Guests may initially wonder at the location of the hotel, but family-run Hotel Prestige Sorrento dispels any doubts as soon as guests arrive; it's immediately obvious that the property's removed hilltop position allows it to enjoy spectacular views of the gulf. The outside public spaces have stone garden paths, tons of outdoor seating (both shaded and sunny), and an abundance of flowering plants. Most of the seating is arranged to take in the view -- overall superb, but at points interrupted by ugly electrical transmission towers and lines in the distance. Fun fact: an old anchor of Italian hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi, is permanently dropped in the Hotel Prestige's pool area.

The renovated hotel has modern stone and peach exteriors, a tiled entryway, and curved glass front doors that lead into the lobby. Polished pale, marble floors and natural wood fixtures with gold metallic accents give the area a light and elegant (if perhaps slightly dated) feel. Leather sofas and chairs sit under a glass chandelier and are partially hidden behind leafy plants. A fish tank, bookshelf, and display of local limoncello fill out the space. Hallways have thick stripes on the walls and distressed blue and green tiled floors.

Hotel Prestige Sorrento rests off a country road high within the volcanic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Nine miles down the frighteningly narrow and twisty road, guests can explore picturesque Positano, make a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii (18.8 miles) or visit the famous Mt. Vesuvius (32 miles). While breakfast is served on-site, other meals take place a half-mile down the road (hotel offers free shuttle service) at a restaurant that comes highly recommended. The Sorrento train station, serviced only by the regional Circumvesuviana rail system, is just under 20 minutes away, while Naples International Airport is about an hour's drive.

Perfectly appointed for summer, all 25 of Hotel Prestige Sorrento's clean and comfy rooms have tiled floors, wood-framed glass doors, and air-conditioning. Some rooms also have a small balcony or large terrace with stunning views (book early!). One look at the room decor and it's clear the owners love stripes. Solid peach and white walls are complemented by sections of striped accents, pumping up the style factor of the otherwise basic rooms. Rooms have wooden furniture with a traditional feel, simple beds, and thick, floor-to-ceiling curtains. Bathrooms are almost an optical illusion with an array of colorfully tiled stripes on every wall -- even in the shower. Some rooms have walk-in showers, while others have shower/tub combos; all have rainfall shower heads and bidets.

Due to the hotel's out-of-the-way location and lack of proper on-site resturant, Hotel Prestige's free shuttle to town, nearby restaurants, and the train station is appreciated. Guests can also enjoy a generous (and free) continental buffet breakfast, outdoor pool with sun chairs that overlook the rocky coast, and a tiny stand-alone Finnish sauna. If it gets too hot, there are various shaded seating areas within the ground's green gardens. A trip to the hotel's highest point, the Breeeze Bar, will reward guests with the property's best views and stylish wicker lounge furniture. Indoor drinks are also available in the hotel's simple-but-chic lobby bar. Though there's no full restaurant, a cafe serves snacks. A concierge can also recommend and arrange for local and regional tours and activities.