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We’ve been vacationing in Sorrento since 2014 and therefore know everything there is to know about the best hotels and places to stay in this town and nearby. Let us share this knowledge with you in our complete guide to where to stay in Sorrento.
Where you stay in Sorrento will make a huge difference to your experience in this iconic location
All the options for where to stay in Sorrento
Sorrento is an ideal base for visiting multiple places in Campania, with its convenient location between Naples and the Amalfi coast, but deciding precisely where to stay depends on what you want from your trip.
Sorrento is by far our favorite place to stay in Campania for several reasons (more on this below) and after years of visiting, we know exactly where the best places to stay are for all types of trips. On this page I’ll cover:
There aren’t many places that are more quintessentially Italian than Sorrento
An Introduction to Staying in Sorrento
Since 2014 we have vacationed in Sorrento almost annually (breaking momentarily to move to Italy from the UK in 2019 and then due to COVID lockdowns in 2020) and as such have learned a lot about the best hotels and other accommodation options in the city center and the wider area.
We believe Sorrento is the perfect place to stay if you are looking to relax but also if you are looking to explore Campania. You’ll find hotels and apartments with nice pools and easy beach access, as well as direct connections to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Capri and beyond.
We have travelled extensively throughout Italy and have not found anywhere else as welcoming as Sorrento
You have three main options when it comes to considering where to stay in Sorrento, each with their own pros and cons:
Sorrento center
In the center of Sorrento you’ll find mostly large hotels which are mostly either 4 star or 5 star. You will also find some smaller hotels and a handful of apartments and self-catering options but these are limited.
Hotel Continental is by far our favorite place to stay in the center of Sorrento – find out why on this page
Staying in the center of Sorrento naturally means easier access to all the major things to do, great restaurants and bars, our recommended shops, and connections to Naples and Campania. This convenience in turn means that staying in the center costs more on average per night.
Click here to discover more about staying in the center of Sorrento:
Sorrento outskirts
Outside of the immediate center of Sorrento you’ll find a mix of large and medium-sized hotels, smaller B&B’s and apartment rentals.
Owing to Sorrento’s position wedged between the mountains of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the sea, these accommodation options are often located a short car or bus ride away from the center of Sorrento.
Some of Sorrento’s biggest hotels are located on the outskirts of the main town
This distance from the main town center means that you’ll pay less per night on average to stay in the outskirts of Sorrento.
Click below to discover more about staying outside of the center of Sorrento:
Near Sorrento
Near Sorrento you’ll find a number of small towns that offer visitors a mix of hotels and self-catering options.
Almost all of these towns are connected to Sorrento and Naples via the Circumvesuviana train line, making getting between locations straightforward if you’re willing to spend more time traveling.
Depending on where you choose to stay, basing yourself outside of Sorrento can make visiting sites like Pompeii easier
Generally speaking, choosing to stay near Sorrento will be cheaper than staying in Sorrento itself – find out more by clicking here:
Staying in the Center of Sorrento
Sorrento is a small town but you’ll find a suprising number of large 4 star and 5 star hotels all located within walking distance of the train station and centrally located Piazza Tasso.
Many of these hotels are independently owned and have operated for decades, priding themselves on providing visitors with traditional Italian holiday experiences with generous breakfasts, spa/beach/pool access and impeccable service.
Here’s what to consider when thinking of staying in the center of Sorrento:
Pros
- Staying in the main town center means you will be within walking distance of the all major attractions, our recommended restaurants and all the best shops.
- If you’re wanting to explore beyond Sorrento (venturing for example to Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii etc. for day trips) you will have direct access to Sorrento train station and ferry port at the Marina Piccola by staying in the center of town.
We believe staying in the center of Sorrento ticks all the main boxes for a great trip
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Cons
- This is the least budget friendly option, with the average cost per night higher than other locations due to the convenience that staying in the center offers.
- Depending on your location and specific hotel, night times can be noisy sometimes with visitors and locals alike enjoying everything Sorrento has to offer.
- Parking options are limited and expensive so if you have a rental car, finding accommodation with parking space can be challenging.
If you are limited for time, or looking to see and explore as much of Sorrento as possible during your stay, we would recommend staying in the center as we do every year. Speaking of…
Our favorite place to stay in the center of Sorrento
In recent years we have stayed almost exclusively at Hotel Continental when either vacationing in Sorrento or when we’re in town for work.
We believe this is one of the best hotels in Sorrento, in part because its central location (just a short walk from the Marina Grande and Piazza Tasso) means we can enjoy Sorrento to the fullest easily (the original thing that attracted us to it in 2018).
Book a room with a view at Hotel Continental and wake up to Vesuvius
Hotel Continental is a 4 star hotel with an ‘old world’ vibe (but with modern flares here and there) with tastefully decorated and comfortable rooms, a large swimming pool surrounded by lemon trees and a rooftop terrace with bar and restaurant offering the best view of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples in Sorrento.
The thing that makes this hotel truly special however is their customer service; from the management to the restaurant and bar teams, you won’t get better service anywhere else – they always go above and beyond to make your time at their hotel as memorable and enjoyable as possible.
Other notable Sorrento hotels
Sorrento is home to some of Campania’s most famous luxurious hotels, perfect for travelers looking for high-end experiences:
- Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a luxury hotel just off Piazza Tasso in the center of Sorrento. Guests can enjoy magnificent sea views from its beautiful terrace and expansive gardens, elegant rooms and access to exclusive experiences such as private boat trips.
- Grand Hotel la Favorita is a 5-star hotel with a rooftop pool and outdoor swimming pool, as well as a large roof terrace bar which routinely features live music.
- Hotel Bellevue Syrene is another 5-star hotel adjacent to Hotel Continental, with direct access to a private sunbathing deck and Sorrento’s beach clubs, and an indulgent al fresco lounge bar with panoramic sea views of the Bay of Naples.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria’s Pergola bar is one of our favorite places to enjoy an aperitivo away from the crowds in the busier months
Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!
Accommodation Options Outside the Center of Sorrento
Within the wider area of Sorrento and outside of the center of town you’ll find a mix of large hotels, mid-sized hotels, B&B’s and self-catering accommodation options.
This mix of options means travelers who are willing to offset the convenience of the city center for slightly lower prices will have plenty of choice:
Pros
- Staying outside of the center of Sorrento means that the average costs per night are slightly lower in comparison, making this a more budget friendly option.
- If relaxation and not doing a lot is a priority for your trip, staying away from the center of Sorrento town could be a good option for you where night times are generally peaceful.
- There are more self catering options outside the immediate center, so if you prefer to stay in an apartment you will have more choices here.
You’ll also find a handful of camping options outside of Sorrento, including Camping International Nube d’Argento which is around 20 minutes walking distance from the center and Marina Grande
Cons
- There is only really one downside (in our opinion) for this option; staying anywhere in the outskirts of Sorrento you will need to factor in added travel time if you wanting to explore and enjoy the center of town, or go beyond Sorrento. Some hotels offer shuttle services to and from the center of Sorrento, and there are of course buses and taxis available. An important note is that due to the compact nature of the roads throughout the Sorrentine Peninsula taxis can be quite expensive, particularly during peak months.
Choosing to stay outside of Sorrento is a good option for visitors looking for a more budget friendly option, and/or anyone looking to spend more time relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the town center.
Taxis are generally readily available from the main ranks at Sorrento train station (pictured), Piazza Tasso and the port at Marina Piccola
Where to Stay Near Sorrento
Near Sorrento you’ll find a number of small towns which can be a good option for visitors depending on your travel priorities and budgets.
The first four towns listed below are on the Circumvesuviana train line which runs between Naples and Sorrento, and the final is a short bus or taxi or bus journey from Sorrento train station.
Let’s take a look at your options:
Vico Equense
This small town perched on the cliff as you enter the Sorrentine Peninsula from Naples is home to not only our favorite place to stay outside of Sorrento in Campania (detailed below), but also our favorite beach club.
We love the bathing platforms at Antico Bagno in Vico Equense for their easy access to the water and the amazing views of the coastline
In Vico Equense you’ll also find the famed Pizza a Metro where they serve pizza by the meter (seeing and eating is believing!) which makes this a great location to stay by itself.
Hotel and B&B choices are limited here but you’ll find plenty of apartments and self-catering options. It is a little further from Sorrento than the locations listed below, but the convenience of being closer to Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as having a lovely beach cove makes this a great place to stay.
Distance from Sorrento: 6km
Meta
There are only a handful of hotels in this small town, but staying here is recommended for anyone looking for a slice of Italian beach culture while on vacation. Meta di Sorrento has an upper level with bars, restaurants and small shops and a lower level from where you can reach the beaches.
Meta has the only sandy beach in the area as well as larger beaches so is very popular in the summer. Lido Metamare is one of the area’s biggest beach clubs, offering visitors the option to rent beds on a half day, daily, weekly or monthly basis.
We also love Meta for the views it offers across the wider Sorrentine Peninsula – when you arrive here we challenge you to disagree with us!
Meta is perched up high on the cliffs meaning the views of the surrounding peninsula are hard to beat
Use the Circumvesuviana train and local buses to connect to Sorrento or Naples from Meta.
Distance from Sorrento: 4km
Piano di Sorrento
The next town along from Meta, Piano di Sorrento (meaning ‘Floor of Sorrento’) features a good range of hotels, hostels, and self-catering options for visitors. These are all on the smaller side as Piano di Sorrento still retains its local feel, with shops and nice restaurants centered around the main street of Corso Italia.
You’ll find a couple of small beaches near Piano di Sorrento’s marina, and there are bus connections (along with the train) to Sorrento as well as some ferries. Piano di Sorrento makes an excellent location for visitors who have their own car and want to explore the wider area including the Amalfi Coast.
Distance from Sorrento: 3.2km
Piano di Sorrento is a great option for anyone looking to explore this area via the water as a lot of excursions depart from the Marina di Cassano
Sant’Agnello
In Sant’Agnello, Sorrento’s neighbor on the Naples side, you’ll find a number of larger hotels atop the cliffs offering guests seclusion and stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Naples.
You’ll also find a variety of self-catering options available, and simple amenities in the center of this small town near the train station (which you can use to get to Sorrento, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples easily).
There is only a small beach and a few restaurants so unless you’re staying in an all-inclusive hotel, you should plan to head into Sorrento for more options.
Distance from Sorrento: 2km
The pace is slower in Sant’Agnello and as such I will often visit to concentrate on writing
Massa Lubrense
A short ride via bus or taxi from Sorrento towards the Amalfi Coast is the small village of Massa Lubrese. Accommodation options here and in the extended area are limited but perfect for anyone looking for somewhere quiet and peaceful, while still accessible to the wider area.
You will need your own transport staying here as buses run infrequently but this is worth it if you want to explore quiet beaches, stunning landscapes and eat at some of the regions top restaurants. Two Michelin-star Don Alfonso 1890 has an incredible tasting menu based on local produce grown in their own garden, one of the best examples of what this area has to offer!
Distance from Sorrento: 3km
Some of this area’s best food can be found in Massa Lubrense – we also love Ristorante Nastro D’Oro for fresh fish and pastas in particular
Our favorite place to stay near Sorrento
If we’re in the area and not staying in Sorrento, you’ll find us at Cubo Apartments in Vico Equense.
We first stayed here in 2021 for a month while we waited for our new home to be ready for us to move in. Since that stay we have been back multiple times with friends who all agree this is a great place to stay.
Beyond the benefits that staying in Vico Equense offers (detailed previously), with spacious rooms, reasonable prices and a team that makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive, you won’t find a better place to stay outside of Sorrento.
Nature lovers should consider staying in Vico Equense, where you can easily access walking trails in the hills of the Sorrentine Peninsula
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To sum up…
Deciding where to stay in Sorrento can have a big impact on your trip, so it’s crucial to think about what you want from your travels before choosing your accommodation. Saying that, Sorrento and the surrounding area has some incredible options so wherever you end up, you’re sure to have an incredible time!
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