Europa Palace Grand Hotel

Guests turn into the hotel from a busy street and upon entering the gate, it's a different world: The views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius are breath-taking from many vantages throughout the property. The exterior of the historic four-story building isn't anything special, but the grounds are magnificent, with gardens all around and terraces looking out onto the spectacular view. Inside, however, is a bit disappointing. It was obviously once quite grand, but has seen better days. Furnishings are worn and dated, and there's an odd mishmash of styles -- antique details can be classic and handsome, but sit along side frumpy overstuffed couches from the 1990s. Nevertheless, the lobby is huge and offers many seating areas where guests can gather. An antique secretary holds unorganized books for guests to read, and an old-fashioned typewriter sits atop an old desk. The hotel is popular with tour groups and couples looking for a convenient location close to most Sorrento sights.

The hotel is located on a seaside cliff in the center of Sorrento, on busy Via Correale. The location is ideal for visiting Sorrento, or to use as a starting point for excursions to Capri, Pompeii, or the Amalfi Coast. Many dining and shopping options are within walking distance, and it's a short five-minute walk from the hotel to Piazza Tasso, the main square in Sorrento's old town. The bus and train stations are five to 10 minutes away on foot, and the harbor is nearby for taking a ferries into Naples. The closest airport is in Naples, about an hour away by car.

Rooms are spacious and grand, with high ceilings, patterned tile or wood floors, and antique furniture. At first glance the look is somewhat classic and impressive, but while certain rooms have striped wallpaper with large fabric accents and chandeliers, others have plain white walls alongside old-fashioned bedspreads. The look varies from room to room, but all are dated rather than elegant. Suites add sitting areas with a sofa and lounge chairs plus antique dressers and end tables along with better bathrooms. Features include flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and small safes. Bathrooms are marble-tiled and have pedestal sinks, hairdryers, toiletries, robes and slippers, and bidets. Some have just a shower, others have shower/tub combos, and suites have separate tubs and showers plus spacious marble vanities. Spectacular views are available in some rooms from tiny furnished balconies; other rooms look out onto the street. Guests should know that there is also an annex building, where rooms have more modern fixtures, but are plain and bland.

The Europa Restaurant serves international and Mediterranean cuisine in a formal space dressed all in white -- chairs, tables, walls, draperies, and columns -- except for the parquet floor. Large windows showcase the hotel's gardens and the magnificent sea beyond. Breakfast in the restaurant is free and includes hot and cold options like eggs and pastries. The Venus Bar serves drinks and light fare in an old-fashioned space with antique furnishings and a baby grand piano. La Serra Bar is out on the terrace with beautiful sea views. The outdoor pool is just above the beach, offering amazing gulf views. If guests can take their eyes off the view, the pool is long and suitable for swimming laps. The pool deck is narrow, but wide enough for a row of lounge chairs, and a bar serves drinks in summer months. Trees provide a bit of shade. There is a pier with lounge chairs and umbrellas that extends out on the water at the bottom of the cliff below the hotel -- guests must take an elevator then pass through a tunnel used as storage for tools to get to the pier. It can be a relaxing spot, but since it's close to the port it can also get quite busy with hydrofoils and boats coming and going. The hotel's events space is suitable for weddings or business gatherings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.