Hotel Continental Sorrento

Location

This Hotel Continental enjoys one of the best settings in Sorrento, and, dare we say it, Italy. It’s found right on the town’s famous cliffs, enjoying truly spectacular views over the Bay of Naples to Mt. Vesuvius beyond, its iconic cone dominating the horizon. Look the other way, however and you’ll have all of Sorrento’s delights on your doorstep. The hotel is just a few steps from the Cloister of San Francesco where historic arches and weeping willows provide gentle shade from the Italian sun. Just a few strides more and you’ll arrive at the Piazza Sant’Antonio – Sorrento’s beating heart. Here, palm trees look over 11th-century basilicas and pretty cafés. You’ll also be ideally poised for trips out to Pompeii’s Roman wonders, Capri’s island idyll and the Amalfi’s postcard-perfect coastline.

Accommodation

To make the most of its privileged location, each of the hotel’s 77 rooms feature a balcony. Of course, those that take in the bay are the finest, but the partial sea views complemented by the hotel’s lush gardens are perfectly delightful. Back inside, interiors are beautifully realised in Vietri ceramic, with relaxed colour schemes inviting in the deep blues and turquoises of Sorrento’s sea and sky. In turn, the likes of satellite TVs, Wi-Fi and bathtubs furnished with complimentary toiletries provide the home comforts. There’s also option of upgrading to a suite where outdoor Jacuzzi tubs make the most of upgraded views.

Dining

This being Italy, there’s a superb selection of dining options on offer. The hotel’s signature La Terrazza is particularly good, serving up Neapolitan delicacies by candlelight to spectacular sea views. There’s also an excellent collection of sommelier-paired wines on offer. But, for the best views, head to the Vittoria Terrace, set on the rooftop with a truly panoramic overlook of the entire Gulf of Naples. For more casual fare, make your way to the Blue Restaurant where you can enjoy a selection of light bites poolside. And, in the morning, you’ll wake to a stunning spread of breakfast favourites. Everything from cold cuts and cheeses to sweet pastries and salmon bites are served in the elegant ‘Hall of Mirrors’.

Facilities

Despite its intimate size, the Hotel Continental Sorrento features an excellent range of amenities. Its generously sized pool and hot tub is complemented by a direct lift to a bathing platform. Jutting out into the bay, it’s the perfect place to catch the rays, making use of the sun loungers and umbrellas or the volcanic-sand beach. There’s also a wide range of treatments available at the spa, while further relaxation can be had at the wonderfully styled American Bar. However, it’s the rooftop terrace that is the star of the show, where you can enjoy aperitifs and drinks to yet more of those gorgeous views.