Overnight stay in Naples, hotels?

[Sally Donaldson]

Bed and Breakfast Naples

[GerryH]

Juliancoli, Anne2, Gala and Sally thank you all so much for the added information. I hadn't thought of negotiating a price, but isn't that the "Italian way"
I thought I'd found a place in Chiaia, at a bargain price... "Hotel Crispi" @ 80Euro/night, but now you've given me more food for thought. One more question, the Hotel Pignatlli is located in the Historic center - is that area safe?

[Mathematician]

Don't forget upon booking/checking in to make sure if your hotel rate includes breakfast or sometimes mezzo pensione or full pensione (now that it's high season, this is not unusual). I've often take myself off for lunch or dinner only to realize I could have had it at the hotel, all-inclusive except for wine or bottled water!

[Gala Placidia]

Originally Posted by GerryH

Juliancoli, Anne2, Gala and Sally thank you all so much for the added information. I hadn't thought of negotiating a price, but isn't that the "Italian way"
I thought I'd found a place in Chiaia, at a bargain price... "Hotel Crispi" @ 80Euro/night, but now you've given me more food for thought. One more question, the Hotel Pignatlli is located in the Historic center - is that area safe?

A couple of friends stayed there last year and they recommended it. I do not think that the historic centre is particularly dangerous, unless you go at night into dark alleys or do the kind of things which are discouraged in any city of the world.

[juliancoll]

Gerry, its like this - you can save a few quid and stare at boring blank walls, worried about stepping outside your hotel due to all you've heard about Naples being unsafe, or you can spend just a few quid extra and enjoy yourselves - it's up to you. Saying that, take all usual precautions as you would in any other large city.

I realise finances may be restricted, but the hotels (especially the Excelsior) are fabulous value and you should consider carefully this suggestion as I recommend these hotels and this area from personal experience.

Hotel Pignatelli is what is called a "walk up" - converted from an old palazzo and it's on the upper floors of the building - just like Hotel Crispi, the one you found yourself. There's nothing wrong with the area where both of these hotels are located, except to see anything you have to get down to the "Lungomare" locations of the other hotels I've already told you about. Looking out of the windows of these small hotels will only give you a view of the building opposite. They will not have the facilities or the panoramic roof terrace views of the bay and Vesuvio, which is a sight you really will not want to miss - especially at night.

I wouldn't even consider these type of hotels for the sake of paying an extra 10 or 20 euro a night in exchange for the chance to stay in the best area. The Pignatelli and the Crespi are still in Chiaia, but they are in the backstreets - narrow and often noisy. Remember also the current garbage crisis - the backstreets may not be cleared as often and the stench may be awful.

I can suggest lots of fabulous (and cheap) hotels in many different areas of Naples, but I'm taking into account that you are only there for one night and assuming you will be continuing your journey from Stazione Centrale the next day.

As I said - it's your call - you can think about the suggestions I've offered or those of others who may not have the experience I have. There are only two areas of Naples I would consider an option for you - the first is Chiaia and the second is Vomero. Vomero is lovely, the best views of Naples are to be had from there - high on the hill, but Chiaia is without doubt, the best for your requirements.

As an example - which of the following views do you prefer?

Chiaia - Majestic Hotel
Napoli1.jpg

Chiaia - Pignatelli Hotel
Boring hotel.jpg

View from Vomero Hill
Naples2.jpg

In the last photo (Vomero) you can see where the Majestic (and the Vesuvio and Santa Lucia) hotels are located. Look just under Mount Vesuvio, can you see Castello dell'Ovo jutting out into the bay? Look to the left of that and you will see the first block of buildings - these are the hotels! Pan left, down the curve and you will see all the trees lining the road, this is "Villa Communale" a great place for an evening stroll along the Lungomare. Going the other way (out of view on the photo but turning left out of the hotels) you will find good pizza and fish restaurants. Continue on and turn left, up the incline and you are in Piazza Pleb and within ten minutes walk of all the other things I've mentioned.

I should be charging for this info!

[Gala Placidia]

I agree that the Excelsior is fabulous, we stayed there in the past and did not regret paying the extra money, but I could sense that perhaps it was more expensive than what you wanted. For an overnight stay, it is better to find a central place handy to everything. You could spend tour savings on a nice dinner at a nice restaurant.
I also agree, Juliancoll, you should be charging for the detailed advice given. Lots of experience there!

[juliancoll]

Happy to hear you enjoyed your time in Naples Gala.

You have such vast experience of all things Italian and Italy that it beggars belief, I'm in awe! I've read many of your posts with interest and would certainly enjoy hearing more about Naples from you. Perhaps you can tell us what you think would make a good itinerary, what not to miss and what you saw that perhaps we don't know about. I agree with you, finding a central place is important and as you know, Chiaia fits the bill perfectly. Look forward to hearing from you.

[Gala Placidia]

I think that you are better qualified than I to write that itinerary. I haven´t been in Naples for a few years now as I have recently concentrated my efforts around Liguria and Tuscany because of our plans to purchase of a home. But Naples and its surrounding area are magic and I intend to go back there once we will finish restoring the "mulino". What I always do is to keep notes of places I have visited and liked for some reason or those recommended by friends who also travel a lot. It is very handy to have them... and share them....

[GerryH]

Juliancoli you've taken a lot of time and trouble in your reply - much appreciated, and yes, those views are spectacular You've convinced me that I should look at something more up-market, since we're only staying one night (+ 1 night on the way back). I'll search your suggested hotels on those sites mentioned by Anne2 and see if I can't come up with a reasonable price.

If I were flying from the UK on a budget airline, then I'd have no problem with luxury hotel rates, but as we're coming from Canada, the airfare alone is eating into our budget significantly......and I still have to find a villa in Calabria....aaaggg

[anne2]

How to save money in hotels, Summer saver guide: hotel cost-cutting - Telegraph

Coincidentally, this article is currently in one of the UK newspapers - although some of the suggestions are obvious there are a few useful tips re cutting the cost of hotel rooms. It also gives a few more broker sites that I did not list. Good luck with the hunt.