Hotel Palazzo Decumani

The Hotel Palazzo Decumani is a 20th-century property that’s a sleek, modern contrast to the gritty city of Naples. The four-story building is painted cream and has charming balconies, narrow windows, and dark gray trim. It's set back from the street, with cars clustered on the stone driveway at the small entrance. Stylish furnishings in the hotel’s foyer can be seen from the front door: sleek stone floors, white walls, topiaries, and a beautiful staircase. There's an elevator available, though the staircase -- with an intricate iron railing wrapping around a crystal chandelier that dangles to the ground floor -- makes a more scenic trip. Burgundy velvet details and dark wood furniture in the lobby create an upscale atmosphere, but common area space is limited, which is typical of boutique hotels in Naples. There is a small bar, however, with cozy velvet booths and glowing candles for a modern-gothic look, and this area can be lively during pre-dinner hours. The surrounding streets are busy and noisy, but rooms are adequately soundproofed. Guests are typically couples and some families eager to soak up Naples' historic atmosphere. 

Situated in the historic district of Naples, the hotel is in a convenient and lively location within five minutes' walk of the Duomo, Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno, and Museo Cappella Sansevero. Naples National Archaeological Museum is about 20 minutes away on foot. The busy area comes with the grunginess that's to be expected of Naples, including graffiti and garbage. The Dante and Porta Nolana subway stops are about 15 minutes on foot, and bus stops are a few blocks away. The Teatro di San Carlo is 20 minutes away by public transportation. Walking or riding the bus to the harbor, where there are ferries to Capri and Palermo, takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The Naples International Airport is about 20 minutes by car. Driving to Pompei takes about 30 minutes, and it’s about 40 minutes to Mount Vesuvius.

The hotel offers 28 rooms with plush, gray velvet pillows, headboards, benches, and curtains that -- along with light-wood floors and white furniture -- create a sexy atmosphere. Rooms vary in size and offer different views. Classic Rooms, the smallest option, mostly have unexciting views of surrounding buildings. Superior Rooms have city center views, and Deluxe Rooms offer balconies facing the city center. There are four Junior Suites with sofa beds in separate sitting areas, and large bathtubs in the bathrooms. Modern, clean bathrooms have travertine stone, hairdryers, heated towel racks, bidets, and rainfall showers or shower/tub combos. Bathrobes and slippers are available in upgraded rooms, and all rooms have free toiletries by Etro, an Italian fashion house. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning -- though guests note that Wi-Fi and air-conditioning can be spotty or non-existent. 

The hotel serves a free breakfast buffet with coffee, eggs, homemade cakes, croissants, and more. Breakfast is served in a sexy lounge decorated with burgundy velvet chairs and tall booths, capped off with a hot-pink Andy Warhol painting of Marilyn Monroe. Aperitifs are served in the small bar, where lovely, barrel vaulted ceilings create a feeling of spaciousness. Uncovered parking is situated in the courtyard at the front of the hotel, and car rentals are available on-site. However, the location is a limited traffic zone, so there are hours when driving is prohibited in the area, including the parking lot. Guests receive a free welcome drink, and there are concierge services available.