Hotel Regina Sorrento

With its four-story pale-pink exterior and white balconies, the Hotel Regina Sorrento is a simple, upscale property that’s geared toward couples and families, many of whom are returning guests. A sign on the front staircase invites guests to the 360 Degree Rooftop Lounge @ Hotel Regina. An exquisite circular glass staircase -- flanked by the sheer cliffs on one side and the Gulf of Naples on the other side -- leads to the rooftop terrace with white rattan sofas, chairs, and umbrellas. Renovated in 2011, the hotel’s interiors are updated in classic style. A rattan facade covers the front desk in the lobby that has a homey quality. A lounge offers classic orange chairs, gold-framed paintings, and a glass chandelier. Zebra-style carpeting in hallways feels a bit more modern. Lemon trees around the pool and terrace add an authentic Sorrento touch. This is an intimate, small property with many inviting places for guests to lounge and take in the views. 

Set on the cliff above the Gulf of Naples, this hotel has the picturesque setting often associated with Sorrento. The hotel is in a quiet residential area that’s between the Piazza Tasso and Marina Grande, which are both about five minutes away on foot in opposite directions. Around the corner from the hotel is the Piazza della Vittoria, and the Sorrento railway station is a six-minute walk away. A few restaurants are on the same block as the hotel and more options are by the main square and beach. Walking to the Sorrento Port, with ferries to Capri and Naples, takes about 15 minutes. Excursions to the sights on the Sorrento Peninsula can be arranged through the hotel. The closest airport is the Naples International Airport, which is a little over an hour away by car.

Furnishings in rooms are inspired by the seaside location with sandy-colored parquet floors, white furniture, colorful turquoise furnishings or gray coral patterns, and beach artwork. Glass doors that lead onto furnished balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows provide a lot of natural light and either overlook the sea or courtyard. Every room offers flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, and minibars. Hand-painted tiles are a charming touch in bathrooms, which have shower/tub combos or whirlpool tubs, hairdryers, slippers, and bidets in some. Single, Economy, and Standard Rooms have windows only, but Superior Rooms offer a balcony with partial bay views. Deluxe Seaview Rooms also have balconies with gorgeous views. The Queen Suite has a garden and two entrances. Cribs are available on request.

Gorgeous sea views are the ultimate selling point of this hotel. Panoramic views can be seen from the rooftop lounge that’s open seasonally with bar service. The terrace can also be rented for private functions. Free continental breakfast is served in the breakfast dining lounge, which also has wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a terrace with Gulf of Naples views. Cocktail service is also available in the classically furnished lobby bar. The lemon tree-shaded poolside terrace houses a bar and fitness equipment -- a treadmill, stationary bicycle, and a bench press -- under a tent. The small outdoor pool is surrounded by blue lounge chairs with lemon trees on the deck. Unfortunately the hotel doesn’t have a spa, but shiatsu and ayurvedic massages can be arranged. Wi-Fi is free throughout.