Grand Hotel Cocumella

Claiming to be the oldest hotel on the Sorrento Peninsula, Grand Hotel Cocumella's history dates back to 1597 when it was first built as a monastery for the Jesuits. In 1777, the property became Hotel Cocumella. Remnants of its past -- particularly the impressive cloister room that's used for events -- blend with modern facilities, with a look that's classically elegant. Traditional wooden furniture, beautiful frescoed ceilings, patterned tiling, and numerous stone sculptures are found throughout, as are windows that let in lots of light. Between the hotel and the sea are extensive garden grounds, housing various vegetables, a large pool and bar, and a tennis court, Guests can watch sunsets from the terrace, or take the elevator or numerous steps down to the beach and jetty area. As part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this hotel is undoubtedly posh, though some wear and inconsistent room sizes may deter some travelers. For something similar but in central Sorrento, consider the luxe Bellevue Syrene.Be aware that like most hotels in the area, the hotel is closed from November to April.

Grand Hotel Cocumella is set between a busy street and the sea in the town of Sant'Agnello. It's removed from the buzzing center of Sorrento, though travelers can walk to Piazza Tasso, the main square, in about 20 minutes. There are multiple eateries and hotels within a five-minute walk, though more are located closer to Sorrento. S. Agnello train station is a 14-minute walk, while Sorrento's train station is about 18 minutes away. Port of Sorrento, for ferry service to Naples, Positano, and Capri, is close to 30 minutes away on foot. Free parking is available on-site for those with cars. Naples and its airport are roughly an hour away by car, and Rome can be reached in three hours. 

The 45 rooms here are all a bit different, both in terms of specific decor and layout. Guests, however, can expect classically sophisticated decor such as wood or patterned tile floors, old-fashioned wood furniture, largely neutral-tone fabrics, and comfy bedding. Gilded artwork, vases, and floral-print armchairs in some units add charming touches. Additionally, some units have furnished balconies or cloister views. On the downside, rooms facing the street can suffer from noise issues and units claiming sea views are distant and obstructed.Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, desks, minibars, free bottled water, espresso machines, wardrobes with robes and slippers, and free Wi-Fi. Marble bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, bidets, and quality free toiletries. Some units have separate showers and tubs, as well as sitting areas. 

A big selling point for Grand Hotel Cocumella is its setting along the coast with a private beach and jetty. Although small and pebbly, it's pleasant and furnished with umbrella-shaded loungers in the warmer months. Guests can reach the beach either by taking an elevator or numerous steps. Adjacent to the elevator is a large terrace with wrought-iron dining furniture and beautiful sea vistas. For additional swimming, a large outdoor pool is set among the garden grounds. It's lined with cushioned loungers and there's an adjacent bar, as well as a casual (though still pricey) restaurant serving up wood-fired pizza and salads. Also among the grounds are a vegetable garden, tennis court, and wellness center with a bright but minimally equipped gym, and spa offering massage and body treatments, a sauna, and hot tub. Facilities are free to use.Excellent dining options include the seasonal Coku, a gourmet eatery serving Japanese-meets-Mediterranean fare. Scintilla restaurant is off the lobby with an al fresco terrace, serving up Mediterranean cuisine. Another bar is located by here. The free breakfast spreads are served in a separate, more colorful space with bright pink, yellow, purple, and blue tablecloths. The spread is tasty and varied, with hot dishes and typical continental fare, though some guests have found it a bit limited for a hotel of this caliber. The 17th-century cloister room is set up for private functions, and wedding and event services are available. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.