Hotel Villa Fiorita

This family-run, boutique hotel nestled in the hillside high above Sorrento and the Bay of Naples is a fairly simple property with a friendly and inviting atmosphere as well as spectacular views. It’s a quiet and peaceful place on a winding, two-lane road in a mostly residential area. The small lobby is bright and cheerful with high ceilings, light hardwood floors, and cream-colored armchairs. A cozy, two-stool bar is tucked under the staircase. Directly behind it is the highly regarded restaurant offering the hotel’s signature mountain and sea views, which are also on full display on the rooftop terrace and covered solarium. Lovely landscaped gardens grace the steps and hillside along the back of this white, three-story property. The focus here is on creating a relaxing oasis where guests can enjoy the views and peaceful surroundings after experiencing the hustle and bustle of Sorrento.

The Hotel Villa Fiorita is located on the two-lane Via Nastro Verde, in a hilly neighborhood overlooking Sorrento, Mount Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples. It's a 15- to 20-minute drive to the city’s central piazza, Piazza Tasso. The hotel operates a free shuttle service to and from the city center throughout the day, and it's also possible to reach the property via bus from Sorrento's train station. There's not much within walking distance besides a couple of other hotels, as the property is fairly isolated in a quiet area. The Naples Municipal Airport is a bit over an hour by car. Pompeii is a 55-minute drive, and Amalfi is 70 minutes. Vesuvio National Park is a 65-minute drive away.

Rooms are somewhat small -- especially the bathrooms -- but not overly so by European standards, and their functional design and layout make the most of the spaces. Rooms feature either garden or sea views -- both quite lovely, but the majestic sea views offer more of a wow factor -- plus some have balconies. The spaces are clean and tasteful, with simple but pleasant decor that can vary somewhat, but most feature light natural wood or white painted furniture, salmon or white walls, tile floors in clay or green tones (although some have hardwood), and solid-color drapes and bedspreads in vibrant hues such as lavender, fuchsia, or reddish orange. Rooms are furnished with armoires and nightstands, and some have desks or small dressers. Bed options include a double bed, triple (double and twin), or quad, which has bunk beds for two children. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, direct-dial phones, and air-conditioning. A few have Wi-Fi access, but most do not, and guests must connect to the free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Bathrooms are small and feature earth-tone tile walls and floors, small porcelain sinks, tiny showers, and bidets. Some have tub/shower combos.

An outdoor pool at a neighboring hotel visible from the property, but as of summer 2017 guests at Hotel Villa Fiorita do not have access to it. The hotel does have two jacuzzi tubs for guest use. The restaurant offers beautiful bay views and serves tasty Italian fare. An extended continental breakfast is included in room rates, plus coffee and tea are available in the lobby all day. There is a small bar in the lobby as well. Free Wi-Fi is available in public spaces, and there's a computer station with Internet access for guests' use. There is free parking along the street during the day and in a private lot at night. The hotel offers a free shuttle service into the city center that operates throughout the day.