Hotel Palazzo Alabardieri

Situated in one of the city's poshest areas, the entrance of Hotel Palazzo Alabardieri is appropriately elegant: Guests go through a short passageway leading from a side street into a courtyard. It opens up into a circular, atrium-like lobby, which is growing outdated but well-kept up. The property is decorated traditionally throughout and features Neapolitan touches such as boldly striped blue-and-white lampshades and gilded artworks of Italy. A pleasant covered courtyard has white-wicker chairs and lovely plants, while the bar is more sophisticated with wood flooring and woo-paneled walls and cream-leather seating. Touches of the hotel's past as a home for religious orders can be found in breakfast room, which used to form the cloisters. The quiet and refined setting make it primarily popular with couples, though expect to see some families and business travelers.

Located just off of Naples' elegant shopping street and in one of the city's safer neighborhoods, the hotel's rooms look over designer stores like Emporio Armani. There's a taxi stand and a bus stop nearby, both within about a two-minute walk. It's about an 11-minute walk from the beach, and a 25-minute journey by public transit to the historic center of town, though it's close to many of the city's other attractions. The Teatro di San Carlo is about 11 minutes away on foot and Naples' National Archaeological Museum, with artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, is about 22 minutes from the hotel by transit. 

For guests looking to explore Mt. Vesuvius, the journey is about an hour and 45 minutes by bus and train and about 50 minutes by car. Pompeii is about 50 minutes by car, and Herculaneum a bit closer at 45 minutes. Public transit can get you to either in just over an hour. Ferries run to Sorrento in about an hour and a half. 

According to the hotel's website, the property's 46 decent-sized rooms have been decorated to create a "romantic and intimate feel." They're not sexy or overly luxurious, but they're certainly elegant, balancing rich jewel tones with smooth creams, as well as floral artwork, lace accents, and lamp wall sconces. Despite their proximity to the road, rooms are quiet. Bathrooms are modern, especially compared to the more traditional decor of the bedrooms. There are plenty of counter space and toiletries, as well as slippers and hairdryers. Most have small showers -- some with rainfall showerheads -- while suites add separate tubs. Note, however, that past guests have complained of shower temperature being inconsistent and poor water pressure.

Although the hotel says that their flat-screen TVs have satellite access, guests complain that the overwhelming majority of channels are only in Italian. Other standard amenities include minibars, safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.

Amazzone is the property's "American bar" and with its richly paneled walls, polished counter, and club chairs, it's a stately place to enjoy a cocktail in an old-school setting. In the afternoons, Amazzone crosses the pond to offer an English-style afternoon tea. Breakfast, which is free, is served until late morning under a rounded, vaulted ceiling in the old cloisters. The well-reviewed spread is fairly extensive and includes pastries, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, and yogurt. There are no full restaurant, gym, or spa facilities, though those aren't common in southern Italy.

Seven meeting halls are available for business travelers and hold up to 180 people in the largest room. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. For those who are doing a jet-set spin on the traditional Amalfi vacation, a powerboat is available for private hire to get to the Amalfi Coast, as well as the islands in the Bay of Naples.