Interview: Claudio Napolitano, General Manager at Bellevue Syrene, Sorrento
ellevue Syrene is a luxury 5-star hotel located in the heart of Sorrento, offering stunning views over the Bay of Naples. As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, it seamlessly combines classical Italian style with modern amenities. The hotel’s commitment to excellence has earned it multiple accolades, including the prestigious two Michelin Keys.
Built on the foundations of a 2nd-century BC Roman villa, the property still showcases ancient features such as tufa cisterns and nymphaea. Originally a noble residence, Bellevue Syrene has welcomed royalty and artists alike since 1820.
We caught up with Claudio Napolitano, General Manager of Bellevue Syrene, whose deep-rooted passion for hospitality shapes his leadership. Born in Naples in 1983, Claudio began his career at just 18 and has since gained experience in Naples, Capri, Milan, and Sorrento.
His journey from concierge in Capri to hotel management leader was driven by a love for travel and a fundamental belief that a true host is a vital point of reference for every traveller.
Today, he proudly leads Bellevue Syrene, a place he describes as possessing timeless charm and incomparable beauty.
If you could describe Bellevue Syrene in three words, what would they be?
Home, History, and Hospitality (the 3H concept).
Home: At Bellevue Syrene, you don’t simply enter a hotel; you enter a home. It’s a noble residence that opens its doors with natural elegance, welcoming every guest as a long-awaited friend. Terraces, salons, and rooms are not just places to stay, but spaces to truly live – where intimacy and refinement blend into a timeless atmosphere.
History: The residence, rooted in ancient foundations, tells a story spanning millennia – from the remains of Agrippa Postumus’s Roman villa to the frescoed halls of the 18th century. Even the smallest details today narrate centuries of Mediterranean art and culture. Walking through its spaces is like embarking on a journey through time, where every corner preserves memory and beauty.
Hospitality: Since 1820, when the residence first opened its doors as a hotel, hospitality has become its purest essence. It’s a tradition cherished and renewed every day, where elegance meets genuine care and attention to detail – transforming every stay into an authentic and unforgettable experience.
What do you believe sets Bellevue Syrene apart from other luxury hotels in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast?
Its matchless human touch, its rich history, and its unbeatable location overlooking the entire Gulf of Naples.
Bellevue Syrene is built on a site with Roman origins. How does the hotel preserve and highlight its historic past while offering modern luxury?
Every member of our team is trained and well-informed about the history of the residence and the artworks it houses. Whenever possible – and always upon check-in – our team shares the story of the house with guests: an invitation to become part of that history and to breathe the magic and energy this residence offers.
All of this, combined with a passionate and dedicated team, creates a seamless blend of history, hospitality, and elegance.
Many of our readers are seasoned travellers – what kind of curated or exclusive experiences can they expect during a stay here?
They are invited to experience the essence of Syrene Hospitality, expressed through our 3H concept: Home, History, and Hospitality.
What is your favourite spot in the hotel, and what do you personally enjoy the most about being part of Bellevue Syrene?
My favourite spot in the hotel is our Roman Grotto. I love it because you can still imagine the ancient Romans repairing their ships there, sheltered from the force of the stormy sea.
More generally, I deeply cherish the spirit and energy that can be felt within this historic residence.
Is there a signature dish or drink that has become part of the hotel’s identity?
Absolutely. Our Spaghetti Bellevue is by far the most loved and iconic dish. It’s crafted with Pomodorini del Piennolo, Corbarino, and San Marzano, then finished with pecorino, parmesan, and a touch of fresh chili seeds.
At the bar, our barmen are truly unmatched. The Bellevue Negroni has become a signature cocktail for our guests.
What drew you personally to hospitality, and what excites you most about working in luxury travel?
For me, working in hospitality has always felt natural – it’s in harmony with my character and my love for building meaningful relationships, especially with passionate travellers: true lovers of beauty and of life.
My move into the luxury sector was a natural step, perfectly aligned with my personal pleasure in both experiencing and sharing beauty.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career to date?
I have countless memories tied to my journey in hospitality. Having worked in hotels continuously since the age of 17 – and now, at 42 – I still feel moved when I think back to my very first check-ins at the reception desk, and the first pieces of information I shared with guests.
Those moments, simple as they may seem, were deeply meaningful. They taught me the importance of being a true point of reference for travellers far from home – someone who holds the secrets of the destination, and without whom their journey might not have been quite the same.
When you’re off duty, what’s your favourite thing to do or place to visit in Sorrento? Any local spots or hidden gems you love to share?
I enjoy going to the sea in the evening. I often head down to a small public beach just below the hotel to take a swim at sunset.
Often, I find myself alone on the shore, surrounded by silence, watching the sun slowly sink into the Gulf of Naples as the majestic silhouette of Mount Vesuvius dominates the horizon. It’s a truly peaceful and beautiful local spot.
Beyond being a hotel, what does the “Bellevue Syrene experience” mean to you personally, and what do you hope guests feel when they leave?
To me, Bellevue Syrene is a place of incomparable beauty.
My wish is simple: that our guests feel it as a place of the heart. That they carry a sense of belonging with them when they leave – and that they find themselves already longing to return.
Read our full review of our stay at Bellevue Syrene, here.
For more information, visit https://www.bellevue.it/.
