Review of Bellevue Syrene, by Joanna Monkhouse

The luxury hotel Bellevue Syrene occupies an 18th-century building on the edge of the cliff in Sorrento. This provides guests with fantastic views of Italy's Amalfi Coast. The site is also built on the foundations of an ancient Roman villa.

The facilities

The Bellvue Syrene has everything you might expect from a five-star hotel. Two restaurants serve sea food and Mediterranean cuisine throughout the day (one of which turns into a piano bar by night) and guests have use of a gym and a wisteria- covered terrace with stunning sea views.

The luxury hotel's stylish public rooms are light and airy with high ceilings and frescoed walls. One salon features a huge pink and blue Venetian glass chandelier, which juxtaposes pleasingly against the room's 18th century original features.

Bellevue Syrene's Beauty Centre offers face and body treatments, hammam and massages. Perfect for pampering! Whilst there is a lift down to the private beach, there is also a stairway and vaulted passage which are remnants of the Roman villa.

The rooms

The Bellvue Syrene has fifty rooms and suites, all with satellite TVs and Wi-Fi. Request a room with a balcony and sea view; it's worth it to witness such a splendid site every morning.