I Fiori di Napoli B&B

The room had everything I needed for my three-week stay: a comfortable double bed, two nightstands, a large wardrobe, shelves, an LCD TV with cable and BBC News in English, plus a large fridge/freezer and microwave. Some days and nights were cold, but Ivo was very hospitable and turned on the radiators whenever I asked. At $21 a night, it’s hard to find better value in Naples’ historic center. B&B Fiori di Napoli is actually a large apartment shared with a few other people, though I’m not sure exactly how many, and a sweet, quiet dog named Greg. I felt comfortable and safe with Ivo and Manuela. The palazzo is on the third floor, which is the second floor in U.S. terms, with 12-foot ceilings and no elevator. Those three long flights are a workout, so take them slowly if you need to. There’s no air conditioning that I know of, so bear in mind that Naples can get hot in summer. Breakfast also depends on the booking. Unless your reservation says “Breakfast,” it costs €5 a day and, as I understand it, is very simple: coffee, toast, and marmalade, a typical Italian breakfast. The listing called the place a “B&B,” so there was some confusion. Ivo explained that breakfast wasn’t included in my inexpensive Airbnb room rate, but we worked out a deal so I could make coffee and buy my own breakfast. Non ce problema (not a problem). The neighborhood is Naples at its best: narrow cobbled streets, with scooters, cars, and trucks honking at one another in the traditional Neapolitan way. I’d read safety concerns about Naples, especially Quartieri Spagnoli, and had heard them from my wife, who grew up in Naples, and my mother-in-law, who lives there. I wasn’t worried, having lived in Naples for three years while serving in the military. The palazzo makes a good base for exploring centro storico, with easy Metropolitana access for getting around Naples and beyond (READ MORE On My TravelValue: Bella Napoli Webpage). For basics, there’s a little mini-market, Maielo Ciro, across the street, with a deli counter and a friendly, honest proprietor, Ciro. For food, 400 Gradi, one of Naples’ best and cheapest pizzerias in this pizza-famous city, is just down the street. Trattoria da Concetta has decent prices, good food, and excellent service within 200 meters. Less than 350 meters away, about a 5-minute walk toward “Dante” Station, is the tiny La Taverna del Buongustaio, with low prices and good traditional Neapolitan food. CombatCritic Gives Fiori Di Napoli 9 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better! Nine Bombs Equates To: OOH-RAH! Translation for Civilians: “U.S. Marine Response To A Verbal Greeting Or As An Expression Of Enthusiasm”