9932 Overnight stay in Naples, hotels?

Hi , I've recently found this site [url=http://www.monasterystays.com]Monastery Stays - Monastery Lodging Italy - Accommodation in Convents & Monasteries in Italy[/url] which lists lots of monasteries and convents all over Italy. They have a place in Naples which looks great.

The monastery is nice but it's in a bit of a boring location if you want to get a feel for Naples - it's a bit far out.

Whatever you do - don't slum it in Piazza Garibaldi - it's a disgrace and will taint your view of Naples forever. Naples deserves better, so splash out and stay at any of the following - all within the same area (Chiaia), with the best views and decent restaurants - a safe and pleasant area wander around in with lots to do and see.

[B][url=http://www.excelsior.it/]Hotel Excelsior[/url]
[url=http://www.majestic.it]Hotel Majestic - Napoli[/url]
[url=http://www.naples-hotel-santalucia-turinhotels.com/]Hotel Santa Lucia[/url]
[url=http://www.vesuvio.it/]Hotel Vesuvio[/url]
[url=http://www.grandhotelparkers.it/]Parkers[/url][/B]

Honestly, the prices are not as high as you may imagine and I can recommend them all. Pay the extra 50 euros for a sea view - or screech like a demon when you check in for a free upgrade. (works every time.) :bigergrin:

These hotels are situated along Via Partenope and Via Caracciolo (it's the same road that changes name in an area called Chiaia.) You are close to everything - Galleria Umberto - Spaccanapoli - Santa Lucia - Castello dell'Ovo - Piazza Plebiscito - Villa Communale - Palazzo Reale - Castel Nuovo - Museo Archeologico Nazionale etc. etc.

There are a couple of recommendations in this thread that might be useful
[url]http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/travel-holiday-advice/6580-capri-napoli-accomodation.html[/url]

Thanks everyone for your replies and information. It's really helpful to know that Chiaia is a nice area, but I'll be looking for somewhere less expensive than those hotels you listed Juliancoll :laughs: I probably should have mentioned that although we've got 5 star taste, we're on a 3 star budget!

The Monastery idea looks interesting, but would tend to remind me of my days in Catholic boarding school :eeeek:

That's the problem Gerry, three star hotels in Naples will be in the area's you don't want to be in. :nah:
If you don't want to venture out of your hotel room for even ten minutes, then you may as well stay at a hotel anywhere near Piazza Garibaldi, but be warned, three star hotels are still not cheap for the poor standard you may get. You must also remember that Naples has a bit of a crisis going on at the moment and the city is piled high with rubbish - except for the central and tourist areas - which does not include PIazza Garibaldi - which is a filthy all the time.

Let me have a think.

Just had a thought - have you looked properly at the Majestic? This is a very good hotel and reasonably priced, they also do "special offers" if you phone them. Take no notice of the prices on the official website - have a look at the link below and you will find double rooms offered at 120 euros per night - that's only 60 euros a night each!

[B][url=http://www.traveleurope.it/hotel-majestic/naples.htm#location]HOTEL MAJESTIC Naples, 4 star hotel Naples[/url][/B]

I guarantee if you call them you will be able to get an even better deal at this hotel. Worth a phone call surely. :yes:

[quote=GerryH;92573]Thanks everyone for your replies and information. It's really helpful to know that Chiaia is a nice area, but I'll be looking for somewhere less expensive than those hotels you listed Juliancoll :laughs: I probably should have mentioned that although we've got 5 star taste, we're on a 3 star budget!

The Monastery idea looks interesting, but would tend to remind me of my days in Catholic boarding school :eeeek:[/quote]

Try looking at the sites such as yeego.com, ebookers.co.uk , kayak.com etc - all offer good deals on hotels, many at prices well below those listed on the hotels actual website. Put in the hotels listed by Juliancoll and you may be surprised with the deal offered. Whilst you probably don't get the best rooms, if it is only a base for a short time, does it matter?
Alternatively, as Naples is struggling to get tourists this year due to the rubbish situation, if you speak directly with the hotel, you may be able to negotiate a better price - they need the business!

This hotel is reasonably priced and it has atmosphere. It is in an old palace and it has beautiful frescoes. Conveniently located, too.
Hotel Pignatelli
[url]www.hotelpignatelli.com[/url]

Gala, that link doesn't work alas. This is better - [url=http://www.hotelpignatellinapoli.com/public/uk/prenotazioni-uk.asp]Hotel Pignatelli Napoli[/url]. Yes prices advertised on the web site look great but maybe outdated so best contact them first.???

Perhaps a cheaper alternative would be a b and b or a hotel/agriturismo outside Naples..

[url=http://www.bed-and-breakfast-in-italy.com/bed_and_breakfast_naples.cfm]Bed and Breakfast Naples[/url]

[B]Juliancoli, Anne2, Gala and Sally[/B] thank you all so much for the added information. I hadn't thought of negotiating a price, but isn't that the "Italian way":laughs:
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?

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!

[quote=GerryH;92622][B]Juliancoli, Anne2, Gala and Sally[/B] thank you all so much for the added information. I hadn't thought of negotiating a price, but isn't that the "Italian way":laughs:
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?[/quote]

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.

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
[ATTACH]2056[/ATTACH]

Chiaia - Pignatelli Hotel
[ATTACH]2057[/ATTACH]

View from Vomero Hill
[ATTACH]2058[/ATTACH]

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! :laughs:

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!

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. :smile:

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....

[B]Juliancoli[/B] you've taken a lot of time and trouble in your reply - much appreciated, and yes, those views are spectacular :yes: 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 [B]Anne2[/B] 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:eeeek:

[url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/asktheexperts/2275213/How-to-save-money-in-hotels%2C-Summer-saver-guide-hotel-cost-cutting.html]How to save money in hotels, Summer saver guide: hotel cost-cutting - Telegraph[/url]

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.

Thanks for the link [B]Anne2[/B] - bookmarked :yes:

[quote=GerryH;92713]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).[/quote]

I used to work for a company which specialises in hotels in the south of Italy called [URL="http://www.long-travel.co.uk/index.htm"]Long Travel[/URL].

They have s great hotel in Naples with views across the Bay Of Naples and Vesuivus:

[URL="http://www.longtravelproperties.co.uk/props/ptemp2p1l.asp?propertyid=91"]San Francesco Al Monte[/URL]

This may be of interest to you...

Wow! Tthe views from the pool and the terrace are stunning - cant see a location or address on the site link Gilio, but this hotel must be in Vomero.

Sally to the rescue Juliancoll!!! [url=http://www.sanfrancescoalmonte.it/]Hotel San Francesco al Monte Napoli - Naples[/url] I haven't yet found the prices though but as they say if you have to ask then you can't afford it!!!

Who's a clever girl then? :bigergrin:
Ta very much - and now we know it's located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, do we know if that is in Vomero - or not? :laughs:

Hint - it could be a trick question.

PS Prices are 165 euro per night for a double room.

[quote=juliancoll;92863]Wow! Tthe views from the pool and the terrace are stunning - cant see a location or address on the site link Gilio, but this hotel must be in Vomero.[/quote]

Long Travel are located in the village of All Stretton in Shropshire.

There is a contact section on the website where you can phone/email them - speak to Paul, Helen, Michael or Susan - all very helpful and knowledgeable about Southern Italy.

Mention me if you contact them!

[quote=juliancoll;92868]Who's a clever girl then? :bigergrin:
Ta very much - and now we know it's located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, do we know if that is in Vomero - or not? :laughs:

Hint - it could be a trick question.

PS Prices are 165 euro per night for a double room.[/quote]

[B]Julancoll[/B] you're too funny :laughs:

€165/night leaped out at me and unfortunately its too rich for my blood - thanks anyway [B]Gilio[/B] :smile:

[quote=GerryH;92523]Once again, I'm delegated to organizing accommodation for 4 of us traveling to Italy this year. We're heading to Calabria by train from Naples, but will be flying in and out of Naples and staying overnight both times. Can anyone advise a good area of Naples to stay in? Originally I was looking for something near the Railway Station, but from all accounts that's an area to be avoided! We'll just be passing through, so we won't be doing the touristy thing in Naples, but would like an area where we can walk around and eat at a decent restaurant etc.
Once I have the area nailed down, then I suppose it'll be easy enough to find a hotel.
Any advice will be really appreciated :yes:[/quote]
I may be a bit late for this, but I just moved back to the states a year ago after living in Naples for 3 1/2 years. I see that you are flying into Naples, if you don't want to do the touristy thing , stay at the Hotel Charming. It is withing walking distance of the Airport. They are very nice and accomodating and have shuttle buses to and from Garibaldi and there are several nice resataurants nearby to try. If you are retired U.S. Military then you can use the Navy Base right there at the Airport.
Naples is no worse than any large city for crime. They may steal your wallet or passport but they won't kill you over it:wideeyed:. Just be aware of your wallet/purse and luggage, especially down at the train station.
Ciao, Dan

Yes Dan, I agree the hotel Charming is nice and it's very convenient for the airport - practically on the runway and you can even walk into the airport from the rear car park of the hotel. The hotel is modern with very helpful staff - small rooms - very nicely furnished and spotlessy clean, but God knows it's a boring area when compared to Vomero, Chiaia etc.

Prices are about 100 euro a night from memory (stayed there just over a year ago due to a very early morning flight), but I certainly wouldn't walk around that area late at night on a first visit to Naples - unless I had a couple of U.S. Military personnel with me! :bigergrin:

[B]Dan[/B] thanks for your suggestion, but with a lot of help from Juliancoll, we're going to book at The Best Western Paradiso in Posillipo :smile::smile: It seems to suit our desire to stay in a safe area, close to restaurants and has a great view as an added bonus :bigergrin:

Many thanks to everyone for all your input and particularly Juliancoll :yes:

Gerry

I too can recommend Hotel Pignatelli . when I llived in Naples I put all my friends and family there. Central and convenient.. Also Neapolis is fine on Via Tribunale the road parallel to Spaccanapoli.

Sorry, I have come late to this thread. But anyone wanting a pleasant and cheap hotel in Napoli's centro storico could try Il Convento ([url=http://www.hotelilconvento.it/uk/home.htm]Hotel in Napoli Hotel Napoli Hotels in Napoli Hotels Napoli Accommodation Napoli Accommodation in Napoli[/url]) . You can even use Skype to book it. We've found it very pleasant and reliable, and so have a number of friends.
rgds
Eddie B