Hotel Il Convento

The Hotel Il Convento, next to the shrine of Santa Maria Francesca in the historic heart of Naples, is tucked in the maze of narrow, alley-like streets that make up the interesting old Spanish quarter of the city. The location is excellent, with many of the most interesting places to visit very close to the hotel. Just two blocks away is the Via Toledo that leads down to one of Italy’s most colorful squares, the Piazza del Plebiscito, where you can visit the Royal Palace and San Carlo Theater. The Hotel Il Convento, originally a 17th century palace, has been skillfully renovated to maintain its original architectural features while introducing modern comforts. You enter through a stone, arched doorway into a small lobby, where instead of a formal check-in counter, you are warmly greeted at an antique wood desk. Throughout the hotel wrought-iron accents, terracotta floors, and rustic antiques set an inviting, casual ambiance. Just off the reception area there is a cozy, wood-paneled bar; a welcome place to have a quiet drink. Upstairs, a buffet breakfast is set out each morning on a handsome wooden-trestle table. The spacious, immaculate guestrooms are attractively furnished. Our favorite guestroom, 44, has its own secluded, walled terrace complete with wrought-iron furniture and pretty potted plants.