With a seafront view of Mount Vesuvius, the historic district of Naples a short walk away and the port on the doorstep, the Romeo Hotel is quite simply a gem.
Unlike the city’s more industrial and traditional surroundings, the boutique five-star hotel’s design is firmly focused on contemporary chic — filled with modern technology and featuring Mr Romeo’s own impressive art collection, ranging from modern pieces to Edo-period Japanese armour.
There are Japanese influences throughout: architect and designer Kenzo Tange pays homage to his Tokyo roots with elaborate waterfalls, natural greenery and eclectic art throughout the hotel. All in all, guests get a thoroughly stylish experience with all the vibrant temptations of Naples as a bonus.
After experiencing everything this city has to offer, it’s a relief to be able to escape back to the Romeo Hotel’s luxurious interior, with its Michelin-star restaurant, infinity pool overlooking the Port and games room (complete with a juke box and pool table).
In the rooms, the bed is among the comfiest I’ve ever slept in, while the contemporary design features everything from coffee machines to electronic curtains. There are even branded flip-flops for the 10,000 square foot Dogana del Sale spa, itself including three Jacuzzis, two saunas and seven treatment rooms.
But there’s none of the formality and stuffiness of more traditional luxury options. Perhaps that is why the 79-room Romeo has proved so popular among celebrities: Hugh Grant, Cate Blanchett, Liam Gallagher and Enrique Iglesias are all past fans, with most guests from Italy and the US, followed by the UK.
It’s not only a favourite for city breaks in Naples but as a starting point if you’re exploring the Amalfi Coast too.
“Look out of the window and you see Mount Vesuvius — it is so easy to get there from Naples, also Capri and Sorrento,” one member of staff points out. “If you want to visit all of these places, this is the best place to stay.”
She’s not wrong. The Port is a five-minute walk away but other methods of transport — from trains, to ferries, buses and taxis — are also easily accessible (if, like us, you are not brave enough to drive around the region).
As well as the Romeo’s Michelin-star Il Comandante restaurant, guests can also eat at the hotel’s Neapolitan restaurant, the Beluga Bistrot. But for us, it’s the breakfast buffet that stands out.
There are sweet cakes and pastries freshly baked every morning by the hotel’s young pastry chef and alongside the rows of bite-sized croissants, there’s a cooked option for diners who prefer typical British breakfast too.
“Us Italians, we like to have a sweet cake and espresso for breakfast,” the maitre d’ tells us, pointing out the apricot jam tarts, light caprese cake and local traditional desserts, including the famous rum baba.
“Our French guests like to spread toppings on breads and pastries. You (Brits) are used to eggs, mushrooms and cheese, so we make sure we have that too, with mozzarella of course.”
In the name of research, we sample all the options — while drinking in those views of Mount Vesuvius.
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