Review: Hotel Mediterraneo, Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento is the almost-unreal clifftop town, standing as the proud gateway to the Amalfi Coast. When God authored beauty, it was surely perfected on this stretch of coastline, where villages cling to the cliffs, yachts criss-cross the azure waters, and the world’s tastiest lemons are plucked. 

Among the line of stately palazzi and historic buildings lining Sorrento’s cliffs, Hotel Mediterraneo is one of the most impressive. The six-storey building gazes over the dramatic ocean vista, with a series of surprises waiting for its guests. Originally built as a large family home in 1912, additional stories were added for tourism. The Maresca-Monti family have been the proud stewards of the hotel, and on a recent trip exploring the enviable strip of coastline, I experienced their authentic Italian hospitality.

The welcome

“Would you like a glass of Prosecco?” It was an immediate yes, given the impressive summer heat that was baking down. We’d landed in Naples and taken the scenic train trip over to Sorrento – walking into the hotel’s bright and air-conditioned atrium was the welcome we needed. Sitting at the bar, our host Francesca gave us a brief introduction to the hotel before heading up to our room to freshen up.

The room

The 60 hotel rooms and suites branch off from the central glass lift and marble staircase, which graciously spirals up the grand building. Our fourth-floor sea-view room was a spoil – striking azure wall accents paired with crisp white, then topped with touches of decadent gold. The window framed a handsome piece of the sweeping view across the Bay of Naples, with a glimpse of Mt. Vesuvius in the distance. I must have stood for 10 minutes, transfixed by the shimmer of the ocean, occasionally dissected by boats navigating the water. 

Here, the welcome continued with a bottle of regional bubbly and freshly squeezed orange juice from the hotel garden – accompanied by a plate of chocolate-dipped fruit nibbles. My mother initially remarked on how refreshing it was not to have a television commanding the wall space. It took hours before we realised that the geometric stairwell painting on the wall was, in fact, cleverly a Samsung Frame TV. One of many intentional design choices that create a clean and stylish living space.

The bathroom

Light marble tiles with brass and gold fittings continued the elegant suite styling. Hotel Mediterraneo features its own amenities, and it is no surprise that the key ingredient is the local Amalfi lemons. The soap, shampoo, body and hand cream all carried the proud citrus scent – which we’d get hints of long after their anticipated application.

The facilities

When it comes to rest and pampering, the Hotel Mediterraneo knows how to help guests unwind. First, lush gardens wrap around the back of the hotel, with an abundance of curated relaxation spaces, including a large pool, jacuzzi, and well-equipped fitness area.

Lepietre Cozy Spa is a subterranean sanctuary of note – named after the volcanic stone on, and from which, the hotel is constructed (an exposed section can actually be seen in the spa). For treatments, Luce di Sorrento products (made with Sorrento lemon essence), along with extra virgin olive oil (also from the peninsula), combine with traditional therapies for memorable massages and facials. Afterwards, the star-strewn ceiling, jacuzzi, and loungers in the spa relaxation area ensure the magic doesn’t stop directly after the treatment.

Since, like us, most guests get off the plane and are quickly anticipating authentic Italian cuisine, Hotel Mediterraneo offers a range of dining options. Beginning with breakfast, an impressive buffet spreads across the restaurant with a hyper-regional focus – from the cold meat cuts, cheeses, fruit and pastries – of which the local sfogliatella were a constant feature on my plate. Picture layer upon layer of thin slices of pastry enveloping pockets of ricotta cheese. There was even a cheese trolley wheeled around, with our host introducing us to a local favourite combo of cheese and biscuits.

Come lunchtime – or for anytime lazy daytime dining – Aqua Pool Lounge embraces relaxed Mediterranean living, with spectacular pizzas and burgers served in the restaurant – or at the poolside loungers. Also owned by the hotel is the adjacent Terrazza Mediterraneo – iconic local dishes are served overlooking the bay from the envious clifftop position.

Come evening, guests have two tempting choices. First, taking the elevator to the sixth floor, it’s a few steps until you open onto Vista Skybar. Occupying the entire rooftop of the hotel, an impressive spread of couches and tables are angled to breathe in the panoramic views. Small plates are paired with clever cocktails, with the star of the show being the daily sunset spectacle. 

Then, for the pezzo forte, Vesuvio Restaurant is the hotel’s acclaimed fine dining offering, standing as an ode to the best of Italian cuisine. Choosing from either the Land or Sea menu, the journey unfolds over three hours, introducing us to a wide range of local ingredients and dishes delicately plated, and true to Italian fare, the clout comes from the premium ingredients rather than tableside theatrics. Meals are matched with regional wines: sommelier Luigi’s wine guidance was exemplary in both education and execution, especially when we brought out a 2018 Franciacorta, which was perfection in a glass.

The location

Sorrento sits opposite Naples, on the bay named after the former, and the short crossing over the headland heralds the start of the Amalfi Coast, stretching some 35 miles East to Sorrento. Sorrento is also within striking distance of Mount Vesuvius and the archaeological site of Pompei. The portside town is large enough to offer a variety of corners to explore, yet small enough to still hold charm. 

Other nice touches

Hotel Mediterraneo makes the daily journey to the pool or beach even more memorable, with a collection of thoughtful gifts, including a woven beach bag, mini-sunscreen, and branded sandals. Evening slippers, a sleep bag, and a beautiful vanity bag complete the line of smart gifts, which will help conjure visits to the hotel long after we’d left. At some point you’ll notice the road encircling the hotel has an English name – and soon the mystery is revealed: guests are also given a copy of American author F. Marion Crawford’s The Children of the King, dreamily written in situ.

Given Sorrento’s strategic position, it’s an easy journey to hot spots along the famed Amalfi coastline. While boats depart daily in their hordes from the port, the hotel’s yacht can be chartered for private trips. We first visited the town of Amalfi, where shopping, Aperol Spritz, and swimming were the order of the day. Next, the adjacent village of Atrani, which sheds the pretence of its glitzy neighbour, is also a sight to behold. Lastly, sauntering the villa-lined cobbled streets on the island of Capri is a must, making sure to indulge in Caprese Salad and Torte Caprese, both iconic Capri exports.

The cost

The approachable room rates range from £260 – £380 per night for the classic rooms, and then £440 – £600 for the Superior and Double Rooms. This rate includes bed, breakfast, beach club access, and the complimentary gifts. Bear in mind that several UK operators offer discounted stays part of their weekly packages, and the hotel regularly offers deals through direct website bookings.

The best bit

Sorrento is synonymous with clifftop living, but glance down to the ocean, and there is a line of beach clubs on the water’s edge. From Hotel Mediterraneo, a private lift from the hotel spa descends through the cliff, and a secret tunnel then leads you to the entrance of La Marinella Beach. Here loungers and umbrellas await – along with refreshing ocean dips or swims in the calm mini-harbour. A novel experience, iconic to this stretch of coastline.

The final verdict

Guests travel to this part of Italy for the dramatic coast, but thanks to the hospitality of Hotel Mediterraneo, they are enriched with something equally valuable – an authentic experience grounded in the tradition and celebration of its location. Thoroughly luxurious, and unmistakenly Italian.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Hotel Mediterraneo.