Hotel Minerva Sorrento, Sorrento

• Perched above the Via Capo, this stone villa is a Sorrento institution and one of the oldest hotels in town.
• The views are knockout, with panoramic vistas over the Bay of Naples, Sorrento, and Mount Vesuvius.
• Interiors have a charming retro feel, with saturated colors, bright tilework, and plenty of Sorrentine-themed ephemera and art.
• The rooftop terrace is the place to be in summer, with a cobalt-tiled pool, cheerful red sun loungers, and a cool poolside bar.

• Some of the furniture and color schemes feel dated, particularly in the guest rooms.
• The 15-minute return walk from Sorrento is uphill, so you may want to catch the quick 5-minute bus instead.

Authenticity

Built in 1875, this terraced villa is named for its location along the road that once led to the temple of Minerva on nearby Punta Campanella. As one of the oldest hotels on the Sorrentine Peninsula, the distinctive stone facade and red shutters have seen plenty of history; once a popular haunt of literati and intellectuals, the hotel was requisitioned during World War II as a rest camp for Allied pilots. Today, it's part of the family-owned, Sorrento-based Acampora Hotels group, with charming interiors that evoke its 1930s heyday with curved lines, bright tilework, and saturated colors.

Location

Hotel Minerva sits perched along one of the main coastal roads into Sorrento, slightly removed from the busy center but within easy walking distance of most amenities. A bus stop just outside the hotel gets you to Piazza Tasso in just 5 minutes, where you can take the elevator down to Marina Piccolo for ferries to Capri and Naples. On foot, it's a 15-minute stroll to the center (the return journey is slightly uphill), and you can detour to the historic fishing village of Marina Grande along the way (look out for the public footpath just past the campsite). On-site parking is available but limited to a small garage.

Rooms & Bathrooms

All of the hotel's 63 air-conditioned rooms have a simple, retro feel, incorporating bright colors, tiled floors, high ceilings, and large windows (though the older furniture and simple lighting can make some rooms feel a bit dated). Bathrooms are on the spacious side, with more colorful tiling, large tub/shower combos, and Elemis toiletries. For the full experience, avoid the smallest Standard Economy rooms overlooking the inner courtyard and upgrade to a larger sea view or balcony room, both with more square footage and panoramic vistas over the Bay of Naples.

Amenities

There's no shortage of sun-soaked terraces and inviting lounge areas here—all with spectacular views over the Bay of Naples and the lights of Sorrento. Guests can climb to the rooftop for a cobalt-tiled pool, plentiful sun loungers, and a stylish poolside bar, or head down to the lobby level for a smaller pool and tables for dining and drinks. Inside, the on-site restaurant serves simple Italian-inspired fine dining, and an inviting bar area offers classic cocktails and local wines. Breakfast is served buffet-style in a lovely breakfast room, lined with Sorrentine pottery and painted tilework. 

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at Hotel Minerva, but its limited room options won't suit families traveling with multiple kids. Most units sleep a maximum of two adults, and there are no options for adjoining rooms or extra beds.