This season’s first trip to Italy felt particularly special, arriving at the luxurious, five-star Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. Perched on the edge of a cliff in the heart of Sorrento, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, and it’s easy to see why it remains one of Italy’s most iconic properties.
A few weeks prior, an enchanting invitation from the Fiorentino family had landed in our mailbox. The property, helmed by the sixth-generation owner Guido Fiorentino, was celebrating a monumental occasion: 190 years of rich history. The event was to include a gala and the grand opening of their La Pergola Bar à Champagne. Naturally, we couldn’t resist attending this once in a lifetime event.
Although we’ve visited southern Italy many times before, this was our first trip to Sorrento. Following a direct flight to Naples and an hour’s drive, we arrived at a stunningly beautiful wisteria-covered gate that marked the entrance to this historic haven. The gateway, crowned with the gold art deco inscription “Excelsior Grand Albergo Vittoria,” promised grandeur—and it delivered. A narrow road, flanked by lush Mediterranean gardens, citrus groves, and the nostalgic fragrance of orange and lemon, led us to the hotel’s majestic entrance and the captivating terrace overlooking the Italian coast.
Over three days, we immersed ourselves in the celebrations: an extravagant dinner and dancing amidst the orange groves, a afternoon boat trip to a nearby coastal town for a traditional trattoria lunch, and a grand gala in the hotel’s Vittoria Room. This grand chamber, with its fresco-painted ceilings and live opera performances, was nothing short of memorable and we’re so honored to be apart of this momentous celebration.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria beautifully blends traditional luxury with touches reminiscent of Roman Empire architecture and interior design, creating a stay that felt both opulent and inviting. The Pompeii Suite, another sparkling gem of the hotel, awaited us, ready to offer a tranquil retreat after the day’s festivities with a balcony rival to the hotels terrace.
The hotel’s prime location above the harbor, also makes it an ideal base for day excursions to the enchanting islands of Capri and Ischia, easily accessible and perfect for those spontaneous adventures that enrich any travel experience!
As a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria not only offers exceptional beauty but also the perks of the Leaders Club program. Benefits such as complimentary breakfast, points towards free nights, pre-arrival upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, access to exclusive events, and members-only rates enhance every stay, making each visit uniquely rewarding. Throughout our stay, we enjoyed sharing that we were traveling as Leaders Club members, a testament to the personalized service and exclusive travel benefits that are hallmarks of The Leading Hotels of the World. This network, comprised of over 400 hotels in more than 80 countries, is a testament to the art of hospitality, offering story-worthy moments through authentic, individualized experiences and warm, high-touch service that beckons the discerning traveler back time and again.
At Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, life’s infinite passion is not just a celebrated quote by Federico Fellini; it’s a palpable part of the experience, inviting guests to step into a world of timeless luxury and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s the allure of its storied past, the breathtaking scenery, or the exceptional service, this hotel promises a stay that’s as grand as its name.
