Where to Stay in Sorrento: Best Hotels & Areas

Sorrento is one of Victoria’s most beautiful coastal towns, located on the Mornington Peninsula. With its calm bay beaches, dramatic ocean-facing back coastline, heritage streets, and easy access to wineries and the Peninsula Hot Springs, it attracts visitors looking for both relaxation and adventure. Choosing the right place to stay in Sorrento can transform your visit, making it easier to explore the town and the surrounding peninsula.

This guide will help you understand Sorrento’s main areas, the types of accommodation available, realistic pricing, nearby alternatives, and practical advice for getting around the town and peninsula.

Understanding Sorrento’s Main Areas

Sorrento is divided into three primary areas, each offering a different experience:

The Front Beach area is family-friendly, calm, and ideal for first-time visitors. Shops, cafes, and the pier are all within walking distance, and the water is generally safe for swimming. This area is perfect if you prefer convenience and easy access to restaurants and local attractions. Visitors staying in this area can also easily explore nearby towns like Rye for day trips and beaches.

The Back Beach area faces the open ocean and is quieter, more scenic, and less crowded. Accommodation here is often residential, including holiday homes and boutique rentals. Visitors who stay in this area enjoy privacy and beautiful sunsets, but most places require some form of transport to reach shops or restaurants.

The Town Centre provides central access to restaurants, shops, and the ferry terminal. It’s ideal for short stays or travellers who prefer a compact base. Staying here is especially convenient for those without a car, though having transport access expands options for exploring the wider peninsula. For a more local experience in the surrounding area, visitors often use taxi service Rosebud to reach nearby attractions.

Types of Accommodation in Sorrento

Sorrento has a variety of accommodation options suitable for different travellers:

Hotels and Boutique Stays

Hotels are concentrated near the town centre and front beach. They range from small boutique properties to medium-sized hotels offering modern comforts. These are ideal for couples, weekend trips, or anyone who prefers on-site services such as daily cleaning and nearby dining. Visitors planning to stay in these hotels may find taxi service Blairgowrie convenient for trips to quieter beaches.

Serviced Apartments

For travellers who need more space or longer stays, serviced apartments provide extra flexibility. Most include kitchenettes, making them perfect for families or groups who want to prepare meals. They are mostly located near the front beach or town centre, combining convenience with independence.

Holiday Homes and Short-Term Rentals

Many of Sorrento’s properties are holiday homes, especially near the back beach and residential streets. These properties are best suited for families or groups who want privacy and space. While they offer comfort and amenities like outdoor areas and multiple bedrooms, they are often not within walking distance of restaurants or shops. For visitors flying into Melbourne, arranging an airport transfer taxi can save time and simplify travel to Sorrento or surrounding towns.

Typical Accommodation Costs

The table below provides a realistic idea of average nightly rates for two people, outside peak holiday periods:

Area	Budget / Motel	Mid-Range Hotel / Apartment	Luxury / Boutique
Sorrento Town Centre	$140 – $200	$200 – $300	$350 – $600+
Front Beach	$150 – $220	$220 – $320	$400 – $700+
Back Beach	Limited	$220 – $350	$450 – $900+
Nearby towns (Rye / Blairgowrie)	$120 – $180	$180 – $280	$300 – $550

During summer, long weekends, and school holidays, prices are significantly higher, so booking well in advance is recommended. For travellers wanting quieter areas, taxi service Sorrento makes exploring the town and back beaches easy without relying on a personal vehicle.

Should You Stay in Sorrento or Nearby Towns?

Some visitors choose to stay just outside Sorrento for better value or different experiences. Rye offers a wider range of accommodation and is only a short drive from Sorrento. Blairgowrie is quieter, family-friendly, and sits between Rye and Sorrento. Portsea is more exclusive, offering a scenic and peaceful experience, but accommodation is generally more expensive.

Choosing a town outside Sorrento often means you will need transport to move around, especially if you want to explore beaches, wineries, or local restaurants. Using Sorrento taxi services can make travelling between towns seamless, without worrying about parking or driving.

Choosing the Best Area Based on Travel Style

Here is a practical guide for selecting your ideal area:

• Families: Front Beach, Rye, or Blairgowrie — calm beaches and kid-friendly attractions.
• Couples or romantic escapes: Back Beach or Portsea — quiet, scenic, and private.
• Weekend trips: Town Centre or Front Beach — convenient access to restaurants and cafes.
• Longer stays: Holiday homes or serviced apartments in quieter areas — more space and flexibility.

Getting Around During Your Stay

While Sorrento itself is partially walkable, many attractions on the Mornington Peninsula are spread out. Wineries, golf courses, and the Peninsula Hot Springs are not always nearby. Driving is an option, but traffic and parking can be challenging, especially during peak periods.

Many visitors prefer to rely on local transport, including taxis, for a more relaxed experience. Using Sorrento taxi services provides a convenient way to move between accommodation, beaches, wineries, and dining options, making day trips and evening outings stress-free. This is particularly useful if you are staying in back beach rentals or nearby towns and want door-to-door service.

When to Visit and How Long to Stay

Sorrento is busiest during summer and school holidays. Spring and autumn are ideal for a quieter visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter is quieter still and is perfect for spa visits or food-focused trips.

Most visitors find that three to four nights is enough to enjoy Sorrento and the surrounding area, allowing time to relax on beaches, explore local towns, and visit nearby wineries or hot springs.

Final Thoughts

Sorrento offers a mix of boutique hotels, serviced apartments, and holiday homes suitable for different budgets and travel styles. Your choice should consider whether you prioritize convenience, privacy, or space for family or friends. Planning your accommodation alongside transport options will make your visit smoother, more flexible, and enjoyable.

With the right planning and a combination of accommodation and transport strategies, your trip to Sorrento can be memorable and stress-free, letting you enjoy everything this beautiful corner of the Mornington Peninsula has to offer.