The Place
There are two compelling reasons for choosing the Miramare as your Naples base. The first is its owners, Enzo and Bibi Rosolino (attended by their comic-serious Skye terrier, Gavroche), whose warmth and charm filters through to their loyal, attentive staff. The second is the rooftop terrace, with sunloungers, capacious hammock and terrific views across the Bay of Naples to the Sorrento coast, Vesuvius and Capri.
You will have to ignore the roar of traffic on the lungomare below; this is Naples after all. In summer ‘an abundant and delicious’ breakfast, according to a reporter, is served here; you could also have a romantic dinner a deux, with dishes brought in from Cantinella, the excellent Michelin-starred restaurant belonging to Enzo’s brother next door (discount for hotel guests).The building, dating from 1914, is a gracious Liberty-style villa which served as the American Consulate before becoming a hotel, well known for its piano bar, The Shaker Club, in 1944.
Nowadays the lobby and breakfast room, in high romantic Neopolitan style, are resplendent in green, gold and red Venetian and Florentine silks. Bedrooms, which have been carefully redecorated in the same mood, are compact, but they have high ceilings and tall windows, as well as effective air conditioning and thoughtful extras such as kettles for tea and coffee and a supply of videos. The best have sea views.