Grand Hotel Europa

Green shutters and white balconies set with potted plants stand out against the white-and-red exterior of the five-floor Grand Hotel Europa. This charming 19th-century hotel, once the residence of the Murolo-Pisano family, opened in 1945 but was known as the Hotel Boccalatte until 2000. Embracing its Neapolitan history, the hotel has filled its interiors with lovely antiques, brown leather furniture, and kitsch. Parlors -- with their dated sofas -- offer books, newspapers, and curios in cabinets, some of which are available for purchase. Keys to rooms are attached to red tassels. Second-floor hallways look like a theater set, with cobblestone flooring, trompe l'oeil windows painted on the walls, exposed copper pipes, and lanterns. The central location and affordable rates draw couples, families, and business travelers alike.

This location, by the Naples central train station, is convenient, but it's not the most scenic. Graffiti, panhandlers, and peddlers are outside the station, which is near a McDonald’s, pharmacies, banks, restaurants, and cafes. The historic center -- with the Duomo, Naples National Archaeological Museum, and Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno -- is a 20-minute walk or 10-minute cab ride away. It’s a 15-minute cab ride to the Museo Cappella Sansevero and the San Carlo Theatre. The location is a great starting point for visiting the nearby islands, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Pompeii, which is close to Mount Vesuvius, is 40 minutes away by train. It's a 20- to 30- minute trip to the Molo Beverello port by public transportation for ferry trips to Capri and Cagliari. Naples International Airport is a 10-minute drive or 40-minute bus trip.

Rooms that would otherwise look plain and antiquated come alive with red furnishings, vibrant murals, vintage furniture, and colorful patchwork tiles or wooden floors. Some specialty suites also have seafaring kitsch, exposed ceiling beams, and brick details. But the creative designs also come with old-fashioned features, such as tube-style TVs in some rooms, and the more simply styled rooms feel dated. It can also be hard to determine whether wear and tear is intentional, a product of old age, or the result of overuse. Second-floor rooms have a fun themed hallway, complete with murals and lanterns. Most rooms have flat-screen TVs, writing desks, air-conditioning, minibars, safes, hairdryers, slippers, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms -- with murals, mosaic tiling, or simple white tiles -- have bidets, shower/tub combos, and whirlpool tubs in some. Standard Rooms have between one to four beds. Family Rooms -- which offer themed children’s rooms -- can accommodate two adults and two children. Cribs are available on request, and kids under 12 stay for free. Junior Suites have lofted bedrooms, living rooms, balconies overlooking the streets; some have exercise bicycles, and kitchenettes with stovetops. 

The Grand Hotel Europa’s playful interiors -- with vintage decor and murals throughout -- create a theatrical setting, especially in the restaurant, breakfast room, and bar. Red-cushioned chairs and tables are set around a raised stage with a mural backdrop in La Falena, the restaurant that serves regional cuisine for lunch and dinner. The bar is cozy, thanks to leather chairs, and the garden-themed breakfast room provides a continental spread of pastries, yogurt, cereal, cold cuts, cheeses, and juice. An American breakfast is available for a reasonable fee. There are six classically decorated meeting rooms, which come with catering services. Parking discounts are available, and a computer is available for guests' use. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Pets are welcome, but are subject to fees.