Hotel Residence Le Terrazze

While most hotel in the region are charmingly dated with old-fashioned decor, the Hotel Residence Le Terrazze offers a departure with its contemporary furnishings in a Mediterranean color palette of blue, white, and teal. The lobby is located off the rooftop terrace with large windows overlooking the bay, and outfitted with breezy light-wood floors, white-wood furniture, and pops of teal in the cushions, striped accent wall, and mosaic-tiled front desk. The outdoor pool and rooms continue the contemporary, attractive design with various shades of blue. The rest of the property is more classically design with brick window cutouts, wrought-iron railings, and red-tile roofs. Flowers and herbs give the air a wonderful scent, particularly during the late spring and summer, while the bay views are excellent year-round.

Given its relatively isolated location and romantic vistas, Le Terrazze is best for couples or friends looking for a base to explore from, as families with children might want to stay a bit closer to the center of the action in Sorrento. The Michelangelo Hotel, also a three-pearl property, is about as central as one can get. 

Located just off a main road, Le Terrazze looks out across Sorrento and the Bay of Naples. It's actually closest to the village of Priora, tucked into the hills and a 15-minute walk away. Sorrento proper, which houses most of the dining options, is a 15-minute drive or 17-minute bus ride away -- conveniently, the bus stop is just outside the hotel door, and the property offers a shuttle to town from early until late. There's also a restaurant next door, though otherwise options are limited. The hotel is ideal for exploring either Naples or the Amalfi Coast: it's just 36 minutes to the Amalfi town of Positano, an hour to Amalfi, and an hour and 20 minutes to Ravello. 

On the other side of the peninsula and up the coast, Pompeii is just an hour by car from the property -- however, going by transit will mean going across the Bay of Naples and then backtracking along the coast for an almost three-hour journey. Guests wanting to explore Naples' dining and cultural attractions -- or head to the airport -- can take in views of the bay during an hour-and-15-minute drive or take a ferry across the bay (two-plus hours). 

The spacious apartment-style rooms draw in the color of the oceans with bright dashes of cobalt and turquoise against white walls and light-wood floors. The look is far more modern than most in the area, yet still homey thanks to colored kitchen backsplash, bright artwork, and feminine-looking wooden chairs next to tables topped with patterned cloth. Rooms are cleaned daily and they're well-equipped with ample wardrobe space and kitchenettes with stovetop, mini-fridge, and the necessary cookware. Units range from studios for singles or couples to a standard apartment with bunk beds and two-bedroom lofts. Couples take note: The double beds are actually two single beds joined together. 

Each has at least one flat-screen TV with cable, as well as an air-conditioning unit (uncommon for the area). Bathrooms, which come with hairdryers and basic toiletries, are small and have tiny showers ,though that's typical in southern Italy. Although each room has a furnished balcony or patio (and planters of basil), it's worth upgrading to those with sea views that have lovely large furnished terraces looking out over the bay. It's worth mentioning that some rooms have steep flights of stairs to get up to the rooms, and those in the middle part of the hotel are the most convenient to reach all the property's amenities. 

Breakfast is served alongside wonderful views from the partly shaded rooftop terrace abutting the lobby (indoor dining is available, too). Fare is simple but tasty, and includes the usual continental spread plus fresh pastries and bread. The highlight here is the rooftop swimming pool with an adjacent solarium and a bar for drinks and snacks; it's surrounded by loungers and has views of the bay, but it can get a bit crowded during peak season since it's on the small side. Tucked away near reception is another small bar for coffees and spritzes. The hotel offers free parking for those renting a car, which is the most convenient way to go for those brave enough to drive Italian roads. Wi-Fi is free throughout.