The 12-room Maison La Minervetta is the kind of design-focused boutique that honeymoon dreams are made of. The family-owned four-pearl property is built on a rock overlooking the Bay of Naples; steep steps lead down to the beach and picturesque Marina Grande. Views of the deep blue water are center stage in every colorful room and from many of the public spaces, including a gorgeous terrace and Mediterranean garden. A quality breakfast is included with the price of the room, though there isn't an on-site restaurant or bar.

The 12-room Maison Tofani is an intimate four-pearl boutique in the historic center of Sorrento. There aren't any sea views from rooms, but surrounding cobblestone streets lead to nearby restaurants, shops, museums, and cathedrals. Past guests rave about excellent service and the free daily breakfast. There isn't an on-site restaurant though the wine cave offers tastings with cheese and charcuterie. Rooms are spotlessly clean and stylish; some have balconies and whirlpool tubs, though views can vary. 

Few if any hotels in Sorrento offer more spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples than the Belair, which is built right into the side of a cliff about a half-mile from the Cathedral of Sorrento. Hotel Belair is not especially upscale, but it does have the elegant feel of an Italian property of yesteryear. Rooms are basic, but nearly all have balconies with gulf views. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the outdoor pool and sun terrace offer up more gulf views. The restaurant serves fairly typical Mediterranean and Sorrentine cuisine and offers outdoor dining. Guests have access to the spa facilities (hot tub, steam bath, massage services, and beauty treatments) at a nearby sister hotel.

Nearly two miles from Sorrento's center, Hotel Prestige Sorrento is not ideal for those wanting to be directly in town, but it's a good value with fantastic bird's-eye views of the gulf. The quieter location is away from the tourist crowds, and a free shuttle can take guests into town and to nearby restaurants -- which is a good thing, considering there is no full-service restaurant on the premises. The rooms are clean but a bit basic; the hotel's beautiful park-like grounds and panoramic views, coupled with the praise by guests for level of service, are the main reasons to make the twisting, hilltop journey to Hotel Prestige.