Rinuccini Relais

The people working there were friendly and accommodating, so my complaints are about the place itself. My family of three had the duplex room shown on this page. It was in poor shape: broken drawers, a cabinet door off its hinges, an old rocking chair with exposed screws or nails, plastic disposable bathroom cups, and air conditioners that smelled awful when turned on, as if they hadn't been cleaned or serviced for ages. The windows had been left open, and we woke up covered in mosquito bites. We spent the next day trying to find and kill every mosquito. The central location near Port'Alba puts you close to landmarks and makes it easy to start exploring or eating around Naples. But arriving at 11 p.m. was another story. Outside the graffiti-covered steel entrance, the street was dark and had some unsavory-looking people around. Past the doors was a shabby courtyard and a shaky lift that only fits two people and takes coins. Reception was barely there after about 5 p.m.; late check-in cost extra, €10 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and €20 after that. They had said to call on arrival so they'd help with luggage and the elevator, but nobody did. The room itself was dreadful, and I can't see what the other reviews were praising. Calling it a “boutique” hotel makes me think of an upgraded bed and breakfast, and the photos can speak for the rest. In reply to their response, they said the furnishings were high-end antiques with more than 150 years of history, selected for their charm and historic value. I've stayed in conservation properties around Italy and Europe, and that claim felt insulting. Old doesn't automatically mean antique. There was nothing charming about a cabinet door falling off, drawers you couldn't open, or an ordinary rocking chair with a screw sticking out that could hurt you. Disposable plastic cups and that wastebasket didn't seem historically charming either. I've stayed in plenty of historic properties in Italy, and I know what I'm talking about.

The staff were so accommodating. At the last minute, they even arranged for a nanny to join us in Pompei and watch our toddler while we parents explored. The hotel is right by the metro, which is a lifesaver in Naples traffic. A fantastic boutique hotel, and we had a great stay.

We loved our time in Naples and hope to come back. Our room was clean and well furnished, with a balcony over Piazza Dante, and it was easy to walk to sights, restaurants, and public transport. The secure entrance and elevator also made handling our bags simple. When we had a small room problem, the staff fixed it quickly and were easy to reach on WhatsApp. Lorenza deserves a special mention. She explained everything clearly at check-in, offered great recommendations, and even waited after her shift to make sure our airport taxi was booked at the proper rate. She and the rest of the team made us feel very welcome. This was one of our stops in Southern Italy, and we were glad we picked this little hotel.

We only had one night, and I really wish we could have stayed longer. The staff were warm and hospitable, and their communication before we arrived was excellent. Our room was spotless and roomy, and the hotel has a lot of charm. It can be a bit tricky to find your way in, but that was part of the fun. The free breakfast was delicious, and they even went to a local bakery to get gluten-free pastries for me to have with my cappuccino. That was so thoughtful. The location is easy for getting around on foot. I'll definitely stay here again when I'm back in Naples.