Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Spa

For nearly the same price, my stay at Bellevue Syrene down in town was a much better experience. This is a big, busy hotel, and the room wasn’t anything special. From my room I could see ferries and boats, so the view felt busy too. One porter who helped with my luggage didn’t smile, and the concierge only pointed me toward the elevator for the ferry. They had promised help getting my bags to the harbor, but that didn’t happen. Breakfast was disappointing. I asked for almond milk and was given regular milk. The hotel is in the middle of town among busy streets and cheap tourist restaurants. It may look like a five-star place, but I’d spend my money elsewhere, at one of the more private, exclusive hotels.

Aurora made our stop for drinks before lunch so pleasant. She was funny, kind, and cheerful about everything, and her aunt was lovely too. The grounds are so picturesque that I’d like to stay here on my next trip to Sorrento. Thanks, Aurora!

We turned around and took our business elsewhere after the man at the entrance stopped us with his hand and spoke to us in a really patronising way. He demanded to know where we were going and said the road belonged to the hotel, though we already knew that, since we were trying to find the bar. If the hotel wants visitors to come in, someone shouldn’t greet them so rudely. It felt as though he’d decided we weren’t worthy of entering.

The property has a lovely old-world elegance, and our room was quiet and clean. My wife and I had a very enjoyable three-night stay, with excellent service from the staff.