Hotel La Badia

With past lives as a Roman villa and a monastery, the family-run La Badia has maintained its traditional feel with old-fashioned decor. The cream-colored lobby blends classic and modern furniture, as the property's past shines through in its archways, traditional ceramics, stone sculptures, and antique bookcases. The true highlight, however, are the beautiful grounds filled with olive trees, potted plants, and hammocks. The garden and various terraces are the most alluring spots, thank to their stunning Gulf of Naples views. Many guests, including those during peak tourist season, are part of Riviera tour groups, but that shouldn't dissuade independent guests from booking. It's best for friends or couples who would enjoy a longer walk into town and want a property that's a base rather than a destination; however, those with mobility issues or small ones might find the hills and stairs of Sorrento tiring.  

Located between two hairpin turns in the hills outside Sorrento and set in an olive grove, La Badia is a seven-or-so-minute drive or bus ride to the center of the town (the bus stop is right outside the door). It's also possible to walk, though it's about 20 minutes into town. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Sorrento, but closer by is the highly regarded Ristorante Verdmara, a seven-minute walk away down (and back up) a hillside path. The hotel's positioning is a good base to explore either the area around the Bay of Naples or the Amalfi Coast. Naples and its airport are just over an hour by car, or an hour and 15 by ferry and bus from Sorrento's harbor; Pompeii is about 55 minutes by car (be warned: taking public transit there is extremely inefficient and tacks on 90 minutes to the travel time). Meanwhile, on the other side of the peninsula, the villages of the Amalfi Coast are a reasonable drive away: Positano is 45 minutes away; Amalfi an hour and 15 minutes; and Ravello about an hour and 35 minutes. 

On the whole, rooms are spacious and simply but charmingly decorated -- think pale pinks, floral motifs, and tiled floors. The old-fashioned decor won't suit everyone's taste, but it has a traditional, homey vibe that's common throughout the region. Bathrooms are a decent size -- some with beautifully patterned tile floors -- with either small stall showers or larger ones in the suites, though counter space is lacking. They have bidets, old hose-style hairdryers, and wall-mounted soap dispensers. Stunning views include those over the bay toward Vesuvius, and some rooms have balconies. Each room has a mini-fridge stocked with water, a free safe, and a small flat-screen TV, though it only has a couple of English channels. 

The hotel has a well-maintained circular swimming pool set among the property's gardens, with metal loungers and a handful of umbrellas on the terra-cotta sundeck. The garden and olive grove have hammocks, wooden benches, and wicker dining sets, many of which face the water. The restaurant receives positive reviews, offering regional and vegetarian dishes and reasonably priced Sorrento wine. All rates include a free breakfast that's simple but adequate to start the day. Its covered dining terrace -- with cheery yellow table linens -- looks out across the ocean toward Vesuvius. The terrace also has a bar that serves up both coffee and boozier beverages, and an adjacent seating area offers guests comfortable sofas and armchairs. Wi-Fi is available only in the common area, as advertised. There's also free parking available on-site.