ROMEO Napoli

ROMEO Napoli: A Connoisseur's Retreat Overlooking the Bay of Naples

ROMEO Napoli stands as a beacon of modern luxury and design amidst the vibrant, historic backdrop of Naples, offering guests a sophisticated and art-filled escape. This Michelin Key Selected property consistently garners praise for its striking aesthetics, exceptional service, and prime location, making it a highly recommended choice for discerning travelers.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for ROMEO Napoli is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "excellent" or "very good". Review scores are consistently high across categories such as cleanliness (9.4/10), comfort (9.5/10), and staff performance (9.2/10). While its value for money receives a slightly lower but still respectable 7.9/10, the overall sentiment points to a luxurious experience that largely meets or exceeds expectations. It is described as "cool, cosmopolitan and chic" and a "design hotel to fall for".

2. Key Highlights

Guests are consistently captivated by several standout features of ROMEO Napoli:

• Design & Art Collection: The hotel is a testament to contemporary design, featuring sleek glass and metal architecture, designer furnishings from the likes of Philippe Starck and Antonio Citterio, and an impressive personal art collection of the owner, Mr. Romeo, including Edo-period Japanese armor and contemporary Italian artworks. The hotel's interior design has been acknowledged for its excellence and contemporary vision.
• Rooftop Pool & Views: The tenth-floor rooftop infinity pool, LA TERRAZZA Krug, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Capri, and the bustling docks, providing a serene escape.
• La Spa Sisley Paris: The hotel's high-gloss, neon-flecked spa is a significant draw, offering a salt room, three Jacuzzis, two saunas, and a range of treatments designed for relaxation and well-being. Daily access to the spa is often included in room rates.
• Gourmet Gastronomy: The presence of a Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse Napoli, is a major highlight, alongside other quality dining and bar options.

3. Room Quality

The 79 individually furnished rooms, including suites, are praised for their comfort and sophisticated design. They feature dark wood flooring, Caprai fabrics, Don'do by Poltrona Frau chairs, and locally made Tramontano leather goods. Amenities typically include minibars, Nespresso coffee machines, flatscreen TVs, Bang & Olufsen telephones, and Balmain products. Guests often highlight the plush, king-sized beds with premium bedding and pillow menus, and high-tech modern bathrooms with designer toiletries and bidets. Many rooms offer stunning views of the harbor, the city, or even the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Some larger suites, like the Grand Suite Harbour View, offer exceptional vistas, while the Penthouse even includes a private sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi.

4. Dining Experience

ROMEO Napoli offers a distinguished culinary journey:

• Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse Napoli: Located on the ninth floor, this Michelin-starred restaurant (the first in Italy by Chef Ducasse) provides a refined dining experience with an adventurous and ever-changing tasting menu rooted in Mediterranean produce, focusing on natural ingredients and regional classics. Diners enjoy jaw-dropping views of the bay through floor-to-ceiling windows. The wine cellar boasts an impressive collection of 16,000 bottles from 1,500 producers.
• Breakfast: A daily à la carte breakfast, often included in the rate and overseen by Ducasse, is consistently lauded as "excellent" and "the best we have ever had in a hotel" by guests. It is served on the ninth floor, with guests noting the high quality of products.
• La Terrazza Krug: The rooftop pool club offers an all-day food menu, enhanced by an exclusive selection of Krug Champagne and crafted cocktails, providing a luxurious setting for light meals or aperitifs with stunning views.
• IL BAR: Situated in the lobby, IL BAR is an all-day dining spot with a prestigious wine cellar, offering small tastings and à la carte specialties.

5. Service & Staff

The service at ROMEO Napoli receives consistent praise, described as "exceptional," "professional," "friendly," and "peerlessly polite". Guests frequently comment on the staff's helpfulness, attentiveness, and knowledge, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. The staff's flexibility and attention to detail are also highlighted.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a prime waterfront location at 45 Via Cristoforo Colombo, directly overlooking the Port of Naples. This makes it an ideal base for exploring:

• Local Attractions: It's a short walk from the historic city center and within walking distance of landmarks such as Galleria Umberto I, Teatro di San Carlo, Royal Palace, and Via Toledo. Historic churches like Gesù Nuovo are less than a 15-minute walk away.
• Island Access: The proximity to the ferry port allows for convenient day trips to Capri and Ischia.
• Transport: Naples' Capodichino Airport is about 30 minutes away by car, and Napoli Centrale railway station is a 10-minute drive, with taxis readily available. Valet parking is also offered.

7. Value & Pricing

While ROMEO Napoli offers a luxury experience, the value for money rating is slightly lower at 7.9/10. Prices can be on the higher side, with rooms sometimes costing around €400 per night. However, guests often feel the exceptional service, design, amenities, and overall experience justify the cost, with many considering it worth the splurge for an "amazing high-end hotel". Rates usually include daily à la carte breakfast and access to the spa.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring minor issues have been noted:

• Aging of the Hotel: Some guests have mentioned that certain aspects of the hotel are starting to show their age, such as a non-functioning shower head in one instance.
• Breakfast Area Crowding: The breakfast area can sometimes feel small, leading to waits for seating and staff appearing "harassed" on occasion.
• Inconsistent Wi-Fi: A few guests have reported inconsistent internet connectivity.
• Disturbing Lighting: Automated bathroom lighting coming on at night has been cited as disturbing by some.
• Music Choice: The rap music in the cocktail bar was considered inappropriate by one reviewer.
• Room Size & Unexpected Charges: Some concerns have been raised regarding room size and unexpected charges, impacting the perceived value for money.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. slh.com
3. mrandmrssmith.com
4. michelin.com
5. theromeocollection.com
6. kayak.com
7. theromeocollection.com
8. expedia.com
9. elitetraveler.com
10. lucianopignataro.it