Steeply overlooking the sea of Sorrento, this hotel was originally built in 1750 as a private villa and in 1820 it was turned into a small, cozy hotel. Between 1905 and 1907 William Waldorf Astor had his Villa Pompeiana built there, almost a copy of the House of the Vettii in Pompeii. In 1995 it was purchased by a well-known family of Albergatori Sorrentini headed by Giovanni Russo. Today the Bellevue Syrene offers 50 rooms and suites, all of which featuring a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naples. The Mimmo Iodice restaurant serves traditional food and has glazing that looks straight down onto the sea below. There's also a small wellness center and a private beach.