Exclusive Apt in Aristocratic XVI Bldg in Historic Center

Paola was the perfect host. She gave fantastic recommendations of what to see and do on our three day visit to Naples. The apartment was fascinating but access is via a very (very) small lift.. ! It was great for the four of us but there is only one bathroom, the access of which is through one of the two double bedrooms. The roof terrace is amazing too, a great setting for evening drinks. The location is great for all the sights of the historic centre and within walking distance of sights, bars and restaurants. Would highly recommend!

Interesting apt in old palace. Terrace was great, location different - not in the usual neighborhood. You get the feel of the city. One of the best pizza places in the city is downstairs on the corner. 2 bedrooms good, bathroom a bit small. Needs some work on the sitting space, another sofa or easy chairs to gather around, very small TV but we never used it. People were great Paola even asked us to tea and to see the other parts of the Palace and she had an adorable puppy.

To stay in this apartment is like no other rental experience that my wife and I have ever had. From the moment of our arrival we were treated like old family friends and folded into Principessa Paola’s life, taken over to her side of the palazzo to see the old library, given welcome drinks and pastries. This breakdown of the barriers between owner and renters remained in effect throughout our stay, making our time here seem like a return to the house of an old friend or a relative. Our rooms (strictly speaking) were comfortable and charming and atmospheric with the added benefit of interesting art works on the walls which derived from friendships between Paola’s uncle (I believe it was) and some interesting 20th C. artists. The palazzo itself is located in rione Sanità, which is a supremely interesting Neapolitan neighborhood, throbbing with life from early morning until late at night. Markets and booths in the street selling food, clothing—just about everything anyone could ever need or want. Piazza Cavour (with its metro stops) and the great archaeological museum are nearby, but then so are many of the great Neapolitan churches. The apartment is ideally situated for serious art historical work in Naples. For those interested in adding some serious exercise (i.e. climbing), Paola will tell you how you can reach the great Capodimonte museum on foot. She will also keep reminding you of what monuments you need to go visit and on several occasions most graciously she took us to places that were not open to the general public. It was a particular thrill to gain admittance thanks to her to Palazzo Donna Anna in Posillipo for a private concert. And to be introduced to some of her interesting long term tenants, like the painter whose studio is on one floor and the theater and dance and circus troupes who use the beautiful rehearsal space on the primo piano of the palazzo. And (since we are dog lovers) it was gratifying to be caught up in her finding a better home for a neglected dog whom Paola was temporarily housing. The immersion in the life of a Neapolitan neighborhood was a gift that we could not have envisioned in advance. We were not newcomers to Naples, we have stayed before in many different parts of the city, but this visit took us farther into the heart of “la vera Napoli” than we had ever gotten before and remains an unusual highpoint of all our years of traveling in Italy.

I wrote a lengthy review but forgot to add stars, so perhaps the two can be joined. Francesco's mom was a gracious hostess who took care to make sure I had information about all that might interest me in Naples. Much enjoyed the neighborhood, and my stay. Great location in a lively part of town with a group of food vendors a block away and a great pizzeria next door. Close to the archaeological museum.

Paola arranged for me to go with a preservation group led by an architect to see the interiors and historic underground structures of a number of buildings in the neighborhood. Fascinating.

Francesco is very prompt and helpful. His mother Paola is a lovely lady who is as interesting as the palazzo she calls home. She made us feel incredibly welcome and had great advice. If she hadn't of told us about the Monteoliveto church we would have missed the incredible Vasari chapel, and her family tomb! The apartment is full of wonderful antique furniture and paintings. The rooms and beds are very comfortable. Located just outside the city walls, it's within walking distance of many sights. I can't wait to go back to Naples and I definitely want to stay with Paola again when I do.