The best hotels in Sorrento
From grand palazzos to mid-century modern hotels, here's our pick of Sorrento hotels for la dolce vita
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 from which 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. When their bewitching song was resisted, 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, it's hard to beat the luxurious Grand Hotel Excelsior 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 across to the majestic image of Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii. Alternatively, for a more rural escape, book into a secluded retreat like the Relais Blu, which is located close to the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula.
Of course, given the timelessly romantic vistas and mythical history, Sorrento is a classic destination for lovers, from anniversary trips to much-needed escapes à deux. But, increasingly, it's also a popular spot for groups of friends, who travel to this cinematically beautiful land simply to soak up the old-school Italian charm, discovering vine-covered sights and relaxing in no-nonsense tavernas.
Whether you're looking for a romantic bolthole on the peninsula, a luxurious palazzo in the old town, or an undiscovered gem somewhere just a little more off the beaten track, here's our choice of the best hotels in Sorrento. It would be foolish to attempt to resist their sirenic call...
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 five-star glamour. Esteemed former guests have included Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Luciano Pavarotti, who no doubt adored the privacy afforded by the spacious interiors and sprawling gardens, which grant the property a magical sense of being hidden away. It's in the heart of town, so it's easy to explore the beautiful cobbled streets of Sorrento.
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 Bosquet or the poolside L'Orangerie, an excellent spot for a sunset aperitivo. If you want to venture further, take private lift down to the harbour and hop on a boat to neighbouring island, Capri.
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 during a stay at Grand Hotel Royal. Although it's 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.
The beautiful rooms and suites are decorated in a classic Sorrento style: polished wood furnishings, tiled floors and marble bathrooms. Our favourites have private terraces with simply smouldering views of Mount Vesuvius. Don't miss dinner on the terrace, a delightfully formal affair with candle-lit tables and a moonlit sea – surely one of the most romantic spots in all of Sorrento.
Parco dei Principi
As an alternative to the crumbling palazzos and elegant estates that are dotted across this ancient land, the gorgeous Parco dei Principi 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. It's a 20-minute stroll from the town, but it can be hard to stray from this clifftop property. Most guests like to relax around the saltwater pool or venture through the rock tunnels down to a private beach, lingering for long, languid days by the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Out of the nearly 100 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.
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 popular postcard-pretty towns including 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 award-winning restaurant, especially its terrace with the incredible views out across the gleaming blue of the sea.
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, and almost all have fabulous sea views. They're all strikingly beautiful, but Suite Pompeiana, which has a spacious terrace and a hot tub overlooking the bay, has to be 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 for a perfect aperitivo experience, while a moonlit dinner on the terrace is a romantic treat.
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 for a traditionally inspired lunch or supper in the most charming of settings.
There are just 12 rooms, all with a fun 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.
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, which give a sense of classic old-school Italian charm. If you can, take time over a leisurely breakfast on the terrace each morning that you're here; with its scented lemon trees and blooming wisteria, it will leave you in little doubt of your heavenly Italian location. Bliss.
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, giving it a fantastic dolce vita vibe. It also makes a great base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, while day trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum are also popular with adventurous guests. Despite its useful proximity, it also feels pleasingly off-the-beaten track in its setting, gives it wildly romantic appeal.
Design lovers will fawn over the retro mid-century vibe – and with very good reason. 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.
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, an intriguing history that only adds to this property's unique allure. 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: high ceilings, arched windows and acres of marble.
The rooms are quite simply a delight; they're 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 garden views, making it perfect for those seeking a little extra space – and extra-special privacy. Breakfast can be served wherever you wish, but a perfect little patch in the garden under the tree remains the most popular spot with the very happy guests.
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 – and a fierce contender for some of the finest vistas in the area. From the traditional Neapolitan-inspired restaurant and more informal grill 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 regal 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. Perfect for anyone looking for a classic Sorrento experience.
Grand Hotel La Favorita
Moments from Villa Comunale di Sorrento park and Peter's Beach, Grand Hotel La Favorita is a stately lemon- and white-hued pile set in gloriously lush and leafy gardens. Gazing over the Bay of Naples and the puffing cone of Mount Vesuvius in the distance, the vast rooftop terrace with its huge outdoor pool and swanky Bellavista restaurant makes it one of the most alluring hotels on the Sorrentine Peninsula.
There are 85 spacious rooms and suites to choose from, all beautifully decorated in pale blue and white tones, giving the hotel a breezy Mediterranean vibe that's infinitely relaxing. All have private balconies or terraces, however for sea views, choose a room or suite on the third floor. Served in Tiffany, the hotel's swish restaurant (there's also a rooftop terrace), breakfast is a real occasion and well worth rising early for.
The Grand Hotel Cocumella
For a holiday worthy of Sophia Loren, look no further than The Grand Hotel Cocumella, the oldest five-star hotel on the Sorrento Peninsula. Originally a residence for Jesuit priests, the sprawling 17th-century villa was turned into a hotel in 1777 and quickly became a popular stop on the European Grand Tour. Surrounded by citrus trees, the five-star pad has hosted everyone from Sigmund Freud and Mary Shelley to Goethe and Hans Christian Andersen over the centuries. Along with a heavenly pool and fine dining restaurants, guests of the Cocumella have access to Vera, one of the most glamorous sailing boats in the Med.
The 48 rooms and suites are individually styled, each with a warm, serene vibe. Our favourites are the spacious sea view suites with large terraces and whirlpool spas. As for dining, La Cocumella's trio of topnotch restaurants includes Coku, the first Robata – Japanese fireside cooking – restaurant in Italy, as well as a Mediterranean bistro and poolside spot sheltered by fragrant shade-giving orange trees.
Capo La Gala Hotel & Wellness
This five-star hotel makes the most of its position among the rocky coastline of Vico Equense, the gateway to the Sorrento Peninsula, which slopes into the Gulf of Naples. Bathed in light, many of the rooms look out onto that hypnotic view – some with their own terraces – which might just be the calling card of this dreamy property.
Capo La Gala's romantic Maxi restaurant (which sings with the freshness of Mediterranean flavours) also overlooks this, as does the brilliant Capri Bar. Nerea Sea Tavern is the spot to head to for more relaxed lunching, set just back from the sea and charming with nautical style. Only children over the age of eight are welcome, so a grown-up atmosphere reigns and you can count on peace in the heavenly infinity pool – and in the equally inviting sea below.
Marina Piccola 73
Built by the family of the present owner in the 1860s and once the residence of the most famous tailor in Sorrento, the palazzo that houses this charming hotel has a fascinating history. It's been lovingly restored and now offers five different room and suite categories, as well as two spacious apartments for larger groups or those looking to really feel at home here.
In Marina Piccola 73, all spaces are beautifully decorated, with minimal furnishings so as not to detract from the historic setting – nor those incredible views – but room for statement touches like brightly coloured floor tiles and lampshades. Each morning begins with leisurely breakfast on the panoramic terrace, with fresh bread, pastries, cheese and charcuterie setting you up for whatever the day holds.
Hotel Bristol
Among the most popular elements of Hotel Bristol with returning guests are its excellent location and panoramic views. These sprawl from the pretty fishing village of Marina Grande below the hotel to the Punta Scutolo in the distance, as well as across the Bay of Naples to the majestic Vesuvius with Pompei at its feet.
The Acampora family have been welcoming guests here for generations, so you can expect classic Italian hospitality and a truly authentic welcome – ideal for a touch of the old-world glamour synonymous with Sorrento. There are two restaurants to choose from here, including international fare and Neapolitan dishes in La Pergola, an open-air gem at the top of the hotel.
More Italian hotels:
Villa Carlotta is a haven to visit in Lake Como
The most amazing ways to experience Italy
Lake Orta is the hidden gem of the Italian Lakes
This humble Puglian town is Italy's prettiest
