Located on jagged sea cliffs, Grand Hotel Riviera offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The hotel’s style, decor, and layout center around the sea, and there’s even an elevator in the rocky cliffs that leads down to a private bay. Tropical plants and potted flowers dot the grounds, while the dining terrace and pool terrace offer postcard views of the sea and Mount Vesuvius. 

The interior features a predominately white color palette with blue accents in tile designs, couches, and armchairs. Though a large glass chandelier, printed carpets, and gilded paintings depict an 18th-century Neapolitan classical style in the large lobby, there’s something homey to the room due to many comfy couches placed throughout. The main restaurant has a similarly classic style with glossy white marble floors and white and cream tablecloths and chairs, plus lovely views of the ocean from large arched windows. The Le Vele restaurant, newly opened in 2016, is slightly more relaxed, with Mediterranean decor made up of striped blue and white tablecloths, blue modern chairs or booths, and sea-inspired paintings adorning the walls. 

Some of the common areas may feel a bit dated or tired (paintings can read more kitschy than elegant), and perhaps the classic decor won't suit all tastes, but overall, this is a clean and charming property that receives a wealth of accolades from past guests. The hotel’s setting draws leisure tourists seeking a sea and sun filled vacation. Swimming in the sea off a private deck and an outdoor patio with stunning views make for a romantic atmosphere for couples on weekend getaways. 

Although the hotel feels private and isolated, it's only a 12-minute walk to the center of Sorrento and Piazza Tasso. There’s a number of restaurants within a 10- to 12-minute walk, as well as a few historic sites like the St. Francis Church and Convent, which is a 16-minute walk away. Sorrento's train station can also be reached on foot in 12 minutes, or it's a five-minute drive. The hotel makes for a great launch point to attractions within the area, like the Amalfi coast -- Positano can be reached in about 40 minutes by car, while Amalfi is a bit over an hour away. The island of Capri can be reached by ferry in about a half-hour. Mount Vesuvius takes an hour and 20 minutes to reach by car, while Pompeii is a 45-minute drive. Mountainous hiking trails are a 20-minute drive from the hotel. It’s an hour’s drive to the Naples Airport, or over two hours by public transportation.

Many of the rooms at this hotel embody the same Mediterranean style seen in the hotel’s public areas. Rooms are particularly spacious and are primarily white with either green, blue, or yellow accents in the form of bed linens, chairs, and curtains. Floors feature lovely colorful tiles, while black-and-white photographs or ocean-themed paintings add nice decorative touches. There’s some wear and tear to the white furniture, but rooms are generally clean and charming. All rooms include modern conveniences like air-conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, kettles, and minibars. Opt for a room with a furnished balcony and sea views for a prime experience. The charming tiled bathrooms are spacious and fitted with one or two sinks and either shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs. Robes, hairdryers, and toiletries are provided. 

The Grand Hotel Riviera's features take advantage of its proximity to the water. There’s an elevator in the cliff that takes guests to a deck filled with loungers and umbrellas that jets out to a rocky encampment in the sea. From the deck, guests can enter shallow clear water from stairs that lead directly into the bay. Guests can also swim and sunbathe at the hotel's pool, which includes an attached children’s pool on a terrace with panoramic views of the sea. 

The dining options also capitalize on the gorgeous views. Breakfast is served each morning in the breakfast room and is included in rates. Neapolitan-inspired lunches and dinners can be had in the main restaurant (with half-board booking options). Restaurant Le Vele is the newest dining option, offering a la carte Mediterranean seafood dishes. There’s also a snack bar for light meals, a bar that serves drinks, and an outdoor patio with great views of the sea where dining is available. Limited room service is available as well. 

The hotel lacks a gym or spa, but does have a few fully equipped meeting halls. Its terraces and dining rooms can be rented for events as well. There’s a computer available for guest use and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. On-site parking costs a fee.