Piazza della Vittoria n. 4, Sorrento, Italy | (501) 232-4463
Central location in downtown Sorrento
Rooftop restaurant with stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and water
Classically furnished rooms with minibars and flat-screen TVs
Large outdoor pool with loungers and whirlpool hot tub
Italian restaurant and snack bar by the pool
Breakfast buffet included in room rates
Direct elevator access to nearby beach
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Small gym and in-room massages are available
Rooms run small
Gym isn't air-conditioned
Fee for parking
No full spa
The 80-room mid-range Hotel Continental is located in the heart of downtown Sorrento and manages to retain Old World Italian charm while providing guests with plenty of modern amenities. Highlights include a big outdoor pool with an adjacent whirlpool tub and plenty of loungers, plus a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Gulf of Naples. There's also a private elevator that goes down to a shared beach, plus a buffet breakfast is included in room rates. Rooms are somewhat tight on space, furnished with classic, if a bit plain, decor and minibars.Travelers looking for a hotel with larger rooms may want to consider the Grand Hotel La Favorita, which has similar amenities and particularly gorgeous grounds.
Scene
Charming Old World property with modern accents
The Hotel Continental's bright-yellow exterior gives it a sunny appearance regardless of the weather, and the grounds -- with lemon trees and flowering plants --are undoubtedly Mediterranean. The lobby is adorned with lots of red and gray marble and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, as well as large gilded works of art and wooden accents. Black leather chairs are neatly tucked into private little nooks, while orchid blooms and other plants in large vases add to the overall classically elegant feel of the space. Interestingly, there's an adjacent lounge area with a more contemporary feel, packed with chairs and couches that have white cushions and gray arm chairs next to brightly colored retro and modern art pieces on the walls. Though the outdoor pool deck is lovely, the property's standout feature is the rooftop terrace -- it houses a restaurant and bar, plus has stunning views over the Gulf of Naples. The property's setting and lack of kid-oriented facilities make this hotel primarily popular with vacationing couples, followed by families.
Location
Central location in historic Sorrento, with direct beach access via an elevator
The Hotel Continental is located in the Piazza della Vittoria, a central, quiet, and popular piazza. The public beach is accessible from the hotel via a private elevator, and guests can rent chairs and umbrellas from vendors. It's an easy five-minute walk to the Piazza Tasso and the Marina Grande, which is filled with restaurants serving fresh seafood. The Port of Capri, the Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea, St. Francis Church and Convent, and Villa Comunale Park are all within a 10-minute walk. The Naples Airport is about a 90-minute drive away.
Rooms
Well-kept rooms have simple, classic decor plus modern amenities
The hotel's 80 rooms are simply decorated with traditional Vietri hand-painted tile floors, minimal wood furnishings, and dated blue bed linens and curtains. While not the most inspiring room design, they're well-kept and have framed artwork on the walls to add a touch of personality. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, small flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and minibars. Some also have balconies, but only a few have noteworthy views (glimpses of Mount Vesuvius, the sea, or even the little park out front). Bathrooms have pretty tile work and come with shower/tub combos and bidets, plus robes, slippers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and toiletries are provided. Note that some rooms are small, but suites with separate living rooms are available for additional space.
Features
Huge pool with adjacent whirlpool and bar, plus a gorgeous rooftop terrace restaurant
Solid amenities at the Continental include a large outdoor pool surrounded by lots of yellow lounge chairs and green hedges. In this area are also a whirlpool and a small lemon garden, plus a poolside bar, Blue, with drinks and light snacks. The main restaurant, La Terrazza, offers Neapolitan- and Italian-style a la carte dishes. In the summer, guests can dine on the restaurant's candlelit terrace while overlooking the sea. A buffet breakfast (included in room rates) is served daily at the bright Ristorante degli Specchi and features a varying selection of cold and hot options. Added in 2016, the rooftop terrace has seating and serves drinks and snacks. There's no spa, but in-room massages are available. Other features include a billiards table, laundry facilities, and an area shuttle (for a fee). Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and self-parking is available for a fee.