Grand Hotel Royal

Views are magnificent here, where cliff-pressed settings and old-school elegance combine for a grand experience. Cocooned amid palm-flanked gardens with orange and lemon trees, almost every part of this property takes in the Bay of Naples view -- from expansive dining terraces, to the smart waterfront pier (reached by cliff elevators). Although interiors are old-fashioned, everything is well-maintained and upscale, plus some suites were renovated in 2017 for a more up-to-date look. Lots of marble, Murano glass chandeliers, and high ceilings retain classic charm, and jewel or pastel hues in seating antique wood furniture, and gilded decor complete the look. A piano in the breakfast room, mint-green wicker chairs atop floral-motif tiling in the bar, and outdoor terrace with wrought-iron rails and greenery-filled trellises enhance the romantic vibe. As such, wedding parties are common hear, and like road noise, can lead to occasional disturbances. Note that the hotel is only open mid-May through mid-October.

The hotel's cliff settings and horizon views afford a tucked-away feel, but travelers here are just a five-minute walk from Sorrento's main Piazza Tasso and railway station (for transport to Naples, Herculaneum, and Pompeii). Sorrento's historic, cobbled center offers restaurants, cafes, shopping, and museums. The ferry terminal is an eight-minute walk away, and popular jumping off point for boat trips to Capri. Marina Grande's beach is 19 minutes on foot, although taxis and busses shorten journeys. Naples International Airport is just over an hour by car.

A range of categories offer varying decor and views, and most agree upgrading to a sea-view room is worth it. Most rooms are done in a classical style, while some higher-category units were renovated in 2017 with a more contemporary finish. The old-fashioned rooms have traditional wood furniture, light walls, pretty Vietri floor tiles, powder blue or gold accent fabrics, and inlaid woodwork. Mediterranean floor motifs continue in clean, but older-looking, bathrooms with shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. Suites have rainfall showers or showers and separate tubs, as well as living spaces, Nespresso machines, slippers, and robes. All units have furnished outdoor spaces, with a city, garden, or water view. Luxury Suites have impressive terraces with loungers and/or whirlpools. Phones, desks, cable flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, safes, and AC come standard. Note, crib fittings incur fees, road or internal noise has disturbed past guests, and a few rooms are located in poolside annexes.

Features aren't the most extensive, although views are, and offerings center around the scenic setting. Reached by steps or an elevator, the private seafront pier is a smart decked space with lots of loungers, red umbrellas, and ladder-to-sea access. Alongside its bar and restaurant, it's only open mid-June through mid-September, though. Likewise limited, but popular in season, are the pool bar's light lunches and drinks. This sunny space has loungers, but no umbrellas, and sadly, guests find both the pool and hot tub cold. Camellia- and citrus-filled gardens are pretty here. There are no gym or spa on-site, but access is free at a sister property, a short walk away.Two restaurants bedecked in classic Sorrento style serve excellent Italian and international fare, but one is dinner-only. Breakfast buffets are free though, offering quality continental spreads, made-to-order eggs, mimosas, tea, coffee, and juice. Floor-to-ceiling windows here and in the pastel-themed The Caprice Bar overlook the bay, and the array of terraces provide ample seating. Piano music or live serenaders can often be found in the bar. Wi-Fi is free, while parking is available for a fee.