La via del mare

We had a very bad experience. After we arrived and paid the tourist tax, we found out that the apartment we had booked, paid for, and confirmed through Expedia had been given to someone else. We were put in a different unit without warning and told it was the same type. It wasn’t anything like the one we’d reserved: it was run down, with a dirty floor, peeling paint, old balcony furniture, and signs that the bathroom had flooded before, including damage to the door frame and nearby cupboard legs. The coffee machine’s water tank was calcified and used capsules were still inside, so it didn’t seem to have been cleaned properly. We raised the problem with the host via the receptionist, but they brushed us off and did nothing to fix it. We also couldn’t enjoy the outdoor pool view because cars were parked right outside the balcony. We were told on arrival that the pool wasn’t ready for guests, and weeds had completely overgrown the hotel’s entrance to the beach, making it inaccessible to guests. After five nights at La Via del Mare, we got the impression that most apartments were rented to long-term tenants, with only one, Nr 103, given to unlucky tourists like us. I wouldn’t recommend staying here, especially if you expect a clean, comfortable place that matches what you booked and paid for.

The beach is just across the road, so we could start the day with a walk or run before heading out to Napoli, Pompeii or nearby places. We came in October and had warm, sunny weather, and it was quiet and peaceful, which made everything really relaxing. The apartments are lovely, the pool is stunning, and the staff were kind. Our stay went smoothly. Thanks for a lovely few days, we'd definitely recommend it.

We had a really nice stay and would love to come back. The apartment was clean and well cared for, and the crew were great, with a lot of attention to the little details.

The staff and management were friendly, often stopped for a chat, and seemed to be doing their best to look after the complex. You can borrow a vacuum cleaner for cleaning, as the apartment only has a dustpan and brush. The apartment is behind a fence, with a large parking area about 10 m away. We were told not to park next to our first-floor balcony and had to use the parking spot. Meanwhile, owners and employees parked right by the building, up to four cars, which was noisy and left us feeling like second-class guests. There are a couple of parasols at the bar that mostly go unused, but none by the pool, which I don't really understand. The apartment is smartly furnished and the AC works really well, though the furniture is showing wear. There were ants in the kitchen and on the balcony before we arrived. It has a Nespresso machine but no kettle. A small plate of sealed breakfast snacks was waiting for us. We stayed 10 nights, and changing towels costs extra. Bringing your own towels isn't allowed. The drinks at the pool bar were the most expensive we came across in Naples, including at beach bars and high-end restaurants. Food and drinks at nearby places cost about half as much. The complex is in a local neighborhood, noisy and very Napoli. At first glance it can feel a bit frightening to outsiders, but we had no bad experiences and found the local bakeries, restaurants and shops welcoming. We liked the authentic area, though the beach had trash, including broken glass and bottles left behind.