Sophia Loren has been there, as have Empress Sisi, Marilyn Monroe, Richard Wagner and Luciano Pavarotti. And also Lucio Dalla, who composed his world-famous «Caruso» here in the style of the famous tenor. Indeed, the Grande Albergo Excelsior Vittoria has already accommodated scores of famous people in its almost 185-year history. So what is it that makes this hotel so fascinating? It could be its exposed location high over the Gulf of Naples with a superb view over the sea and the bay. Or the intense scent of the surrounding lemon groves. And even more so, the stylish elegance of this family-run hotel, a source of inspiration and vitality.
The Fiorentino family opened the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in 1834, the first modern hotel in the centre of Sorrento, and even back then, its spectacular highlights included electric lighting and private bathrooms. The luxury hotel is now in the hands of the sixth generation, who are committed to offering first-class, stylish hospitality in line with the hotel’s tradition. The fact that it succeeds in so many outstanding ways is demonstrated not just in its many regular awards and the coveted «Leading Hotels of the World» title; the fine detail also never fails to have an impact: the smile from staff who welcome us so warmly, spoiling us with their first-class service; the wonderfully preserved rooms with their marble pillars and frescos; the blossoming park stretching across two hectares inviting you to daydream. Of course, you can also look forward to the highest quality culinary specialities on offer: Decorated with a Michelin star, the Terrazza Bosquet offers the finest Mediterranean cuisine. The Excelsior Vittoria is made up of three historic buildings. The arches and pillars in both wings reflect a classic 19th-century villa architecture. The middle section was built in the style of a chalet. When the Empress Elisabeth of Austria came to visit, they wanted to build accommodation for her that reflected her home country as much as possible. And us? We are enjoying the comforts of the spacious Lucio Dalla suite, the fantastic view from our private terrace and the feeling of breathing in a bit of Italy.
Thanks to the warm October sun, we are able to eat our breakfast outside. The extensive breakfast buffet with an exceptional array of sweet temptations is not something we’ll be forgetting in a hurry. The panoramic view of the surrounding area invites you to make plans for the future – the possibilities here are endless: Vesuvius is within sight and awaits its visitors with numerous hiking trails through its impressive crater landscape. At its south-eastern base, a visit to the world-famous ancient city of Pompeii beckons – a must-see for anyone interested in culture. You can also see Naples, the birthplace of pizza, just an easy ferry-ride away and a seemingly never-ending Eldorado for culture fans, bargain hunters and food hunters. The area directly around the hotel also has a lot to offer: Because of its location right in the heart of Sorrento, adjacent to Piazza Tasso, the bustling shopping streets, historical tourist attractions, and cafés and restaurants are only a few steps away. The «funicolare», the hotel’s very own private lift, overcomes the height of the cliff on which the hotel is situated taking you straight to the harbour without the need for you to negotiate the tedious steps. The many ferries depart from there, one of which will get you to Capri in just 40 minutes – is one of the many attractive tourist destinations Sorrento has to offer. Antonino Galano, who has worked as the hotel’s concierge for 46 years and is practically a member of the family, is there to help us with any planning. It is obvious just how passionate he is about the region, the hotel and, above all, his guests.
The Excelsior Vittoria boasts a long and proud history of almost 185 years. The history of this region, however, goes back a lot further. Even on the expansive hotel premises, you can marvel at some archaeological finds: The ruins of a villa belonging to Roman Emperor Augustus and a Roman bath are still preserved here. The devastating eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79 AD, which buried the city of Pompeii, has bequeathed the region a millennia-old historical heritage. Conserved by the volcanic ash, archaeologists have uncovered many parts of the ancient city and preserved them for posterity as witnesses to history. Anyone standing in the dwellings of the people who lived there back then and anyone looking at their handmade pots, work tools, furniture or carts will discover just how incredibly sophisticated they were. Superbly preserved and colourful wall paintings and frescoes that exhibit blue tones, which were rare at the time, showcasing detailed scenes from mythology, nature and daily life. The unique tour through this once bustling, prosperous town makes the life they lived almost 2,000 years ago more tangible – and puts the advances of our modern age into perspective a little bit. After this cultural programme, we enjoy a rest back at the hotel by the beautiful pool and look back over the last few days. Our summary: The Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento is an ideal destination for a relaxed, sophisticated stay in Italy, a family holiday full of variety, a wide range of excursions and a rich cultural experience. We will certainly be coming back.
