Where to Stay in Sorrento — My Personal Picks from Experience

Grand Hotel Royal was my home base in Sorrento, and it completely captured what I love about this town — classic, beautiful, and quietly elegant without trying too hard.

It’s a place that doesn’t need to impress you with theatrics; it simply feels right. The location is perfect — just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Tasso and all the shops and cafés — yet tucked away enough that you feel like you’ve escaped the busy streets the moment you step through the gate.

The property itself has that unmistakable old-world Sorrento charm — colorful tiled floors, polished wood details, floral accents, and a sense of tradition that feels authentic rather than dated. It’s graceful, not flashy.

My room was on the top floor — a Prestige Sea View — and I don’t think I could ever get tired of that view. The balcony overlooked the Bay of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius in the distance, and during quiet moments, you could just sit there and watch the light change over the water.

There’s a certain romance about the Grand Hotel Royal. It’s elegant without trying too hard, grand without being pretentious. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger on your balcony just a little longer, because you know that even though you’ll visit many places, this view, this feeling, this moment — you’ll remember it.

Down below, the gardens spill down the cliffside in neat terraces, filled with palms, flowers, and plenty of hidden spots where you can sit and read or have a drink. The pool area feels calm and relaxed, never crowded. The “beach” here isn’t a stretch of sand but a deck built into the rocks, set up with loungers, umbrellas, and a full bar — exactly the kind of place you end up spending more time than you planned. There’s even an outdoor elevator that takes you between the beach level and the hotel terrace, which turned out to be a small but appreciated luxury after a swim.

I had dinner at the hotel one night. Because of the wind and rain, the terrace was closed, which was a shame — that view would have made any meal taste better. The food itself was good — simple, traditional — and the staff were warm and genuinely kind, the kind of people who seem to enjoy seeing guests happy. That’s something I noticed throughout my stay: everyone here seems to take real pride in their work.

Our clients who we booked to this property before often had the same feedback: the Royal feels familiar, comfortable, and calm. I could see why. It’s not trendy or overly polished; it’s confident in what it is — a classic Sorrento hotel with spectacular views, beautiful gardens, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you slow down and just enjoy being there.

Just a short walk from the Royal sits its sister property, the Grand Hotel Ambasciatori — another member of the Manniello family collection and very much its own personality. If the Royal feels elegant and central, the Ambasciatori feels a little more private, a little more serene.

I didn’t stay here overnight, but after spending some time exploring the property, it’s easy to see why so many guests fall in love with it. The views are just as impressive — those same sweeping blue horizons over the Bay of Naples — but the setting feels more secluded. The gardens here are beautiful, terraced right down to the sea, with plenty of quiet corners to sit with a drink or a book and just take in the view.

What stood out most to me was the calm. Even though it’s only a few minutes away from the lively center of Sorrento, it feels worlds apart. This would be the perfect spot for someone who wants to be close to everything but still come “home” to peace and quiet.

The hotel has the same classic Sorrentine charm as the Royal — colorful tiles, traditional décor, elegant furniture — but the overall mood feels softer, more romantic. Service here is known to be outstanding, with a lot of returning guests who mention the same thing in reviews: the staff remember you. That sense of familiarity, of being genuinely welcomed back, is something you don’t find everywhere.

The Ambasciatori also has a private beach area built into the cliffside, similar to the Royal’s, and multiple terraces where you can dine or enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets. It’s easy to imagine long, lazy evenings here, with live piano music in the background and the sea glittering below.

If I had to describe it in one sentence, I’d say: the Ambasciatori is where you go when you still want all the convenience of Sorrento, but with a little more tranquility and space to breathe.

The Grand Hotel De La Ville is the four-star sister of the Royal and Ambasciatori, and while it’s not perched directly on the cliffs, it still manages to hold onto that Sorrento charm. It sits just across the street from the sea, a short walk from the center, and you can still catch glimpses of the bay from the rooftop terrace and pool.

I spent some time visiting the property, and my first impression was how comfortable and easygoing it felt. It doesn’t try to compete with the grandness of its five-star siblings — instead, it focuses on creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel instantly welcome.

The rooms are simple but well kept, decorated with the same colorful tiles that give all of the Manniello hotels their signature look. It’s not over-the-top luxury, but it’s clean, bright, and honest — and for many travelers, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.

The De La Ville has two swimming pools — one on the rooftop and one on the ground level — which is a rare find in Sorrento. The ground-level pool, surrounded by lemon trees and flowers, feels perfect for families who want some extra space. The rooftop one offers partial sea views and is ideal for a quieter afternoon or a sunset drink.

What really caught my attention, though, was the new spa. It’s modern, intimate, and beautifully designed — a nice surprise that adds a touch of indulgence to a stay here.

Guests often praise the staff’s friendliness and attention to detail. The reviews echo what I noticed in person: the service feels personal and genuine, with the team going out of their way to make guests feel at home. This seems to be consistent though all of the Maniello properties. The hotel is also known for great food — particularly breakfast, which people rave about for both variety and quality.

For travelers who want something authentic, comfortable, and slightly more casual without losing that Sorrento elegance, the De La Ville is a great choice. It’s also a smart option for families or anyone who prefers a less formal environment but still appreciates good service and a convenient location.

If you’re craving luxury with a fresh, modern twist in Sorrento — while still keeping that coastal charm — the Hotel Mediterraneo is a standout. Once a private residence built around 1912 and transformed over decades into a boutique five-star, it carries a story in every corridor.  

During my visit to Sorrento, I had the chance to tour the Hotel Mediterraneo and have lunch with one of the owners — and I’ll be honest, this property surprised me in the best way. This is an independent property, not part of the Maniello Group, but another family owned gem in Sorrento that I am really excited to tell you about.

The vibe is more youthful than the traditional Sorrento properties — bright, elegant, but still approachable.

The hotel sits just outside the center, in the Sant’Agnello area, which gives it a quieter feel. You’re still close enough to get into town easily. There’s a complimentary shuttle running every half hour into the city center, from morning until late evening (with a short lunch break). The ride takes about five minutes, and if you feel like walking, it’s a pleasant 15–20 minutes by foot.

If you’re looking for something that feels current — where you can start the day with yoga by the pool, sip something creative at the rooftop bar, and end the evening with a quiet spa session — this is your spot. Their spa can even be booked as a private experience, which is such a thoughtful touch.

The sea views here are a huge draw, especially from the upper floors and rooftop terrace.  

The restaurant and rooftop terrace deserve their own mention. Locals and visitors alike say it’s one of the best places in Sorrento to watch the sunset, with a glass of something cold and the entire Bay of Naples in front of you. It’s that kind of moment that makes you remember why you came here in the first place.

If you love the idea of staying somewhere that blends luxury with a modern, social vibe — without losing the warmth that Sorrento is known for — the Mediterraneo is a perfect fit.

It’s not technically a cliffside property, but because of its elevated curve along the coastline, the views stretch across the Bay of Naples and feel endless. The pool itself doesn’t overlook the water — it’s nestled in a private garden — but that actually adds to the sense of calm. It’s peaceful, beautifully landscaped, and feels like a retreat on hot summer afternoons.

I had lunch on-site at their pool-side restaurant. The food was excellent — fresh, beautifully presented, and clearly prepared with care.  

Guests describe the Mediterraneo as “stylish but welcoming,” and I’d agree. It’s elegant without any stiffness. The design is crisp and coastal, but what makes it special is the energy — you can tell it’s run by people who care deeply about what they’ve built.

If you prefer modern over traditional, love good food, and appreciate a property with character and local heart rather than corporate polish, this one is worth considering. It’s sophisticated, but with a relaxed soul — and that’s not something you find everywhere.

After spending time exploring these properties, I can honestly say that Sorrento offers something for every kind of traveler — you just need to know what you’re looking for.

If you’re drawn to that classic Italian elegance, the kind that feels timeless rather than trendy, the Grand Hotel Royal is the one. The cliffside views are spectacular, the location couldn’t be better, and it carries that unmistakable Sorrento soul. You come here for the view, the gardens, the history — and the sense that you’re part of something that’s been beautifully preserved.

If you want something equally elegant but a little more peaceful and private, the Grand Hotel Ambasciatori is your match. It offers all the charm and service of the Royal, but with a slightly slower rhythm — perfect for anyone who values quiet moments as much as proximity to town.

The Grand Hotel De La Ville fits travelers who want a more casual and comfortable atmosphere without giving up quality. It’s relaxed, friendly, and full of warmth — a great choice for families or anyone who prefers to keep things simple but still stylish.

And then there’s the Hotel Mediterraneo, which stands on its own. Modern, fresh, and independently owned, it’s perfect for travelers who love a boutique feel — contemporary design, great dining, and genuine hospitality without formality. It’s the kind of property that feels current but still deeply connected to its roots.

One thing I always remind my clients: not every hotel in Sorrento sits on the cliffside. Even those that aren’t still capture the essence of the coast — but the experience is very different. If waking up to that endless sea view is what you imagine when you picture Italy, it’s worth investing in it. The feeling of stepping onto your balcony and seeing the Bay of Naples right there in front of you? You’ll never forget it.

Most of these hotels are seasonal, open roughly from Easter through the end of October, when the town is at its liveliest. Outside of that, Sorrento becomes quiet. I personally love the calm of the shoulder season (April- first half of May, October), it’s not for everyone. Pools aren’t heated, the air is humid, and the weather can change quickly. But even then, the beauty of this town never fades, and travelers seem to agree, as during my visit towards the end of October, each of these hotels were fully booked.

Choosing the right hotel in Sorrento isn’t just about amenities or location — it’s about how you want to feel on your trip. Do you want traditional or modern? Central or tucked away? Social or serene? Once I know that, I can help you find the property that feels like it was made just for you.

Because that’s the part of my job I love most — not just booking a stay, but matching people to places that make them fall in love with travel all over again.