
With stunning views over the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius and the bay’s eponymous city, a sunny mild climate for much of the year, and fruits and flowers in profusion, Sorrento offers a real assault on the senses. You could easily spend your holiday drinking in the views, the coffee – or the limoncello, for which this area of Italy is famous – and the scents. Certainly, when it comes to the best sea-view hotels in Sorrento, you’re spoilt for choice. Some have private beaches, others have pools, all offer rooms with balconies. We’ve picked out some of the best...
For a harbourside location

- Right on Sorrento’s harbour, yet close to the town centre, Yacht Club Capo Cervo Suites have the best of both worlds. The three rooms mix modern and antique furnishings, much of the latter rescued from old ships. The rooms’ balconies give unrivalled views across the port and the Bay of Naples, yet retain a hideaway feel. Plus it's excellent value for money!
For a private beach

- With a cliffside location, striking views of Mount Vesuvius and access to a private beach, the Grand Hotel Ambasciatori is a stately affair of marbled floors, high ceilings and elegantly traditional furnishings. With rooms with balconies, a pool and small spa, as well as two restaurants this luxury hotels has everything you'll need.
- Also with a private beach but this time set a short distance outside Sorrento and tucked amongst peaceful groves of olive and fruit trees, Relais Regina Giovanna is an elegant villa with cool and contemporary interiors. Expect tiled floors, breezy colours and uncluttered rooms that mix in the odd antique. There are shady terraces for both dining and lazing, too.
For a boutique stay

- Cool, sharp and modern, Maison la Minervetta is a small boutique hotel set into the cliff-face at Sorrento with far-reaching sea views. The 12 rooms have a contemporary style of white walls, wood or tiled floors and bright primary colours in soft furnishings. All rooms have views, plus there’s an outdoor pool and terrace. Adults-only, it makes a great romantic bolthole.
Just outside town

- Quietly situated on the outskirts of Sorrento, Grand Hotel Cocumella is wonderfully quiet with classically traditional rooms of tiled floors, antique furniture and rich fabrics. Many have balconies with sea-views as does the dining terrace. There’s also a garden with pool, a spa and a choice of three restaurants.
- Also on the edge of town, Hotel Meditteraneo is a large, palatial affair with private beach, outdoor pool and beautiful dining terrace overlooking the bay. Many rooms have sea-views too, and all are cool and smart in chic nautical blues and whites.
Luxury sea-view hotels

- The glamorous Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, a Belle Epoque villa, is a landmark of Sorrento sitting just off the main square and atop the cliffs. A private lift whisks guests down to the beach while staff are discreetly on hand to cater for every guests’ needs. Rooms are classically elegant – the biggest with pianos and vast balconies – while the dining terrace serves Michelin-starred food against an impossibly romantic background.
- With its dramatic setting on the white cliffs, and with grounds of rambling terraces, beautiful gardens and a private beach, the Bellevue Syrene has long been the retreat of writers, artists and the glitterati. Interiors have been subtly modernised – bold modern art, coolly minimalist bedrooms, many with balconies – plus there’s a gourmet restaurant, spa and pool.
Still not sure?