You’re looking for a different kind of Italian getaway, away from the usual crowds but still offering that iconic southern coast magic. Sorrento, perched above the Bay of Naples, is a perfect choice. It’s known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, but honestly, it’s a destination in its own right, drawing discerning travelers for centuries. For me, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria has always been the place that truly embodies Sorrento’s spirit.
A Grand Welcome in Sorrento
Arriving at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria feels special. The hotel sits right on a cliff, overlooking the stunning blue waters of the Bay of Naples. From the moment you see it, you get a sense of something elegant and timeless. It’s not flashy, but the luxury is clear – from the beautiful marble lobby and ceilings with old paintings to the amazing gardens and a terrace that seems to stretch forever. It’s the kind of place where you can instantly feel like you’ve landed somewhere extraordinary.
Getting to Sorrento is easy. It’s about an hour’s drive from Naples, and you can also take a train. The drive itself is part of the experience, as the scenery shifts from city views to the classic Italian coastal landscape. Once you arrive at the hotel, even though it’s in the heart of town, entering its gates makes you feel like you’re in a peaceful sanctuary. The five acres of gardens are incredible. Walking through the lush greenery, you descend towards the main building, and it’s such a tranquil feeling. It truly marks the start of a relaxing holiday.
A Hotel Steeped in History
The Fiorentino family has owned the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria since it was founded in 1834. It’s pretty remarkable that it’s remained a family-run hotel for so long, and it’s part of group. Over the years, this hotel has hosted so many famous people, including Princess Margaret, Oscar Wilde, Marilyn Monroe, and Sophia Loren. Royalty like Empress Sisi of Austria and Queen Victoria of Sweden have also stayed here; in fact, the hotel is named after Queen Victoria.
Today, it’s Guido Fiorentino, a fifth-generation owner, who leads the hotel, with his son Luca handling sales and marketing. The family’s deep involvement in every detail is rare in the hospitality world. It’s more than just a name; they are actively running the place. The history of the site itself is even older. Legend says that Roman Emperor Augustus’s villa once stood here. This rich history means that renovations can sometimes uncover ancient Roman ruins, like the Roman bath found near the hotel’s pool.
Timeless Decor and Ambiance
The hotel’s design honors its long history beautifully. You’ll see lots of old photographs of guests and many antique pieces, and some of these come from the Fiorentino family’s personal collection. These are combined with the frescoed ceilings and original columns from the 18th century. It sounds old-fashioned, but it’s actually very airy and bright, creating a classic coastal Italian feel with a touch of glamour.
There are many comfortable spots to sit and relax throughout the hotel. They have several “living rooms,” like the Winter Garden, Music Room, and Writing Room. Each space has a slightly different style. You might find one with deep blue sofas and soft chairs, while another might be more minimalist, drawing your attention to the floor-to-ceiling windows and the stunning views outside.
Elegant Rooms with a View
The hotel offers 79 rooms in total, with 49 suites, spread across three connected buildings. La Vittoria is a classic 19th-century villa from 1834, La Rivale, built in 1882, has a similar style, and La Favorita, dating back to 1880, has architecture inspired by chalets.
The accommodations are elegant but simple. The rooms are all unique, with bright interiors, beautiful light fixtures, and soft, high-quality linen sheets. Many also have their own private terraces, which is a wonderful bonus. Even the standard rooms are quite spacious, but the suites are truly something special. For a really luxurious experience, you could choose one of the six unique suites, each named after a famous past guest. There’s the Royal Suite for King Edward VII, the Margaret Suite for Princess Margaret, and the Pavarotti Suite for the opera singer Luciano Pavarotti.
One suite, in particular, stands out for its history: the Caruso Suite. Luca Fiorentino mentioned that it’s the one Enrico Caruso, the famous tenor, stayed in back in 1921. It still has his personal piano. While it might not be the biggest or most fancy suite, its connection to such a legendary artist makes it incredibly special. Imagine sitting where he sat, with his piano right there – it’s a piece of history you can experience.
Things to Do in and Around Sorrento
Sorrento is one of those places where you can truly make your vacation your own. You can plan lots of sightseeing, like taking a boat trip to historical sites such as Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, or perhaps a day trip to Capri, Positano, or Amalfi. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria makes this incredibly easy. They have a private elevator on the terrace that takes you straight down to the port, where you can catch ferries to the islands and other coastal towns.
If you prefer to stay put at the hotel, the pool area is a fantastic option. You can spend your days lounging under the Italian sun, perhaps with a delicious lunch featuring pasta and a refreshing lemon sorbet. Afterwards, you can head to the main terrace or the new Bar a Champagne La Pergola, which is perfect for enjoying some bubbly. For me, planning a bit of time to just relax by the pool was key, and I loved watching Lily splash around while Ethan practiced his building blocks on a towel nearby.
Exploring the Hotel Gardens
Don’t miss a chance to wander through the hotel’s extensive gardens. They are beautifully maintained and offer a peaceful retreat. Walking along the paths, you get different views of the sea and the coastline. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, read a book, or just soak in the atmosphere. The scent of the citrus trees and flowers is wonderful.
A Taste of Sorrento
The food at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a definite highlight. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Terrazza Bosquet, offers an unforgettable dining experience. The dishes created by chef Antonino Montefusco are carefully prepared yet feel unpretentious. What makes it even more special is the view – watching the sun set over the water as you dine is truly magical.
Breakfast is served daily in the magnificent Vittoria Room. For a more casual meal focusing on Mediterranean flavors, try L’Orangerie, located by the pool. It’s also a must to have an evening cocktail on the Terrazza Vittoria. It’s open for lunch daily until 6 pm and then for drinks and snacks. Try to get a table with a view of the water, order an Aperol spritz, and enjoy some olives while listening to live music. It’s the quintessential Italian experience, la dolce vita.
For Michael and me, enjoying coffee on the Terrazza Vittoria each morning was a simple pleasure, watching the boats go by while the kids had their breakfast inside. It was a moment of calm before the day’s adventures began.
Sorrento really is a place that offers something for everyone, and the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria provides the perfect setting to experience its beauty and charm. I hope you get to visit soon!