The Dante House, Naples, review: Luxury hotel chic meets B&B practicality

In a nutshell: A uncommon discover the place the boutique chic of a luxurious hotel meets the performance and independence of a B&B.

The neighbourhood 

There actually is one thing about Naples – it’s tough and prepared, it’s energetic, it’s alive. This genuine attraction is strictly why town can have you planning your subsequent go to earlier than you’ve even completed your first.

At first look it could appear chaotic. Mopeds pace out and in of visitors (we’re informed by a number of locals that they’re truly excellent drivers and by no means crash), barely a wall within the metropolis isn’t coated in graffiti and road artwork, and the nights (even mid-week) buzz with the chatter of locals and vacationers alike.

Nevertheless it’s the pull of this organised chaos that (as a former New Yorker) led me to enthusiastically proclaim town “Europe’s Brooklyn”. Then once more, it’s additionally a lot greater than that.

What Naples affords is a mix of previous and new that directly clashes and coexists superbly – right here, you possibly can expertise historic historical past and the best bars, multi functional place.

By day, discover the previous city, the place each flip surprises you with one other historic church, cobbled road or historic residence. Take a tour of the underground of town and stroll by tunnels trod by the Romans. Stroll to the excessive level of Castel Sant’Elmo to look down on the long-lasting Spaccanapoli – the straight and slim major road that actually splits town in two – or pay a go to to the sq. within the Spanish quarter, which has been reworked right into a shrine to one in all soccer’s largest legends: Maradona (to say he’s idolised right here can be a significant understatement).

By night time, town comes much more alive as teams of mates collect within the historic squares and at homely eating places and effortlessly stylish bars, the place individuals chortle, drink, smoke and eat gelato into the night time. As the house of pizza, it’s additionally a food-lover’s delight. Wander the streets sampling the traditional margherita and marinara pizzas, strive the well-known deep-fried pasta (belief me, it’s price it) and get a deli sandwich not like every other, with the freshest meats and cheese round.

Naples has the additional advantage of additionally being significantly extra budget-friendly than a few of its neighbouring Italian hotspots (right here, a traditional margherita or marinara pizza from town’s hottest pizza locations will set you again simply two or three euros). So, in addition to having fun with all that Naples has to supply, this makes it an excellent base to journey additional afield throughout a keep in Italy – go to the historic ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum, the MountVesuvius volcano, the lemon groves of Sorrento, the designer shops of prosperous island Capri or the picturesque Amalfi Coast cities of Positano and Amalfi.

The vibe

The Dante Home is the most recent addition to the Home in Naples’s fleet of 4 boutique B&Bs in addition to residences dotted throughout Naples’s historic centre. The idea is all about catering to travellers who need the standard of a hotel however don’t need the impersonality that may typically include it. With every location fastidiously handpicked and every completely distinctive and with its personal character, it actually delivers simply that.

Situated on Piazza Dante at Port’Alba, The Dante Home is correct by one of many historic metropolis gates encasing the previous city and in addition conveniently simply steps away from the Dante metro cease.

At first look, whenever you arrive outdoors the The Dante Home within the coronary heart of the historic previous city, you would be forgiven for considering you’re within the mistaken place. Nestled between a late-night pizza spot and an informal, native bar, heavy, steel doorways loom from a nondescript gray concrete constructing. There’s no signal confirming you’ve reached your vacation spot. However step by the steel doorways, and also you’ll end up inside a traditional, conventional Italian palazzo constructing. Climb up the large slab stone stairs to the towering wood double doorways and also you’ll be at The Dante Home.

That is the place your actual Neapolitan journey begins. In spite of everything, what higher technique to expertise the historic, vibrant metropolis of Naples than to reside like an area in a conventional Neapolitan home?

Although the constructing might date from the 18th century, The Dante Home manages to completely combine previous and new, with its clear and fashionable inside renovation. It’s sensible whereas being quirky; industrial however with boutique fashion; chic and fashionable however true to its authentic structure – an embodiment of Naples itself.

After we arrived, Connie was ready to welcome us and present us round – to not point out enthusiastically give us her personal private and wonderfully complete information to the perfect issues to see and do within the metropolis.

The general vibe is relaxed, and workers are tremendous useful and pleasant – with wonderful communication each within the lead-up to and through our keep – however are additionally palms off, if you happen to’re extra of an unbiased traveller. Principally, they’re there if you need them however they’ll depart you alone if you happen to don’t.

The reception is simply staffed as much as 8pm however one of many pleasant workers members will come to greet late arrivals, there’s a 24/7 quantity for any queries and there’s additionally the choice to rearrange transfers from the airport or practice station.

Should you’re somebody who likes an all-inclusive hotel or a spot that can plan your each vacation whim for you, this isn’t the place for you. As an alternative, that is excellent for unbiased travellers who need a comfy, relaxed place to remain that’s extra luxurious than your common B&B however nonetheless acts as the right base from which to discover town.

Being located within the coronary heart of one in all Naples’s most distinguished historic squares, The Dante Home couldn’t be in a greater location to do precisely that. You’re near among the finest bars, eating places and pizza joints, and inside strolling distance to all of the historic websites.

Mattress and bathtub

Not one of the six rooms in The Dante Home’s boutique B&B are the identical. Some have quirky mezzanine ranges, some have wrought iron balconies, some have spectacular views throughout the sq.. All have character.

Significantly excessive wood or frescoed ceilings give the large rooms an ornamental cover, whereas gentle floods by the french doorways. Handmade and restored classic furnishings has been reworked to embody The Dante Home’s fashion: combining previous and new. Nordic-inspired furnishings and touches of plush velvet completely conflict and complement the industrial-style lighting and purposeful wooden panels.

Rooms and suites sleep between three and 6 individuals – some have kitchenettes, in order that they’re excellent for teams of all sizes.

We stayed within the Dante 2 household studio residence positioned in the identical constructing as The Dante Home, giving us entry to the workers and the communal areas – but in addition the privateness and peace and quiet of our personal area. For a pair, household or group of mates on a metropolis break, this feature is the right center floor.

The residence itself was spacious and purposeful – with a bed room space, eating desk and chairs, and a big kitchenette to prepare dinner in, if you happen to so want. There’s additionally a separate rest room (full with complimentary toiletries) and a small single bed room, so as much as 4 can sleep comfortably. It additionally has a washer, 32in good TV, sheets and towels included.

Decor-wise, it’s clear and easy with a number of quirky items (similar to a singular towering inexperienced wardrobe), which actually units it aside out of your traditional B&Bs. All in all, it leans into the attraction and edginess of town ready outdoors.

The one draw back (if we had been to be choosy) is the dearth of home windows and pure gentle. However, for us, this all added to the attraction and quirkiness of the residence, with its interior-facing window to the courtyard – which additionally meant much less noise from the vigorous metropolis outdoors.

All in all, The Dante Home is a far cry from a typical B&B. It’s someplace between your property away from residence and a luxurious hotel.

Foods and drinks

Breakfast is a giant draw at The Dante Home.

It’s buffet-style and has clearly been fastidiously curated with the best-quality components in the way in which of contemporary, natural, home made and nil km meals. From scrumptious home made yoghurt and dried fruit (ready contemporary day-after-day), freshly baked croissants and sfogliatelle pastries (a traditional Italian specialty handmade in Home in Naples’s personal bakery), to ready-made rolls with contemporary chilly cuts and cheeses.

The breakfast space itself additionally completely matches The Dante Home’s vibe, with its boutique-style plush velvet seats coupled with a laidback, homely really feel, as if you’re sitting in a buddy’s residence.

Sip freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly roasted espresso from a window seat overlooking the historic sq. beneath. It’s the right begin to a day exploring town.

Later within the afternoon, there’s additionally espresso and tea out there – simply in time for a much-needed pit cease after wandering across the metropolis.

Public areas

The mix of previous meets new, industrial meets luxurious and purposeful meets quirky runs by all of the areas at The Dante Home. The reception space is all tiled flooring, vibrant teal wall, wood desk and – most intriguing – a wall coated in previous telephones.

As a B&B idea, it, after all, doesn’t have the facilities of a hotel (although the very last thing you’ve got time for in Naples is a visit to the health club).

What it does have, nevertheless, is Posca – its cafe come bistro come bar simply steps from The Dante Home and proper in the midst of the beating coronary heart of town. By day, it’s a hip spot for freshly roasted espresso, home made muffins and brunch. By night time, it’s a unusual cocktail bar – which additionally brews its personal beers – the place mates can meet for an aperitivo.

We visited on a Wednesday night time and sampled the cocktails, which come within the type of twists on standard classics, ingesting alfresco on the cobbled road out entrance among the many buzz of town.

Contained in the bar, the Home in Naples’s creators stunned us but once more with the decor – suppose vibrant pink floral wallpaper, pink velvet and neon indicators. To make it much more interesting, friends at The Dante Home can get a reduction off the bar tab.

Nuts and bolts

Room depend: Six rooms at The Dante Home, 4 residences.

Freebies: Breakfast, espresso and tea bar.

Wifi: Free.

Additional expenses: Vacationer tax of €2.50 per individual per day. Parking €30 per day.

Incapacity entry: On account of its many stairs and steps, it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Pet coverage: Pets allowed, upon request.

Backside line

Neatest thing: The location proper within the coronary heart of the motion, and the distinctive fashion.

Worst factor: It may be slightly noisy within the mornings, as the world is residence to different companies and native residents (although it’s not a nasty factor to ensure you don’t miss a day of exploring).

Excellent for: Households, {couples} and mates who need the posh of a hotel coupled with the liberty and homeliness of a B&B.

Not proper for: Individuals who just like the round the clock service and all-inclusivity of a typical hotel.

Instagram from: One in every of The Dante Home’s eight balconies overlooking the historic sq. beneath.

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