Villa Oriana Relais

With a driveway surrounded by fragrant orange and lemon trees, the hotel is truly villa-like, as is all the hospitality that comes with a family-run property (in this case, from the d'Espositos). There are only a half-dozen rooms on the property, which opened in 2001, but the family does so much of the work themselves that they keep it small to deliver on service. The simple building's interiors are furnished with lovely antiques, terra-cotta tile, and colorful artwork, plus big windows to showcase the stunning views of the bay and surrounding landscape. The grounds are lovely to walk around, with hydrangea, rosemary and lavender buses, and olive trees, especially after a day in buzzing Sorrento. 

The property is located on a hillside outside of Sorrento, and although it's a bit of a long, steep, hilly walk in (about 20 to 30 minutes), there's a bus stop close to the hotel (for transport that takes about 25 minutes). Taxis to and from town are expensive, and the walk back is uphill and quite dark, without sidewalks in some places. Within a 10-minute walk of the property are a car-rental agency, pharmacy, supermarket, and a few bars. From Sorrento's harbor, guests can take a small boat to Amalfi, Naples, Capri, and Ischia. For those heading to Pompeii or Naples by train, the Circumvesuviana station is a 25-minute walk or bus ride from the hotel. 

The hotel's six rooms are airy and done in a traditional yet minimalist style, with warm terra-cotta or patterned-tile floors and crisp white bed linens offset by pops of warm reds or oranges on the drapes, throw blankets, or accent walls. Each room is individually decorated with antiques from the d'Esposito family, including wooden furniture, intricate wrought-iron beds, and bronze figurine lamps. All rooms have a furnished balcony or terrace and most views will be excellent: they'll either overlook the Sorrento peninsula or the citrus groves -- ask for one that faces west to catch spectacular sunsets. 

Spacious bathrooms have showers, plus some add separate tubs, as well as hairdryers and toiletries. Rooms are cleaned daily and have flat-screen TVs with Sky channels, air-conditioning, kettles, mini-fridges, and safes. 

Guests can eat inside in a simply furnished breakfast room or outside on a dining terrace with great views over the water. Truly scrumptious cakes, pastries, and breads are baked on-site by the owner, Maria, and the free breakfasts -- a highlight of the stay -- feature them, as well as local meats, cheeses, and produce. Lemonade and limoncello made fresh from trees surrounding the property are also available. There's no dining on-site, but pricier local restaurants will pick up and drop off guests for free, or, there's the bus into Sorrento. 

The hotel has a gorgeous rooftop terrace with beautiful views. Open from early May to mid-October, it has a solarium, showers, stylish loungers, and a hot tub. A downside for some, there are no other fitness or wellness facilities. Wi-Fi is available and free throughout the property. Free parking is also available on-site.