Best Western Hotel Paradiso

When we stayed here in 2013, we felt this hotel far exceeded our expectations - in service, quality and of course its remarkable situation. It has a superb, sweeping view across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius. As my review from that visit made clear, we felt we had discovered a gem - somewhere characterful and different - despite the hotel being part of the Best Western group. Thankfully, nothing can detract from the hotel's spectacular location - but in other respects, we were disappointed this time. Where once there were colourful rooms - gold and blue - reflecting the vibrancy of the city, now everything is grey... and just like a thousand other identikit hotel rooms around the world. The rooms remain clean and comfortable - just dull. Some of the longer serving staff have the old charm, but otherwise, there was a lack of warmth and attention to detail. Interestingly, the public areas of the hotel still retain some colour and character. The roof top restaurant is a totally missed opportunity - it could be one of the most attractive dining spots in the city, but again, looks rather more like a works canteen. We only ate breakfast there this time - it was nothing special and staff were conspicuous by their absence most of the time. The terrace is a great place to have the welcome drink which is offered on arrival (sometimes) - and the drinks came accompanied by some delicious freshly-prepared nibbles. The hotel is well located for walking down to the Mergellina harbour and into the city - there is also a funicular nearby to take you up and down - it runs until 10pm. This hotel is perfectly comfortable and adequate and no doubt we will stay there again if we return to Naples - for the view, for its location - but we left feeling a little sad... it is losing its special charm as the juggernaut of colourless, characterless hospitality evidently rolls on!

Hotel Paradiso is on Posillipo Hill with great views of Naples bay and Mt Vesuvius. The funiculare is just below (or going down) and above (for coming back from) Mergellina neighborhood. Outstanding breakfast buffet, excellent service at the front desk, and very nice restaurant.

Despite the cost I felt let down by this hotel. First of all despite booking a standard room (not cheap!), the bed and room was no more than a single size. There was a single room option when I made the booking, so God knows how small that room is! It was clean and functional however. The food in the restaurant is of a good standard, but generally most of the staff I encountered (reception and restaurant) were grumpy and surly! I felt guilty asking them anything as they looked so put out. Sorry aren't I the customer? A smile wouldn't go amiss. The main selling point of the hotel is the view of the Bay of Naples from the restaurant and terrace. I won't be staying at a Best Western hotel in future I'm afraid.