Hotel San Pietro

The four-pearl Hotel San Pietro is in a well-maintained building, with white and black with planters attached to balconies and greenery on the top-floor terrace, which can be seen from the cobblestone street outside the entrance. The hotel first opened in the 1950s, and it features retro exterior lights, and its front doors lead to a small front desk. Renovated in 2014, the hotel’s lobby, adorned with statues, artwork, and floral arrangements, maintains its classic decor. There are several parlors, with classic and modern furniture, where bar patrons can sit with their drinks. Red carpeting lines the staircase, which is beside a narrow elevator.

The San Pietro is conveniently located near public transportation, and many travelers use it as a stopover on their way to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, or the Amalfi Coast. The Garibaldi metro station is a five-minute walk from the hotel, and the Naples central train station 10 minutes on foot. The area is busy and gritty, and can feel a bit dicey at times. Churches, shops, bars and the popular L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele are in the immediate area. The historic district, with the Naples Cathedral, is within walking distance. The National Archaeological Museum and the Royal Palace of Naples are both about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Trips to Caligari and Capri depart from the Naples ferry port, which is 30 minutes away by bus. Naples International Airport is about a 15-minute drive, depending on traffic.

The 35 rooms are modern and monotone, with white or cream headboards, colorful artwork, neutral tile floors, and earth-tone textiles. Fresh fruit plates are a nice touch. Rooms overlook the street or face other buildings. Deluxe Rooms feature sofa beds in living rooms. Junior Suites and Suites offer balconies and separate sitting areas. HIgher-end rooms -- including suites -- have open bathrooms with exterior sinks, private toilet areas, and glass-enclosed showers beside beds, which can compromise privacy. Bathrooms are sleek, with bidets, hairdryers, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, slippers, and safes.

A charming breakfast room is on the sixth floor of the hotel -- it's furnished with pink chairs and tables that pop against the white walls and counters, where the free buffet is laid out in the mornings. Large windows face the rooftop terrace that’s surrounded by greenery and colorful flowers, but still provides views of the Church of San Pietro ad Aram’s dome from white rattan furniture. Cocktail service on the terrace is a popular end-of-the-day treat. A bar stamped with the hotel’s signature “HSP” is in the lobby with free snacks on the counter and contemporary furniture in the lounge. The 24-hour front desk can help with arranging nearby paid parking. Luggage storage and laundry service are offered on request, and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.