Bellevue Hotel Syrene
S. Italy: Campania: Sorrento
Location, location, location! This hotel has it! Perched on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Naples and out to Capri (on a clear day!), this stunning hotel rises from the foundations of a large Roman villa dating to the Second Century B.C. The construction of today's villa began in 1750 and became a small hotel in 1820. The 17th century frescoes of the original villa were restored along with other works by Ernesto and Giovanbattista De Curtis.

The hotel feels more like a private home, especially when one sees it lit by candles in the evening, with piano music playing in the "bar", a room far too beautiful to be called a bar. The hotel's restaurant Il Don Giovanni is spacious and has huge windows overlooking the bay while the Gli Archi Restaurant offers more intimate dining. During warm weather months, guests can enjoy light fare or dining al fresco (outdoors!) at the open-air La Pergola restaurant which in the evenings becomes a romantic piano bar. Il Pino Restaurant is shaded by a 100-year-old pine tree on a lovely terrace. A huge selection of wines is available from the cellar housed in a picturesque Roman grotto. Guests staying here definitely have dining options.

Among the accommodations, many of which have sea view, is a new suite on top of the hotel that is 75 square meters with a large bedroom and separate living room with large terrace overlooking the sea. Another suite, formerly a Roman grotto, features an ensuite hydro massage tub. All rooms and suites have every convenience including in-room safe, wireless Internet connection. 24-hour room service is also available.

The hotel's spa has a wide range of treatments for the face and body as well as a Turkish bath. Guests may take advantage of the hotel's private sunbathing deck by the sea reachable either by elevator or by ancient steps carved out of the rock. Excursions with the hotel's private boat to explore the unspoiled coastline and the neighboring islands can also be organized. Hotel guests are offered complimentary sun beds, towels and umbrellas during summer season. Other activities that are available include cycling, trekking, sailing, windsurfing, diving and waterskiing.