Hotel Forum Pompei

Classy with a gently Mediterranean vibe, the Hotel Forum Pompeii has a three-story, flat yellow facade, wrought-iron balconies, a terra-cotta roof, and gray trim. A large arched entryway leads guests along a stone path into a courtyard lined with potted plants. The lobby is small but sophisticated with Oriental rugs, a wood-paneled reception desk, marble stairs, a small bar, and a homey sitting area with traditional armchairs finished in brown upholstery. It's a bit small, but the hotel's real common area is out back -- the stone terrace and lawn area include both restaurant seating and lounge spaces, plus lemon trees, a stone pathway, and a pergola. The breakfast room has a glass wall and partial glass ceiling and looks out on lawn space, and the hotel also has a few open-air hallways with tables and chairs, plus a rooftop terrace with lounge space. While the hotel was originally constructed in 1998, more recent renovations of the restaurant and some guest rooms have kept much of the decor up-to-date. Guests tend to be tourists who want to see Pompeii, and include couples as well as families. 

The hotel's entryway is situated along a cobblestone sidewalk with a scalloped design on a main street in Pompeii's historic center, just across the street (a one-minute walk) from the famous Pompeii archeological site. Shops, restaurants, and cafes are also within walking distance. Parking is free at a nearby lot (30 second walk), and the Pompeii Train Station is an eight-minute walk. Many popular regional sights are in driving distance (the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento are about an hour drive). The Ruins of Herculaneum and Vesuvius are also an easy drive, about 20 minutes. The train offers access to regional destinations, such as Naples. Naples International Airport is a half-hour drive without traffic or an hour to an hour and a half via public transportation. The hotel can arrange for car service or airport transfers.

Of the hotel's 33 rooms, eight of them have been renovated. So while rooms are clean, comfortable, and tasteful, room decor can be dated. As of summer 2016, the hotel had plans to continue room renovations. Rooms range from small, courtyard-facing Economy Rooms to Deluxe Rooms to spacious Suites, like the Royal Suite which measures over 750 square feet. Classic and Economy Rooms that have not been renovated might feature green-tiled floors, pink walls, floral bed spreads, striped curtains, and wood furniture. Upgraded rooms are classier, but renovated rooms are the real standout. They feature sophisticated and modern with gray marbled floors, silky bedspreads, upholstered beige headboards, and rectangular lampshades. Like rooms, bathrooms also vary, but renovated bathrooms can be quite elegant with gray marbled walls, heated towel racks, bidets, rainfall showerheads, and even whirlpools or hammams. All rooms have air-conditioning, safes, minibars, Smart TVs with Sky TV and international channels, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms include hairdryers and free individual toiletries. Upgraded rooms have balconies or terraces, while Junior Suites offer views of Vesuvius. 

Hotel Forum Pompei has a solid lineup of features for an upper-middle-range hotel, though its lack of fitness facilities might be a drawback for some. The hotel has a restaurant which serves up a pretty decent lunch and dinner, though selection is limited. A free continental breakfast is served in a room with a large window overlooking the courtyard and includes standards like cereal and yogurt, plus homemade pastries and fresh juice. The lobby bar is small -- just a wood bar with four tables and armchairs tucked in front of it -- but guests note free snacks and apps in the early evening. Room service is available during limited hours. While the lobby lounge areas are small, there are plenty of lounge and eating spots outside in the garden and terrace, and there's also a rooftop sundeck. The lobby includes a computer for guest use, and Wi-Fi is free. The hotel also has a meeting and event room that can host up to 45 guests. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and staff can help arrange guided tours, laundry service, airport or railway station transfers, or car rentals. Free parking is available in a lot across the street. Pets are allowed and cost no extra fee.