It's usually only films that are labelled 'epic'. However, the views from the Grand Hotel President fit into this category, too. From its hillside perch, the Grand Hotel President gazes across the rooftops of Sorrento out towards the Bay of Naples. It's a picture-postcard scene of umbrella pines, dramatic cliffs and peacock-blue waters. In the distance, you can even make out the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius.
The hotel certainly makes the most of this fabulous panorama. In the gardens, carefully placed benches and chaises longues let you soak up the views. The swimming pool, meanwhile, is set in a yawning sun terrace that gazes out over the bay. Likewise the bougainvillea-draped snack bar. Perhaps the best place to drink in the vista though, is from the rooftop whirlpool.
Views aside, the hotel itself is rather special. It's every inch the good-looking Italian. Contemporary chic meets classical style in the public areas. The lounge features elegant wood flooring accessorised with blue and green sofas and banquettes. The restaurant, meanwhile, is a sea of marble teamed with high-backed apple-green chairs. As for the bedrooms, they feature heavy drapes, painted floor tiles and elegant inlaid wood furniture. In terms of facilities, they come with satellite TVs, hairdryers and minibars. Sea-view rooms are available, too.
As this hotel is part of the Thomson Gold collection, you can expect great things on the food front. Breakfast brings tasty buffets while dinner is all about bow-tie waiter service - there's a different a la carte menu every evening. There are lavish weekly gala dinners, too. And dining is made all the more special by the dramatic views served up by floor-to-ceiling windows. Particular attention is also paid to the entertainment. From tinkling ivories to comedy nights and live music, evenings here have plenty of sparkle.
Factor in a shuttle bus service that whisks you down into the centre of Sorrento and a first-class spa – complete with sauna, whirlpool and steam room – and you've got a sensational hotel that's deserving of its Thomson Gold status.

Location

4km to the centre of Sorrento. Regular courtesy bus to and from Sorrento. 20-30 minute walk downhill into town.

Children

chidren pool.

Hotel Facilities

, , , 2 Single Beds, Air Conditioning, Beauty Salon, Billiards, Buffet Service, Childrens Pool, Dining Room, Direct Dial Telephone, Entertainment Team, Fitness Center, Gala Dinner, Hair Dryer, Live Music, Lounge, Mini-Bar, Mini-Golf, Outdoor pool, Piano Bar, Pool Bar, Poolside Snack Bar, Professional Acts, Safety Deposit Box, Satellite TV, Sauna, Sea View, Single Rooms, Snack Bar, Sun Beds, Sun Loungers & Parasols Available, Sun Terrace, Superior Rooms, Swimming Pool, Table Tennis, Telephone, Terrace, Turkish Bath & Massage Available, TV, Umbrellas, Waiter Service, Whirlpool

Accommodation

No. of rooms : 109
2 or 3 beds, Satellite TV, Telephone, Minibar, Hairdryer, Safety deposit box, Air-conditioning, 15 June-15 September, Sea view rooms, Superior rooms have superior furniture, flat screen TV, bathrobes and slippers, Single rooms and rooms without supplements are back-facing and have restricted views; we recommend paying the supplement as the views are spectacular!

Other information : Location

* 4km to the centre of Sorrento
* Regular courtesy bus to and from Sorrento
* Alternatively it is a pleasant but steep 20-30-minute walk into town.

Other information : Swimming pool

* Swimming pool
* Open-air whirlpool bath on rooftop terrace
* Sun terraces
* Sunbeds and umbrellas
* Poolside snack bar (May to mid-October)

Other information : Meals

* Elegant dining room offers amazing views with buffet breakfast and waiter service evening meal
* Weekly gala dinner

Other information : Entertainment

* Lounge bar with terrace and stunning panoramic sea views
* Regular piano bar May-October
* Occasional dancing to live music in the bar
* Weekly gala dinner with live music

Other information : Activities

* Minigolf
* Table tennis
* Fitness machines available (no supervision)
* Extensive beauty centre with sauna
* Talatherm
* Massages
* Mud bath treatment
* Turkish bath
* Indoor whirlpool bath available

* Rooftop games area
* Billiards