The best hotels in Naples: eight places to stay, seafront to old town

The grand hotel by Castel dell'Ovo

Grand Hotel Vesuvio stands on the seafront opposite the Castel dell'Ovo, with classic rooms and views across the bay to Vesuvius. Its rooftop restaurant has one of the finest views in the city.

It gets our vote as the romantic pick, offering classic Italian luxury, a balcony over the sea and sunsets behind Posillipo. It appeals to couples and anyone celebrating. It is formal and expensive and the style is traditional, but you step straight onto the promenade and can stroll to the restaurants of Borgo Marinari beside the castle.

A classic grand hotel on Via Partenope

Eurostars Hotel Excelsior stands on Via Partenope next to Castel dell'Ovo, in one of the old grand hotels on the seafront. Many rooms look over the bay, and the hotel has a terrace, a restaurant, a bar and a gym.

It is our family pick, because you stay on the car-free promenade with room for a pushchair and an ice cream, while Piazza del Plebiscito and Via Toledo are within walking distance. It also suits couples who want classic style and a sea view. Breakfast costs extra on some rates, and street-facing rooms are less peaceful than those facing the water, so ask for a sea view when you book.

Modern design by the port

Romeo Hotel stands by the port, close to the terminal for boats to Capri and Sorrento, in a modern building of glass and steel. Rooms are designed with art, dark tones and large windows over the harbour or Vesuvius, and the top floors hold a spa and restaurant.

It takes our design pick and a strong choice if you are moving on by boat. It suits couples and business travellers who want a contemporary hotel in a city of old palazzi. The road outside is busy, and the surroundings have less charm than the seafront.

A garden and a library in the old town

Hotel Piazza Bellini occupies an old palazzo on the square of the same name, a couple of blocks from Spaccanapoli and the archaeological museum. It has 56 rooms, a garden, a small library and a bar, and some rooms are apartments with their own kitchen.

It suits travellers who want to sleep in the heart of the old town and still have a calm place to return to after a day in the lanes. It works well for couples and friends. Guests praise the breakfast and the location. Piazza Bellini fills with bars and students in the evening, so there can be life beneath your window until late.

A small hotel in the Quartieri Spagnoli

Hotel Il Convento is in the Quartieri Spagnoli, the dense neighbourhood just west of Via Toledo, a short walk from Piazza del Plebiscito and the Molo Beverello ferry port. It is small and personal, and breakfast is included.

It earns our value pick, because you stay centrally between the old town, the shopping streets and the port at a sensible price. It suits couples and anyone who wants to walk everywhere. The neighbourhood is lively, narrow and full of scooters, and the rooms are not large, but some of the city's best simple trattorias are right outside.

An elegant base in Chiaia

Palazzo Alabardieri is in Chiaia, the most elegant part of Naples, on a quiet street of boutiques and wine bars a couple of minutes from the sea and Piazza dei Martiri. Galleria Umberto, Piazza del Plebiscito and Castel dell'Ovo are all within walking distance.

It is our pick for a first visit, because you stay somewhere calm and safe yet right between the old town, the seafront and the shopping streets. It suits couples and families who want a classic hotel with good service. Guests praise the helpful staff and the location. Most rooms have no view, but the promenade along the bay is just round the corner.

The bay from the hillside

Grand Hotel Parker's sits on Corso Vittorio Emanuele on the slope above Chiaia, with views over the whole bay from many rooms. It is one of the city's most classic hotels, with antiques, a library and a roof terrace.

It is right for travellers who want views and quiet above the city, with Chiaia just below. It is a good fit for couples and older travellers. The hillside position means you will often take a taxi or funicular down to the centre.

A monastery above the city

Hotel San Francesco al Monte occupies a former monastery on the slope below Vomero, with rooms in the old monks' cells, terraced gardens and a pool overlooking the bay.

It is a strong pick for travellers who want somewhere different, with peace, gardens and views, and who do not mind a taxi or funicular down. It works well for couples. Rooms are simple and fairly small, as the cells once were, and there are plenty of steps.