Naples Hotels & Sights

Allow me to kick off the discussion with the inevitable question: Why are you choosing to stay in Naples instead of Sorrento? We stayed in Naples for three nights once (in 2003), and wished the entire time that we had stayed in Sorrento instead. We could have taken the easy train into Naples as we wanted, and we would have been staying in an absolutely beautiful location.

Totally agree, Sorrento over Naples any day.

Addressing the question posed (which was not "Should I go to Naples?"), for me, in no particular order except for the pizza: (1) one of these is a definite must do http://www.flickr.com/photos/30745066@N05/3025631027/ (2) the Naples National Archaeological Museum with its treasures from Pompeii and the large mosaic of Alexander in battle http://www.flickr.com/photos/davide_roe/2738754837/ (3) walk the Spaccanapoli http://www.flickr.com/photos/liezel/4073242145/ (4) the view from Castel St Elmo- get there via a funicular http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreamstar80/5049132896/ (5) day trip to Pompeii - get there via Circumvesuvia railway

The reason that I asked "Why Naples?" is that a lot of travelers don't consider that there might be a better option than Naples. The "What should we see?" question indicated to me that the OP is traveling to that area for the first time. One of the great things about this board is that those asking questions get the benefit of lots of experiences including suggestions that might not occur to them. If someone were to ask me if they could use Excel to write a letter, a correct answer would be "Yes." But perhaps a more helpful response would be "Have you considered using Word?" (Given as an example only, and not an invitation to turn this into a Microsoft versus Apple thread, please.) I've stayed in Naples and agree with all your suggestions about things to see there. I still wish we had stayed in Sorrento instead, and daytripped into Naples as desired. And of course, everyone here is free to heed or ignore suggestions willy-nilly. :-) Happy travels.

In addition to "intense," the other euphemism that often gets applied to Naples is "gritty."

I am going to that area in Sept and I will be staying in Sorrento and travel by ferry to Naples or train depending on the weather. I want to see all I can see while in Naples so I will probably give it a good part of my day. I am interested in the city very much and think it will be exciting but I want to stay where it is the "vacation away from vacation" This is my first time in this area too so I guess I too take everyones advice into account. I love this site because I get such wonderful ideas. Sorry for butting in here Jantzenn, Maybe we will pass one another Ciao
Pat

Before traveling to Naples, you might want to see if the garbage strike is over. Here's a quote from a 5/24/11 Helpline post : Here is some good advice: stay away from Naples at all costs! Pick a nice hotel in Pompei instead (we stayed at the Amleto and had fabulous customer service). There has been a garbage strike in Naples for the past 2 years and there are piles of garbage (up to 4 feet high in some places) all over the city - the stench is unbearable! We were there on May 16th and got the heck out within the hour - we were very disappointed as we had been looking forward to visiting this very famous city. On top of the filth, we did not feel safe at all, even on the main roads.

Jantzenn, To address your original questions.... > You might have a look at This Hotel. It's in a nice area, and there's an awesome Bar / Pastry Shop at the end of the street. > What to see? I'd suggest you pick up a copy of the Italy guidebook, in order to plan touring which fits your interests. The Archeological Museum is often a "must see" for most people, as it ties in nicely with the history of Pompeii. If you haven't been to Naples before, be aware that the culture is a bit more "intense" than Rome and the northern parts of Italy. I quite enjoyed my last stay there, and would have no hesitation in returning. Sorrento is a very beautiful city, and certainly worthy of a few days (if you have the time). Happy travels!

Thank you to all who have shared your insights with me! The museum seems like a definite plan, and yes, I will check on the garbage strike. Maybe it will bury the city... it's happened over there before!
Grazie & Ciao

And if you don't have the RS Italy 2011 book yet, you really should buy it. He has lots of helpful info on Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii, etc. Happy travels.