My husband and I recently spent 5 weeks in Italy and a few of our accommodations were superb. Not expensive, but superb. Naples is often overlooked but it is a great place! One of the tricks is knowing where to stay. This is the review I wrote for VRBO Listing #1306268.
My husband and I spent 10 nights in this lovely apartment in the Vormero district above the fray yet close to public transportation, in Naples. We were in Italy for 5 weeks and sitting on the terrace outside the bedroom, having a glass of wine while overlooking the Bay of Naples stands out as one of our best experiences in Italy. We cannot say enough good things about the apartment and about Veronique. The views were superb both from the kitchen and from the terrace. Downstairs, the kitchen was a good size and the living/dining area worked well. There is also a bathroom downstairs complete with shower, toilet and bidet, and a washing machine along with a small balcony where you can catch the breezes and hang out your laundry (one warning: be careful not to drop your laundry when hanging it as I did). Upstairs, there is a very comfortable queen size bed, another bathroom with shower and toilet. The French doors open to the wonderful terrace overlooking the Bay of Naples. The breezes were refreshing and the air was clear and cooler than the busy city below. Veronique is a charming and gracious host. She brought us a delicious homemade apple cake and actually picked us up from the airport as it was on her way home! She could not have been more kind or helpful. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Quiet, charming and comfortable. We could not have asked for anything more.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
Did you spend much time outside the Vomero district during your stay? I rather liked the "fray" of Naples. Agreed that Vomero is quite lovely - great place to stay. I still remember the view from the Certosa di San Martino.
How was driving in Naples? I assume that's the way you reached your accommodations.
Posted by
OP
Berkeley, California, US
612 posts
Yes, we were in Naples for 10 days so we had enough time to go to Pompeii and the island of Procida as well as spend considerable time in the "fray". And yes, I like the fray as well. The best pizza I've ever had (and I've had a lot) was at da Michelle. Didn't drive in Naples. Scary enough to cross the streets. Mostly kidding, the drivers actually seem to be quite aware of pedestrians and go around them. That said, you can't sleepwalk through Naples. If we had not had Veronique's offer to pick us up, we would have taken a cab from the airport to the apartment, maybe €25. From there an easy walk to the Metro. We did get to the Certosa di San Martino before the end of our stay. Yes, quite a view.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
Can you share your impressions of Procida? It looks gorgeous and not that many folks here have been there, I assume. I wouldn't drive in Naples either - I had to drink at least 3 stiff espressos every day just to make it through the day. It's definitely a place where you should be alert - now I miss it just thinking about it. Coffee and sfogliatelle was delicious!
Posted by
OP
Berkeley, California, US
612 posts
Agnes-
Procida is small. We arrived at the ferry dock and looked around a bit then took a hike over to the next town. I can't remember the name of it but found it I think in a lonely planet guidebook. Much calmer and more pleasant than at the ferry dock. Very nice place to sit outside and have lunch and watch the ocean. There is another restaurant to the right as you face the ocean that is not visible until you walk that way. We would have eaten there if we had seen it 1st. That said, the restaurant where we did eat was fine. We also really enjoyed the ferry ride both to and from the island.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
Ahhhh, you're killin' me, Kay! Another fabulous apartment!
It looks like the VRBO site does not show the downstairs terrace with the washing machine (?). That little window over the kitchen sink is precious - one wouldn't feel quite so ill-used to be on dishwashing duty with that view :-)
This is exactly the kind of accommodations I often look for - close enough to public transportation to get into town, but far enough away to escape the sounds of the city.
Another one for The File...