Art Hotel Gran Paradiso

The Art Hotel Gran Paradiso is housed in a pale-yellow Mediterranean-style building set on lush grounds with gardens, and orange, lemon, and olive trees. The hotel embodies its name: Its focus is on art, and the hotel's colorful interiors and numerous artworks give it pizzazz and an interesting vibe. A red heart sculpture sits atop the building, and there are paintings, sculptures, and other locally produced works throughout the public spaces and in the rooms. The lobby's lime-green and brown furniture don't feel quite modern or attractive, but the adjacent restaurant has more appealing light-blue and white hair covers under dark-blue chandeliers. Guests tend to gather around the outdoor pool, which offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Coast, and Mount Vesuvius. There's little aside from live music to keep guests entertained at night, so many visitors opt for the free shuttle to Sorrento. Be aware that kids under 14 are not allowed. 

Travelers more interested in being in the city center should consider Maison Tofani, though it lacks a pool and sea views. Couples willing to pay a bit more may prefer the 12-room Maison La Minervetta, which is just steps from the beach.

The Art Hotel Gran Paradiso is situated just south of the SS-145/Corso Italia road, in a hilltop location within a 10-minute drive of Sorrento's city center. Sorrento attractions include Piazza Tasso, Basilica di Sant'Antonino, Cathedral of Sorrento, and the hydrofoil ferries to Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The walk back from town is up a very steep, narrow, and winding road, but the hotel does offer a free shuttle with pick-up and drop-off at Sorrento station. Pompeii is about a 50-minute drive away, while Naples and Naples International Airport are about an hour north of the hotel.

The three-floor Art Hotel Gran Paradiso has 100 quiet and light-filled rooms, each with an original artwork from a contemporary artist. Furnishings are otherwise simple and varied by room, consisting of tile floors, basic wood and glass furniture, and white linens. Some add orange sofas, chairs made of cardboard, and wall murals. All units have furnished balconies or terraces, with either pretty sea views or poor vistas of bushes. Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, hairdryers, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Wardrobes have safes, bathrobes, and slippers. Bathrooms have rainfall showers and quality toiletries, plus bidets in most. 

The Art Hotel Gran Paradiso's crowning feature is its well-sized outdoor pool with a glass front that affords guests views of the Gulf of Naples from inside the pool. The terrace, a popular spot for cocktails at sunset, has lounge chairs, umbrellas, and offers more views of the gulf and Mount Vesuvius. Note that a €40 deposit is required for pool towels. The poolside bar serves alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and light fare such as pizza and bruschetta. The indoor restaurant serves hearty Italian and local fare -- think beef dishes, pasta, and risotto. Buffet breakfasts are free, and include cereals, breads, cold cuts, fruit, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. However, food receives mixed reviews. A small spa area has a hydrotherapy pool and treatment rooms, and a small fitness center is set to open in 2019. Freebies include Wi-Fi, parking, use of a public computer, and shuttles to the center of Sorrento (offered for about 12 hours each day).