reaching views, Villa Oriana Relais is a intimate, family friendly boutique hotel. Itself family owned, Villa Oriana Relais provides airy accommodation with enough space for couples travelling with up to two children. The sparkling white sundeck features a bubbling Jacuzzi. The hotel prides itself on its home sourced and created breakfast while your hosts are on hand with recommendations for restaurants and tours.
2. Sorrento Flats – Aparthotel
Perfectly situated in central Sorrento within easy walking distance of Sorrento Train Station, this property has a range of rooms available as well as an apartment that’s ideal for families travelling with up to two children. Decor is airy and bright, with a balcony and a fully equipped kitchen so that you can make the most of Sorrento’s food markets bursting with local produce. All of the city attractions are within easy reach and the city’s beaches are near at hand.
3. Magi House Relais – Aparthotel
Ideally located in the historic heart of Sorrento, the luxury family suite at Magi House Relais offers accommodation for up to four people in adjoining rooms with two outdoor terraces, with a private hot tub featuring on the bigger terrace. There’s also the option of a deluxe apartment with its own kitchen facilities, and both have access to a large terrace where some meals are served. The city’s major attractions are within strolling distance.
What’s the Best Cheap or Affordable Hotel in Sorrrento ?
A youthful three star hotel in the very centre of the historical district, Hotel Rivoli features cheerful rooms with Mediterranean decor and small balconies looking towards the historic Santa Maria delle Grazie church. There’s a private roof terrace for the use of guests and the enthusiastic hosts are on hand with advice on restaurants and tours.
Best Value Hotels in Sorrento City Centre
The heart of Sorrento is the Piazza Tasso, always bustling with pedestrians. Strolling at random from the piazza, you’ll take in small cafes and restaurants serving simple dishes from Campania, the district that Sorrento’s part of.
Culture lovers won’t won’t to miss Sorrento’s best museum, Museo Correale di Terranova, where archeological and art treasures are set in beautiful surroundings. Among the many ancient churches, the forbidding exterior of the 11th century Basilica di Sant’Antonino gives way to an extraordinarily decorated interior.
Good Value Accommodation
- Hotel Antiche Mura – Highly Reviewed
- Grand Hotel Riviera – Beachfront
- Grand Hotel Capodimonte – Great Value
- Hotel Carlton International – Great Value
What’s the Best Beach Hotel in Sorrento Italy ?
Take the lift down to Marina Piccolo to find the beach closest to central Sorrento, right next to the marina. Nearby, other pebbled beaches include Marameo Beach, Peter’s Beach and Bagni Salvatore. Marina Grande, a little further away, gives on to another stretch of public beach.
Along the Sorrento peninsula, easily accessed by public bus, a short walk from Capo di Sorrento, there’s the remarkable clear water of il Bagno della Regina Giovanna, which translates as Queen Giovanna’s Bath, under a rock archway.
Finest Hotels near Beach
- Grand Hotel Ambasciatori – Top Luxury
- Grand Hotel Royal – 5 Star
- Bellevue Syrene – Exclusive Property !
What’s the Top Accommodation near Train Station (Circumvesuviana and Campania Express trains) ?
Sorrento Train Station is conveniently located just a few blocks from Piazza Tasso, the central square. There are connections on the local Circumvesuviana Train to and from Naples in an hour and a half. One tip is to take the tourist Campania Express which stops at fewer stations and takes half an hour less.
Outstanding Hotels near Railway Station
- La Ferrovia Guest House – Top Reviewed
- Orsola Sorrento Suites – Top Reviewed Bed & Breakfast
- Hotel Sorrento City – Affordable
