Hotel I Portici

For a city-center hotel, it offers good value. It's on the top floor of an old building in the heart of town, and the location is good, though the area can be noisy. The soundproofing works very well. Mattresses are a bit firm but comfortable, and the staff are attentive and very friendly.

Everything is within walking distance, and the staff were so helpful. Breakfast was generous, with breads, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, juices, and water, and you can order any coffee at no extra cost. We loved the old, castle-like keys, even if they were a little heavy. It's a small hotel in a small town, so don't expect everything to be perfect. Our room was huge, the bed a bit hard, and the views were wonderful. I also loved the tile and furniture, and hearing bells through the open windows.

The staff are friendly, and the location is excellent, though nights can be noisy. The breakfast is mediocre, and the place feels more like a two-star than the four stars shown on its outdoor sign. It's an old, fairly dark hotel on the fourth floor of the Cassa di Risparmio building on via Roma, with a new elevator. Reception closes at 9 p.m. They give you three old-fashioned keys for the building, the fourth floor, and your room, which has no security access. Paint is peeling in the shared areas on the way to the elevator, so we came away with mixed feelings.

You can get to the train station and the old town easily from here. The place itself feels rather worn and dated, though.