Hotel Potenza

I had a quiet single room at the back. There wasn’t much of a view, but the quiet was a blessing in Naples, where cars don’t stop if you take your hand off the horn. The room was clean and cleaned every day, the bed was firm, and the one fault was a sink plug that didn’t work, so there was no way to fill the basin. The hotel is right on Piazza Garibaldi, just a five minute walk from the Metro, bus stops, and main railway station. It’s easy to get to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento and elsewhere from there. The staff were friendly. Breakfast was included and self-serve, with the same things every day: sliced cheese, ham and salami, filled croissants, tea and coffee from a machine with about 10 varieties, plus fresh fruit juice from a machine. Eat as much or as little as you like.

I booked a single room through Booking.com that same afternoon. When I arrived in the evening, I was told the hotel was overbooked and sent to another three-star hotel on a back street. The alternative room was generally clean, but its lobby and interior were noticeably worse, and the showerhead was broken. Safety was the biggest concern. Through the night I could hear people talking in the hallway, and couldn’t tell if they were staff or outsiders. Around 2 AM, knocking at my door startled me awake, and I was too frightened to sleep again. About an hour later, I heard someone trying my doorknob. Soon after, there was a sound like the neighboring door being forced open, followed by a woman screaming. I don’t recommend this hotel, especially for solo travelers and women. I’d also avoid hotels around Central Station in general. Please put your personal and property safety first.

The rooms were really comfortable, and breakfast was complete and delicious. The location is very good too: step outside and the metro is only a few steps away, taking you to the main tourist spots in beautiful Naples. I hope to come back soon!

The location was a real plus. The main station is only a few minutes away on foot, and there are lots of restaurants nearby. Our room needed more cleaning, and the sheets and pillowcases had an odd smell. Breakfast was okay, though it could use more cold cuts, cheeses, and gluten-free choices.