Cliffside Glamour & Rooftop Romance: Where to Stay in Sorrento

Photo Credit: Bellevue Syrene

There’s something cinematic about arriving in Sorrento—the candy-colored buildings clinging to the cliffs, the scent of lemon trees in the air, the soft shimmer of the sea below. But where you stay can make or break the fantasy. Enter Bellevue Syrene and La Favorita: two wildly different but equally unforgettable hotels that define the magic of this sun-drenched Italian escape. One is all historic grandeur and Riviera elegance, the other a bold, joyfully retro love letter to la dolce vita. Between the rooftop bars, Michelin-level dining, and postcard-worthy views, these two properties offer everything you need to fall head over heels for Sorrento—just in very different ways.

Where Roman Ruins Meet Riviera Romance: Inside Bellevue Syrene

Photo Credit: Bellevue Syrene

There are hotels that simply offer views—and then there’s Bellevue Syrene. Perched on the cliffs of Sorrento with Mount Vesuvius rising in the distance and the Gulf of Naples shimmering below, this five-star retreat doesn’t just show you the beauty of the Amalfi Coast—it immerses you in it.

Photo Credit: Bellevue Syrene

Steeped in 2,000 years of history, the hotel was once a Roman villa, later transformed into an aristocratic home in the 18th century, and eventually a luxury hotel that has quietly hosted literary giants, royalty, and even, allegedly, Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson. From the moment you’re greeted with a warm “Welcome home,” the experience feels personal, authentic, and deeply rooted in place.

Photo Credit: Bellevue Syrene

This is a family-run hotel in every sense, lovingly led by Elsa Russo and her twin daughters, Amelia and Adda Attanasio, who represent the fourth and fifth generations in luxury hospitality. That sense of continuity and care is reflected in everything from the curated antiques and contemporary art scattered throughout the property to the warm, intuitive service of staff who feel more like lifelong hosts than hotel employees.

Photo Credit: Bellevue Syrene

The 50 rooms—most with panoramic sea views—feel fresh, serene, and spacious, dressed in whites and Mediterranean hues, accented with thoughtful details and sustainable touches like bamboo toothbrushes and solid toiletries. For a truly elevated experience, the Lord Astor suite offers a private terrace, jacuzzi, and an unmatched sense of timeless glamour.

Photo Credit: Bellevue Syrene

And then there’s the food. Breakfast unfolds on the Villa Pompeiana terrace among Roman mosaics and frescoes, accompanied by live piano music. La Pergola serves Sorrentine flavors with a refined twist, while the Costiera Bar crafts cocktails infused with local lemons and liqueurs from the family’s own Piemme distillery. Wine lovers will want to descend into the ancient tuff-stone cellar to choose a bottle from the 500-label collection.

Photo Credit: Bellevue Syrene

By day, guests can laze at the cliffside solarium, accessible via private elevator, or slip away to the intimate spa for a massage. The sea is right there—calm, crystalline, and calling. For total privacy, the property also offers Capo Santa Fortunata, a noble villa just outside town for events, takeovers, or truly secluded stays.

Photo Credit: Bellevue Syrene

Bellevue Syrene isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a living expression of Sorrento itself: romantic, artistic, sun-drenched, and layered with history. Every inch is a love letter to the land and its people. It doesn’t just charm you. It stays with you.

Photo Credit: Bellevue Syrene

Grand Hotel La Favorita: Haute Cuisine and Elegance Galore 

Photo Credit: Grand Hotel La Favorita

The truth is, Sorrento has no shortage of charming hotels. But there’s something about Grand Hotel La Favorita that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the way the rooftop pool catches the golden light at magic hour. Maybe it’s the iconic tiled floors or the swing of piano music during breakfast. Maybe it’s the slogan at the bottom of the pool— “Busy Doing Nothing” which is campy and heartfelt and, somehow, completely true. Whatever it is, once you check in, you won’t want to leave.

Photo Credit: Grand Hotel La Favorita

This is the kind of place where old-school Italian glamour meets laid-back Mediterranean ease. The rooms are elegant and unmistakably local, with hand-painted Vietri tiles, high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and balconies that open onto lemon trees or glittering sea views. Every detail is steeped in sunshine and style. Think turn-down service, pillow menus, marble bathrooms, and that soft, indulgent sense that life here runs on a slower, more beautiful clock.

Photo Credit: Grand Hotel La Favorita

And then there’s the rooftop—truly one of the best in town. Perched above Sorrento’s historic center, it’s where you’ll float in the pool with Mount Vesuvius in the distance and Aperol in hand. White loungers, striped umbrellas, views for days. The hotel is also home to Zest, La Favorita’s Michelin-level restaurant (without the Michelin fuss), where you can settle in for dinner under the stars. The cuisine is elevated but approachable—local seafood, house-made pastas, delicate crudos, and a deep Italian wine list that’s as confident as it is curated. Come hungry, linger long.

Photo Credit: Grand Hotel La Favorita

Mornings start with one of the best breakfasts in the region: rich espresso, flakey pastries, fresh fruit, cured meats, and yes, live piano music in the lemon-scented garden courtyard. There’s something serenely decadent about sipping cappuccino while the day drifts in slowly around you.

Photo Credit: Grand Hotel La Favorita

The location doesn’t hurt either—you’re in the heart of Sorrento’s old town, walking distance to the marina (where ferries await to Capri or Positano), tucked between romantic alleyways and stylish shops. But despite the energy outside, La Favorita is pure calm inside. The staff are polished, warm, and intuitive in that quietly luxurious way—present when you need them, invisible when you don’t.

Photo Credit: Grand Hotel La Favorita

Grand Hotel La Favorita isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a feeling you carry with you. And the second you leave, you’ll start planning your return.

Photo Credit: Grand Hotel La Favorita

Hotel Bellevue Syrene is located at Piazza della Vittoria, 5, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy

Grand Hotel La Favorita is located at Via Torquato Tasso, 61, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy