I am trying to decide between 2 hotels in Sorrento. For about the same price I can get a sea view classic room at the Bellevue Syrene (which includes breakfast, drinks and snacks in the lounge) or a sea view junior suite at the Imperial Hotel Tramontano (which includes breakfast). Could I get some recommendations on these two hotels? It is my understanding they are both about the same distance to the center of town.

We stayed at the Bellevue Syrene a few years ago and liked it very much. The location is great---right on the water and an easy stroll to the center, restarants, the hydrofoil to Capri. We had a room (probably of the type you are considering) which overlooked the bay and Versuvius with a small balcony---not a bad view and we certainly enjoyed a glass of wine or two as we sat there!!!! We found the staff to be very helpful.
I don't know if you will have a car but as I recall parking was available but it was offsite. One of the fellows would take your car and you had to request it a little in advance if you wanted to go for a drive. Not really an inconvenience since once you are in Sorrento you probably will be staying put for a few days.

Sorry but I am not familar with the Imperial. But there are several other large hotels along the same area as the BS and I assume it is one of those. So the location is probably comparable. Sorrento is great---enjoy.

Thank you. I was wondering about the small balcony at the Bellevue Syrene, but from what you have said you are able to sit out on the balcony. And we will not have a car, so I wanted to be able to walk into the city center.

My wife and I stayed at the Vesuvius and loved it. It overlooks naples Bay. A shuttle into town operated every 30 minutes or you can walk it.

The hotels are less than a block apart. We've also stayed at the Bellevue Syrene, but our visit was before the renovations that changed the decor to modern/contemporary (which I'm not sure I like). The BS does not have a pool but does have multiple, gorgeous terraces. The Tramontano's decor remains more traditional, and there is both a large garden area and a pool. I don't think you can go wrong with either one, but you have to decide what counts most with you.

Not familiar with these two hotels, you might also try http://www.crowneplazasorrento.com

We stayed at the Bellevue Syrene some years ago. It's right next door to the Tramontano, but the latter has a pool. Both hotels are beautifully situated on the cliff edge overlooking the Gulf of Naples but right in the town of Sorrento. No shuttle needed.

The BS did have not a beach but an elevator down to the base of the cliff and to a set of docks built out over the water, with deck chairs and swimming.

We stayed at the Bellvue Syrene about 10 years ago. We had modern decor triple rooms on the top level with balconies facing the sea. I don't know if this has been corrected, but if you are out on the balcony and close the door, you cannot open it from the outside. I was stuck on the balcony in the hot sun - no shade at all - for several hours. Someone in another room heard me calling out and called to the front desk and someone came up and opened the door for me. The hotel was fine, but the people running the place at the time we were there were not welcoming or friendly. My sister stayed next hotel over at the Tramontano and loved it.

The Crowne Plaza is not in Sorrento.