Best hotels in Sorrento

One of Sorrento's most elegant hotels (and it's only Relais & Châteaux property), the Hotel Bellevue Syrene inhabits a timeless, 2nd-century Roman villa, its ancient nymphaea still visible beneath the building. Opened in 1820, every corner is as stylish as the owner (who genuinely adores the property). Think Neapolitan antiques sharing wall space with contemporary Italian art, calming sherbet-coloured interiors, freshly-cut flowers in beautiful vases and pretty balconies overlooking the Gulf of Naples. The staff have been here for decades and treat every guest like family. Oh and, it also happens to boast one of the most spectacular breakfast settings on the coast...

High above the Bay of Naples, this grand dame has been turning heads since 1834. The scene is set the moment you step through the wrought iron gates - five acres of citrus gardens, three historic buildings, and a magnificent stone terrace that serves up show-stopping views of Mount Vesuvius brooding across the water. Duck into the music room where Wagner once composed, peek into the winter garden, or take the private elevator down to the port below. The whole place feels rather like stepping into a Fellini film, albeit one where the impeccable service and Michelin-starred cuisine remind you that you're very much in the here and now.

Situated dramatically on a cliff overlooking the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this five-star hideaway offers a delightful escape from the buzzing energy of town life. The property sits within a verdant cocoon of mature, luxuriant gardens while still being just a 15-minute saunter from the bustling centre. Inside, the décor whisks you back to a more elegant era – think finely inlaid furniture, magnificent hand-painted floors, and antique paintings that wouldn't look out of place in a museum. The warm, friendly atmosphere and attentive service create that rare alchemy where five-star luxury feels genuinely welcoming rather than stuffy. Whether you're lounging by the pool with Vesuvius on the horizon or riding the lift down to your private patch of beach, the views here are the sort that stay with you long after your tan has faded.

Right in the beating heart of historic Italy sits this Mediterranean marvel, nestled between ancient walls and the glistening sea. The 5-star establishment exudes an air of refined elegance with its majolica-inspired design and artistic treasures scattered throughout. Step into a world where high, frescoed ceilings and traditional painted tiles transport you to a bygone era, yet all the modern luxuries you could wish for are at your fingertips. The piece de résistance? A rooftop terrace complete with a mosaicked swimming pool where aperitivos are served under swaying palm trees as the sun sets over one of the world's most iconic bays. This historic building may have one foot firmly planted in tradition, but it's also dancing gracefully to the tune of contemporary comfort.

Perched dramatically on the edge of sun-drenched cliffs, this historic gem captures the essence of coastal Italian luxury with an aristocratic flourish. Step into the Hall of the Four Seasons, where frescoed female figures dance across walls that have witnessed centuries of distinguished visitors. The large, elegant halls sparkle with reflections from the sea beyond, adorned with soft oriental carpets, period statues and exquisite inlaid furniture crafted by ancient local masters. The meticulous attention to detail is apparent at every turn—from the intricate woodwork to the flowering gardens cascading toward the private beach below. Just a short stroll from bustling piazzas yet blissfully removed from the crowds, this is where the melody of "Torna à Surriento" was famously composed—a fact that feels perfectly fitting when you're sipping prosecco on that legendary terrace as the setting sun paints Mount Vesuvius in hues of amber and rose.