Legend has it that 2,000 years a Villa for Emperor Augustus rested on the same site that today is the home of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. Stepping off the busy downtown streets of Sorrento into the grounds that make up the hotel… one does feel transported back in time. The hotel, surrounded by lush gardens and the Bay of Naples, is a quiet peaceful oasis in a bustling town center.
On my first visit to the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, I was surprised at the location of the hotel. It sits just off the main square of Sorreto. Yet as you pass through the entryway and walk deeper into the property, you sense the tranquility and are impressed by the beauty of five acres of greenery and flowers.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoriais made up of three buildings, linked together to form the hotel complex. The hotel is owned and managed by the Fiorentino family for six generations. The three buildings of the hotel were built between 1834 and 1880 so each is unique and rooms sizes and shapes are quite variable. Almost every room has a terrace or balcony overlooking the Bay of Naples -and what a view.
The rooms are tastefully furnished with original period furniture. With three buildings, there are many different room categories, including: Deluxe Premium Sea View, Classic Garden View, Classic Sea View, Deluxe Sea View, Suite Degli Aranci, Suites Sea View, Junior Suite, Antique/Vittoria /Caruso Suite, and Royal/Pompei Suites. Many have special historical significance… like the Enrico Caruso suite, which retains the same décor and furnishings as when the famous Italian tenor stayed there for more several months, in 1921.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria has five restaurants on property. The Vittoria restaurant – with its original decorated ceilings of the early 19th century – is where you would enjoy your complimentary breakfast with its full American buffet. It also hosts many gala dinners and weddings.
We enjoyed our time at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. The combination of gardens, views of the Bay, lavish accommodations, and level of service all created a relaxing stay. The location of this hotel allows you to explore Naples, Capri, the Amalfi, and then at the end of the day, return to a beautiful oasis.
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