Imperial Hotel Tramontano

A Sorrento landmark in its own right, the Imperial Hotel Tramontano features an often-photographed bright yellow facade accented with fresh white pilasters. The scenic building is surrounded by lush, manicured gardens filled with citrus trees, camellias, and beautiful Mediterranean plants. The back of the hotel looks a little windswept, but perhaps with good reason: The entire structure is situated on a rock that juts out into the sea. The building traces its lineage back to the 16th century, when the earliest part of the structure was built as a private residence. It was converted to a hotel in the early 1800s. It's been a literary mecca: Torquato Tass, a famous Italian poet, was born here in the mid-1500s, and other famous guests have supposedly included Goethe, Byron, Keats, Isben, and Longfellow. 

Interior decor lands somewhere between charming and outdated, but it does look luxurious with tall ceilings and original architectural features. The lobby, which was a courtyard in the 19th century, features a partial glass roof, yellow walls, and archways with white pilasters. On a vast glossy floor, islands of Persian-style rugs hold light blue couches, yellow chairs, and wood coffee tables. The Four Seasons Lounge is particularly luxurious with bright, Majolica-tiled floors, ornate mirrors, inlaid wood tables, a central chandelier, and huge French windows that open onto a large terrace set with tables and chairs. Guests linger here for the spectacular, panoramic Bay of Naples views. Those looking for more contemporary luxury may be disappointed, but this exceptionally located hotel pleases many leisure travelers, tourists, and couples with its historic Italian charm.

Situated on a rock that overlooks the sea, Imperial Hotel Tramontano manages to be both idyllically and conveniently located. Not only does the hotel have an elevator leading directly to a private beach, it's also centrally situated in the heart of Sorrento, so it's within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and bars. It's just a minute's walk from the Piazza della Vittoria and the city's popular pedestrian area. The hotel is also right in the harbor, where guests can book 40-minute boat trips to Capri or 45-minute trips to Naples. Pompeii and Postiano are about 25 to 45 minutes by car and Naples, home to the nearest international airport, is about an hour's drive. The Sorrento train station is about a 10-minute walk. The hotel provides on-site parking, but it costs extra.

Rooms have simple, classic decor that's clean and well-kept, but the outmoded style can disappoint some guests. While decor varies from room-to-room, a simple Double Room might feature blue tiled floors with yellow walls, white furniture, and striped comforters and matching fringed drapes with blue and yellow stripes. Single, Double/Twin, and Triple Rooms are available. Suites and Junior Suites may feature upgrades like sitting areas, dining areas, parquet floors, or whirlpools. Some rooms have balconies with sitting areas that face the cliffs and sea -- though the balconies themselves show wear and tear, the sea views are excellent. Some garden view rooms also have balconies.  

All rooms have seasonal AC, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, desks, electronic safes, free Wi-Fi, and well-stocked minibars. Bathrooms are usually tiled in blue and white and feature lovely marble vanities, toilets, bidets, and shower/tub combos in addition to hairdryers and free individual toiletries. 

The Imperial Hotel Tramontano has most of the amenities guests expect from an upscale property. Outdoor spots include a large and elegantly manicured front garden and a roomy terrace with seating, which is right along the water and offers exceptional panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The hotel also has a modern kidney-shaped pool, which is surrounded by a wood patio and loungers and features a snack bar. There's direct access to a shared private beach via an elevator (or via a path cut through the stone cliff). It's a beautiful spot, but umbrellas and chairs cost extra. 

The Belvedere Restaurant has panoramic windows that face the sea and serves a free breakfast buffet, which includes an extensive range of hot and cold items. Bar Tasso features drink service and lounge space. Room service is available during limited hours. In addition to the lobby, the hotel also has the charming Four Seasons Lounge with colorful Majolica tiles and a meeting and event room that can host up to 200 guests. A 16th century chapel is also situated on the property. There is no fitness room, but spa services are available. 

The hotel has a concierge and a 24-hour front desk. Childcare, laundry service, and transportation can be arranged. Parking is available on-site, but it costs extra. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.