Archive for the Naples category
Saturday, Feb 10th, 2007
Categories: Naples
Sadly as we had so many hostels and hotels to visit we had little time to visit the many attractions in and around Naples. Today was all about visiting the properties listed on HostelBookers. First on the agenda was Hotel del Real Orto Botanico.
This hotel was exquisite with many beautiful areas to relax and enjoy a bottle of the local wine. All rooms are private with cater for anything you may need while visiting Naples. The staff too are incredibly friendly and eager to please. We met with Fabio who had plenty to tell us about the hotel. The hotel itself is situated in the historical centre of Naples and from the spacious terraces of the hotel you will enjoy a beautiful view of the Real Orto Botanico botanical garden.
The structure itself is hosted by a wonderful building which is elegantly decorated with antique furniture and great attention to detail.
Following that visit we were due t meet up with Arrigo and Alessia who are brother and sister. Arrigo and his wife run a B+B while Alessia runs her very own guest house. Arrigo’s property is called Bonapace bed and breakfast Porta Nolana.
This property is really exquisite as Arrigo is an architect it is clear from the minute you walk in the front door that space has been very carefully considered. This B+B is beautiful, it’s spacious and very well kept with brilliant original drafts decorating the rooms and bathrooms. It’s situated in a pretty intimidating road and from the outside appears to not be very spectacular but trust me, on seeing it properly from the inside I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Naples.
In between visiting Arrigo’s property he, his wife and sister took Gab and I for lunch at a local café. We enjoyed some lovely pasta and a couple of drinks before we where whisked away in Alessia’s car into the busting and somewhat crazy traffic that can inundate the centre of Naples.
Alessia’s property is called La Terrazze this is yet another beautiful property where you can experience some truly incredible views of the city. Situated in the old Town next to the Museo di Capodimonte, it’s in the very heart of the city.
The following three hotels we went to visit include Hotel Viola, Hotel Garden Napoli and Hotel Zara where all of a good standard. However the Hotel Viola is in need of renovations as all fittings and decorations are very old. Although clean and tidy it’s perhaps not as nice as Hotel Garden or Zara.
Having walked the city the entire day we had finished our appointments by 19:30 in the evening. We made our way back to our Hostel arriving there just after 20:30 and we did our usual grocery shopping which we prepared at Fabric.
After writing a bit of this blog and a bottle of wine shared with Gab we sat for a while with the lovely owners of Fabric Hostel and Club. They include Davide, Luca and Gianluca. They told us the story of how the hostel came to be and the immense amount of hard work each and every one of them had put into it.
After being open for just one year they have done exceptionally well. Having now had over 6000 guests it is no wonder this is perhaps the most popular Hostel to visit in Napoli.
I went to bed at around 22:30, I could no longer keep my eyes open after that wine however Gab stayed up until the wee hours playing table tennis against an old pro and a couple of the staff and locals, this just one of the many forms of entertainment on offer at this remarkable hostel.
Saturday, Feb 10th, 2007
Categories: Naples
We had our breakfast at the hostel and then spent a bit of time working out the exact whereabouts of each property of our map of Napoli. The city itself is quite big so I don’t think neither Gab nor I had realised how much walking was in store for us.
We took the metro back to the Central Station as we had done the night before and began the long walk to the first property. We battled to find the first place but all because we were unfamiliar with our surrounding. Eventually after several phone calls to Daniela we found her waiting for us along one of the surrounding streets. She along with her husband owns a number of properties around Italy so she had a lot to tell us.
The Dolcesonno Salita Trinita Degli Spagnoli was the first of her two properties. Being pushed for time we were unable to view the second one but she showed us ample pictures. From what we saw of the property in Naples it was beautiful, with many antiques and fantastic art work to decorate the apartment and the many rooms I would highly recommend this property to anyone wanting to be able to visit Napoli in their own time. The property itself is very bright and airy and full of character. Located in a very central location and what is know as the “original Napoli” it’s a perfect spot to get connections to Pompeii along with all the many other sights the city has to offer.
Following on from there and now running about 45mins behind schedule we had to hurry to find the next property. One of the few actual hostels within Naples the Hostel and Hotel Bella Capri was one place we had to make an effort to see. On our arrival we were greeted by the lovely Alfredo who is part owner of the property. He had offered Gab and I accommodation there for our stay in Naples but unfortunately we had to decline as we had already promised to stay at the Fabric Hostel.
We had a quick look through the rooms of both the Hostel and the Hotel. All were really great. The rooms of the hotel were a little more spacious some of which boasted incredible views of Mt. Vesuvius, the Sorrento Coast and the Isle of Capri.
The owners of this property are truly wonderful and very eager to please and help their guests. I would highly recommend this property for anyone visiting Napoli. The hostel is great for any youngster or backpacker and the hotel perfect for any family or those who would prefer a bit more privacy.
Next up on the list was the I Fiori Di Napoli B and B. Set on the 3rd floor of and 18th century building where at the beginning of the 20th century the famous Napolitan writer Matilde Serao lived this property has its own special charm.
All the rooms in this quaint place are tastefully decorated each of which also boasts some lovely paint work which is unique to every room.
The owners of this property are incredibly easy going and eager to help. With their beautiful dog Argo wondering about there is a real sense of family at this B+B.
So far the time had flown by. With two hours in between our appointments we thought there would be plenty of time to see some of the sights Naples had to offer us but sadly we just managed to make all of our appointments leaving no time to spare. The last for the day was at the Hostel of the Sun. When we walked through the door of the hostel we got a warm welcome from Luca. He has met some of the Hostelbookers team before so he was quite familiar with the workings of the company. He showed us around the property and we exchanged t-shirts. The hostel is brilliant, such a perfect spot for any backpacker as there are many like minded travellers around to talk to and to share stories with. The staff are passionate about travel, and they on a twice weekly basis hold small tours around the city to allow visitors to experience the best bards and pizza spots on offer. Well worth a money for such an authentic experience.
We finished that meeting at around 6 and we began our track back to the Fabric Hostel. En-route we found a supermarket to buy some goodies for our dinner. The plan was now to eat up then head to the Fabric Club/Bar to chill out and speak to some of the locals as well as some of the other travellers in the. A perfect end to a tiring day, we had the same ahead of us the following day so even though the temptation was there a quiet night was in order.
Saturday, Feb 10th, 2007
Categories: Naples
This week we were on our way to Naples, Gab and I left the office at around 11:00 to take the train from Liverpool Street Station to Stansted Airport where we would catch our flight to Naples. We had a bit of a wait at the airport so we had a drink and sat around talking before boarding our flight. The flight itself went off without a hitch and I think I had pretty much passed out by the time we eventually took off. With just over two hours flying time I managed to get a good sleep in while Gab read his book.
By the time we landed it was already dark in Naples. We took the Alibus to Garibaldi central train station where we would get our connection on the subway. Our accommodation was to be at the Fabric Hostel so we needed to make our way there.
We arrived at the Fabric Hostel at around 21:00 in the evening. Feeling rather tired from having done nothing but waiting and travelling all day. We went to drop off our bags in the room after check in and we found the nearest restaurant to enjoy dinner before bed.
By 23:00 we were in bed with al the necessary preparations in place for the following day’s appointments.
We planned to meet at 8:00 for breakfast so it was another early start for us.
Saturday, Feb 10th, 2007
Categories: Naples
I am writing today’s update from the aeroplane. Its been a terribly long day and both Gab and I are anxious to get back to London. It seemed thought that for a short while this morning we would be unlikely to make it back there because of the snow which had fallen over night over all of London. This had brought all airports to a stand still in the morning so many flights had been cancelled.
Sadly throughout our stay in Napoli it was poring with rain and plenty of hail which made the task of navigating around the city really difficult. The city in our opinion was pretty hard to get to know. Most cities I have come across on my travels were pretty straight forward and after a day or two one would feel quite comfortable getting around. Napoli as a city is a little scary and as a tourist I would highly recommend keeping ones valuable belongings at your accommodation as there are plenty of muggings taking place.
We visited two properties today, the I Vicoletti and Soggiorno Imperia Sas both of which were excellent value for money. The Soggiorno Imperia Sas is a wonderful place situated in the heart of the historical centre. All rooms are simple yet everyone you need is on offer. The staff are incredibly friendly and know all there is to know about getting around the city. I would highly recommend this property specifically for backpackers.
So now it is almost 20:00 in the evening and there is another hour of flying time left. Once we get to Stansted Airport we will have to make our way back to South London which judging by today’s events with the snow could be a bit of a challenge. I am hoping the next few hours go to plan.
