Sorrento

Sorrento
is dramatically perched on the cliffs of a headland
between Pompeii and the island of Capri, affording panoramic views
of the Bay of
Naples including the dramatic outline of Vesuvius and islands
of Procida
and Ischia. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
is a proud guardian of the town’s past; a luxurious southern
European outpost for royalty, musicians and artists to pass the
winter on the Grand Tour circuit. Steeped in history, this
old-school glamour at its finest; the only purpose-built hotel on
the coastline and family run since its inception in 1834,
incorporating modern touches like USB charging ports at your
bedside and a sprawling pool amid luscious citrus groves.

Rooms

There are 83 rooms spread across three distinct but
interconnected buildings. They range from palatial apartments with
private terraces, to a room in the Austrian-style honeymoon chalet
built to honour the wedding of Princess Sissi to Emperor Franz
Joseph I. Expect oak wardrobes, twinkling chandeliers, sweeping
silk curtains in jewel tones, antique clocks and a whole lot of
gilt. Living up to its name, this place screams royalty.

What’s for breakfast?

Included is a full buffet service and egg station. Notable
highlights were the cheeses (so many Italian cheeses…) and cake
selection with about 10 different local delicacies lined up to
tempt. Breakfast is served in the Vittoria restaurant; a ballroom
by any other name with painted frescos and marble pillars to
accompany your view over the bay and a pianist to serenade you.

How about lunch and dinner?

If you don’t feel like leaving the hotel to explore there’s a
casual pool restaurant where you can join the chefs behind the bar
of the open-plan kitchen to flip your own pizza. Dinner is the main
event in the intimate Michelin starred restaurant, Bosquet,
overlooking the Sorrento sunset and eating food that would keep
both adventurous palettes and traditional Italian nonnas happy.
Tasting menus are reasonably priced and served up by local young
chefs and waiters who are only too happy to chat to you about the
provenance of the food.

Is there a bar?

There are three. From the snug spirits bar to the grand old
drawing rooms and winter pavilion heading out onto the terrace with
live music. We cannot stress how much you need to watch the sunset
on the terrace.

Amenities

Swimming pool, Michelin-starred restaurant, three bars, pool
restaurant, fitness centre and spa.

Things I should know

Take advantage of a lift leading to the hotel directly from the
port by taking the 30-minute hydrofoil directly from Naples or
booking a kayaking trip.

Within a short walk I can find…

Sorrento’s main drag Corso Italia, with lots of boutiques,
restaurants and piazzas in the surrounding area.