Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria

Founded by the Fiorentino family in 1834, this famous hotel is now run by the fifth generation of the family. Guests reach the main part of the hotel via a gated entrance and a long driveway with beautiful trees and plants on both sides. The hotel is situated in three 19th-century buildings surrounded by mature Mediterranean gardens. Villa Vittoria and La Rivale are elegant neoclassic villas, while between the two sits La Favorita, a curious building that resembles a mountain chalet. Inside, public areas are elegant and grand, with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, antique furnishings, marble floors, polished wood, frescoes on the walls and ceilings, fine rugs, arched windows and doorways, and period artwork. Multiple seating areas encourage guests to linger and take in the grandeur of the setting. The hotel is steeped in history, and its long list of famous guests includes artists, royalty, musicians, and actors. Portraits of many of them hang on the walls. Terraces line the back of the hotel, along the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, providing stunning views of the bay and Mount Vesuvius in the distance. The hotel is suited to many types of well-heeled tourists, but couples especially find its seaside setting enchanting. 

With a prized position on the dramatic cliffs of Sorrento, the hotel is set high on the hilltop next to the city's main Piazza Tasso. It's right in the heart of the bustling town, but after passing through the gate and entering the gardens, the vibe is tranquil -- in fact, orange, lemon, and olive groves make up the hotel's most immediate neighbors. Directly below, on the sea, is Marina Piccola, the smaller of Sorrento's ports, for boat trips to Naples, Capri, Ischia, Positano, and the Amalfi Coast. A private elevator takes guests from the hotel to the port. The location is ideal both as a relaxing and beautiful place to stay, and as a starting point for visiting the city and the surrounding region. Many shops and restaurants are within walking distance, and it takes about 80 minutes to reach Salerno. Naples is about an hour away by car or an hour and 20 minutes by train. The Naples International Airport is a little more than an hour away by car, or two hours by train. 

Much like the rest of the hotel, rooms are classically elegant and sophisticated. High ceilings and period furnishings are the norm, but the look is sharp and handsome as opposed to stuffy and worn, as it often is in other historic hotels in the region. In general, rooms are spacious, and entry level Classic Rooms start at 25 square meters (269 square feet). Prestige Suites, such as the Pavarotti Suite (where the famed tenor once stayed), are most frequently requested. These rooms are truly grand, with elegant frescoes, antique detailing, rich furniture and seating areas, details like canopy beds, and huge furnished terraces overlooking the Bay of Naples. The Garden Suite that we visited is more humble, but has a rustic charm. Most rooms have sea views, but some look out onto the beautiful gardens. All come with air-conditioning, Frette linens, minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and work desks. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, toiletries, robes and slippers, though some bathrooms in higher category bookings have separate soaking tubs and showers. They are also elegant and feature marble countertops plus period fixtures and fittings. 

The hotel has two restaurants, including Terrazza Bosquet, which has been awarded a Michelin star. It’s refined and formal, with a terrace for alfresco dining with gorgeous views. The menu features regional and Mediterranean cuisine, using fresh, local produce including fruits from the hotel's own groves. The open-air L’Orangerie, in the garden by the pool, is more casual. Its poolside setting is especially beautiful after dark. Among other dishes, it is famous for its delicious pizza. Guests start their day with an American-style breakfast buffet with plenty of options for those with dietary restrictions -- it's included in room rates and served in the glamorous Vittoria Breakfast Room. The hotel has a swimming pool with solarium and whirlpool. Padded lounge chairs and sofa groups encourage poolside relaxing. Children have their own pool, as well as a grassy playground with an area for playing soccer. The Boutique Spa La Serra offers exclusive rituals, facials, and massages and was developed using feng shui principles. The compact fitness center offers modern Technogym equipment and free weights, and personal trainers are available. Six events spaces can accommodate social and business gatherings of up to 250 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and other freebies include a welcome drink, parking, and overnight shoeshine services. Small pets are allowed, but check ahead with the hotel. The hotel can provide car services for a fee and even has its own motorboat that can be rented in the warmer months.