Dating back to 1820, the historic Bellevue Syrene is a romantic, luxury hotel perched on a cliff in Sorrento. The hotel has two restaurants and 50 beautiful rooms, which are either sleek and modern or baroque and elaborate in design with balconies overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Guests looking for a decadent experience won’t be disappointed. There are a lot of perks offered by the hotel including free snacks and cocktails throughout the day, a seasonal private sunbathing deck on the sea, and breakfast served on an ocean-view terrace.

It's hard not to be impressed by the lavishness on display at the Antiche Mura Hotel -- even if it might go a little overboard at times. The setting overlooking the Valley of the Mills in the heart of Sorrento is superb, but don't expect sea views. The fragrant citrus garden surrounding the central pool is a wonderful retreat, and there's plenty of patio seating to relax with a drink. It's not cheap, but it is a real peaceful oasis in the center of this bustling town.

Grand Hotel Aminta’s 600-foot-high hillside location gives remarkable views and is within walking distance to the hubbub of Sorrento. With its welcoming mansion-like appearance, it calls to mind grand hotels of days past but with completely modern touches. Still, some guests may feel the clean, simply styled rooms are a bit tight. An exclusive feature of this hotel is its weekly gala night dinners for guests -- an elegant affair with local dishes, music, and a vintage vibe. The property also has a large pool, fantastic views, and an extensive wine collection.

The 85-room Grand Hotel La Favorita combines gorgeous Renaissance beauty with contemporary comforts and decor. The property's central location in Sorrento makes it ideal for those wishing to explore the town on foot, take a boat tour to islands, or grab public transport. (With fee parking and high pedestrian traffic, the locale is less ideal for those with cars.) Lemon tree gardens are beautiful and relaxing, while the rooftop deck, complete with sparkling pool and bar, have a more lively and modern feel. Clientele tends to be mostly couples taking advantage of the romantic atmosphere. One downside is the lack of fitness facilities or spa services one would expect at a hotel of this category.

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.

This grandiose hotel, set dramatically above the Bay of Naples and very convenient to the old town of Sorrento, attracts a tourist set seeking the sort of old-school luxury characteristic of the seaside resorts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A mirrored, light-filled dining room in the main restaurant Le Relais is replete with white wood and pastel colors, offering splendid views.

The 115-room Grand Hotel Ambasciatori is a classic, luxury hotel perched dramatically above the sea with stunning views across the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. It has a private beach -- actually, more of a bathing deck with lounge chairs -- reached via an elevator. The hotel is not quite centrally located; the heart of Sorrento is a 15-minute walk away. Rooms are spacious and airy with modern design touches, lovely tile floors, and scenic balconies. The elegant restaurant and bars take advantage of the beautiful vistas. For travelers who don’t mind the higher price, the sea view rooms are quieter than the ones that overlook the road.

The 64-room Minerva Hotel is a four-pearl property and one of the oldest hotels in Sorrento with incredible views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the distance. Rooms are cheery and the majority have stunning water views, as do the rooftop pool and terraces. Though some of the furnishings and bathrooms look a bit tired, the hotel is very clean. Breakfast is included with the price of the room and there's an on-site fitness center. However, most guests get their exercise walking uphill from the city's center.

The 142-room Bristol Hotel near the center of Sorrento is a popular choice for events, as well as for groups. It consists of three large concrete buildings; common areas are plain and slightly formal, with inlay marble floors and mirrored elevator doors. While the front of the hotel overlooks a street, the back abuts a cliffside overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Many of the hotel’s facilities, including the multiple restaurants, pool, and rooftop bar, take full advantage of the spectacular views afforded by this position. Rooms are spacious and most provide sweeping views, but decor varies widely -- some are a touch dated and unfinished while others are appealing and modern.

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.