Grand Hotel Aminta

This upper-middle-range hotel has a classically elegant yet casual vibe that makes it a popular choice for weddings and events. Its exterior is simple -- white walls with little decoration save for a few understated balconies and a sloped, red clay mission roof -- while its presence is commanding, mostly due to a surrounding stoned wall and slightly grandiose white sign. Upon entering, guests are greeted on their right by the front desk. Just beyond a small set of stairs ahead, a massive curved wooden staircase leads through a ceiling cutout to the second floor.

The lobby has sand-colored tiled floors with white diamond accents, widely arched passageways, and comfortable, classy furniture. Decorations include blue and white ceramics, Pier1-style artwork, and numerous potted plants. Large windows stretch almost the entire length of the walls, filling the space with soft light. Both the grounds of the hotel and its interior are spotless and well-manicured.

Nestled off a quiet main road on the hillside along the famous Amalfi Coast, Grand Hotel Aminta is just over a mile away from the heart of bustling Sorrento, with Via Capodimonte offering pedestrian access. Surrounded by lemon trees, this is an ideal location for those who want to be close to the town’s center but wish to avoid the thick throngs of tourists. A punctual shuttle service is provided by the hotel to give guests easy access into and out of Sorrento’s main area, and those with a car can brave the notoriously twisty roads to other towns of interest, including Amalfi, Positano, or even Pompeii. The hotel can also arrange area tours. Views from the property extend across the Gulf of Naples and over building tops to the peak of Mount Vesuvius.

Most of Grand Hotel Aminta's 90 rooms have a similar, simple decor that’s not entirely reflective of its advertised four-star category, with Junior Suites being the exception. All Standard, Deluxe, and Superior rooms feature tiled floors and furnishings with a palette of blue, brown, and white. Junior Suites possess a more detailed decor, featuring patterned splash headboards and carved desks with chairs. All rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and iPod docks, and some have hot tubs. Just 300 feet from the main building, the hotel also has a cheaper annexed option. Secluded in lemon trees, this renovated historic house can be accessed by a lush path.

From the back of the hotel, guests can admire the far-reaching panoramic views from the cool waters of the large pool or while lounging on deck sun chairs. (In high season, be sure to claim a chair first thing in the morning). If the shade seems more appealing, the poolside bar has a great vibe and plenty of cushioned seating out of the sun. At night the area is lit with candles and the soft glow from pool light, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere. There are also various places to sit within the hotel's garden areas.

There’s no on-site fitness area or spa, which is a slight drawback. Serving free made-to-order breakfasts and a la carte local dishes for lunch and dinner, the restaurant was the catering choice for Pope John Paul II's visit to the area. There's also an extensive wine cellar, one of the best in the area. The hotel prepares weekly gala dinners for its guests as well, complete with live piano music.