You might know this feeling of being Alice in Wonderland, little child exploring enchanted world on the other side of the mirror, so unreal, so out of common and simply beautiful… That was exactly what I felt when I arrived first time, more than 10 years ago, to Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento. I’ve been there many times since then, owing to warm hospitality of Fiorentino family which has been in possession of this rare gem of property through 6 generations. And every visit would easily return me to this precious “Alice in Wonderland” dreamy feeling.
Just to start from… I guess, it is exciting enough to sleep under the roof which was once sheltering such legends as Richard Wagner, Oscar Wilde, Enrico Caruso, Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe, Luciano Pavarotti, Sophia Loren and Lucio Dalla. There are signature suites dedicated to Enrico Caruso and Lucia Dalla at GH Excelsior Vittoria – those which were their favourites during their prolonged stays. And oh… in 1984 the movie Aurora was filmed here, with Sophia Loren playing chambermaid. Many years after, signor Fiorentino, the late father of current owner, was joking that Sophia The Legend used to work for him.
I adore hotels which have been in family possession for generations, fluently moving through the centuries of history, being enriched with endless stories and legends which may sound unreal but they are real indeed. For me it is truly fascinating, but what is even more fascinating – how such properties merge with modern reality, smoothly combining heritage values with contemporary request. Fiorentino family is quite an example of fluent transition between generations – I’m lucky to know personally 3 generations out of 6. Everyone in the family is a character, and their dedication to hospitality is truly remarkable.
I remember clients which I’ve sent to GH Excelsior Vittoria few years back. Young modern couple travelling through Amalfi Coast. I thought it is good stop before jumping to Capri (such easy logistic considering that ExVitt has parking lot to leave the car, and private elevator to the marina from where ferries go to Capri). On the back of my mind, I had feeling that my contemporary clients may find hotel a bit old fashioned. Email which I received from clients was saying that their only complain is why they are there for two nights only. And you know what? That is my feeling every time I leave ExVitt. The reasons are many.
First and most important – the people. Those who make you feel at home from your very first step in the lobby. They truly greet you as a dear friend even if it is your first visit. I’m not even speaking about your next visit – expect hearty hugs, and believe me, they will call you by your name everywhere like if someone spread your photo all over. Not really. It is just hospitality in its perfection. They will remember your breakfast preferences, and the smiles are genuine all over. There are some people who are not the first generation working for this iconic property. And, well, they love what they do.
Second, the location. Simply unbeatable. Sorrento may not be as posh and famous as Positano, but it is a real town unlike many in the area which became just a pretty decoration for jet-setters vacation during the summer months, while they are completely dead off season (not even coffee shop to have espresso). People live in Sorrento as they did in generations, all year around, and it is a different character to enjoy, less pretentious, more authentic. Not that Sorrento is not flooded with tourists during high season… it is. But on a different way since it also needs to serve local needs. Means, there are still authenticity and local people to mingle with. I always thought of Sorrento as small slice of Naples taken away from Naples – the same flamboyant character, but much smaller scale, way safer, manageable, and cozy.
And one can’t suggest better location in Sorrento than ExVitt. You just step from the bustle of main square through the gate to the beautiful old park of orange and lemon trees, walk one of the most beautiful passes imaginable, and arrive to hotel composed of three villas connected with each other. There was a 4th one which was destroyed during earthquake in 70th. The owners have a dream to restore it one day, but Italian bureaucracy can be tremendous when it comes to historical building, so it is still the project. There are also some ruins belonging to Roman empire on the territory of hotel – noble Romans enjoyed the climate and scenery the same as we do now.
If you pass the imposing lobby, grand sitting room, and step to the vast terrace, the view from the cliff will simply leave you speechless. It is the direct view of Vesuvius and bay of Napoli over the sea. Try to imagine… but well, it needs to be seen.
The history, heritage and nobility is on every step, but please do not expect it to be museum-stuffy. It is very alive, somehow modern, somewhat contemporary, but without loosing character or forgetting its long and fascinating story. It is an art of combining very complex things with grace and elegance, and one needs to be hotelier in some generations to succeed. Fiorentino family does, and I adore watching youngest generation making bravura steps to family business with all respect to their heritage. Only in Italy!
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria has been ranked #1 among the 10 Best Resort Hotels in Italy by Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards. This prestigious award comes at a special time as hotel is celebrating its 190th anniversary.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] for availability, rates and reservation.
Virtuoso amenities for you:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
