Hotel & Spa Francischiello Bellavista

Owned and run by the Francischiello family for many years, this property has hotel amenities with a homey atmosphere. The design throughout is largely old-fashioned, with some worn furnishings. However, interiors are bright and cheery, with cream couches in the lobby accented by light-blue tile floors and mirrors with patterned blue-and-yellow frames. Rooms also add pops of color and cheerful fabric headboards. A ground-floor Italian restaurant retains a traditional vibe, with brick arches, ceramic plates on the walls, and a fireplace. A rooftop pool and bar provide space to lounge in warmer months, and the hotel is a popular spot for events and groups. Due to its setting outside of Sorrento, the hotel is best for travelers who want a quiet atmosphere and don't mind driving or taking public transportation to sights. 

Hotel & Spa Francischiello Bellavista is situated in the small town of Massa Lubrense, located a 12-minute drive from Sorrento. The quiet atmosphere and stunning views of the Gulf of Naples make it a popular pick for couples and weddings, though it isn't the most convenient for tourists. There's little in the way of restaurants, bars, or shops in the immediate area, so travelers should expect to take public transportation or drive themselves to reach sights or dining options. Fortunately, a local, inexpensive bus stops just outside of the hotel's doors, reaching Sorrento in 15 minutes. Regina Giovanna Bath, an archeological site and popular beach area, is an eight-minute drive or 45-minute walk away. Travelers heading onward to the Amalfi Coast are about a 45-minute drive from Positano. Sorrento's train station is 12 minutes away by car, while Naples and its airport are approximately a 90-minute drive.

The 33 rooms are all done in a similar style, consisting of traditional, often worn, wooden furniture, teal tile floors, and old-fashioned paintings of the region. Many have charming fabric headboards with colorful fish and sealife for a dose of personality. Their best asset, however, are the furnished balconies, all of which have sea vistas. Classic and Deluxe Rooms also come with desks, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and electric shades that block out the sun, as well as closets with safes. Bathrooms have attractive tiling with hand-painted scenes, but they're showing lots of wear. Shower/tub combos come standard, as do bidets, hose-style hairdryers, and toiletries. Junior Suites are more spacious and have bigger terraces -- some quite large. 

Given the somewhat sleepy location, it's a relief that the hotel offers a good deal of amenities on-site. Leisure-wise, guests generally make good use of the rooftop pool, which is a decent size and lined by loungers and umbrellas. In the warmer months an adjacent bar is open, serving drinks and food. Below here is the spa, which houses an indoor pool with a faux-grotto wall, steam room, sauna, and treatment rooms for massages and other services. A fee is charged for access to all these facilities. The tiny fitness center here, however, is free to use and has a handful of machines.All rates include a tasty breakfast buffet served in the ground-floor restaurant. The spread consists of continental options such as cold meats and cheeses, yogurt, and pastries, plus hot items such as eggs and bacon. Coffee is available from machines. Lunch and dinner are also available, with a menu of Italian fare and seafood dishes. Wedding and event spaces and services are available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.