The Romeo Hotel, Naples

Since it opened in 2008, the Romeo Hotel has provided a contemporary boutique alternative to traditional Naples establishments such as the Excelsior and the Grand Hotel Vesuvio. Housed within a 10-story building that glistens with polished metal and glass, the 83-room property overlooks the port and cruise ship terminals.

We received a cordial welcome from young and obliging staff in the chic black stone lobby. Our spacious Studio Corner room was flooded with light from large windows that afforded a view of the bay. The room’s spare modern décor combined dark wood floors with pale wood paneling, and both the living room and the bedroom featured fabrics in a soothing shade of pistachio. The well-equipped bath came with an inviting deep oval tub. Overall, we were comfortable, but the lack of carpet in the bedroom made our accommodations feel a little stark.

From our chaises longues, we were able to take in the Bay of Naples and the double cone of Vesuvius.

The hotel has three dining venues. Located on the top floor, Il Comandante offers panoramic views and an inventive menu that recently earned a Michelin star. Chef Salvatore Bianco attempts to inform his Neapolitan heritage with “Oriental tastes and techniques.” We tried the risotto with provola cheese, broccoli, smoked duck and a rich meat sauce, followed by beef sirloin with zucchini and octopus mayonnaise. Both were excellent. A floor below, the Beluga Skybar & Restaurant offers more traditional fare — we sampled rings of pasta with a lively puttanesca sauce — as well as a selection of caviar. Just off the lobby, the Romeo Sushi Bar & Restaurant is widely regarded as the best in Naples.

We spent one happy afternoon sitting in the sunshine beside the long, narrow rooftop pool. From our chaises longues, we were able to take in the Bay of Naples, the double cone of Vesuvius and a procession of cruise ships heading out into the Mediterranean. Indeed, for those who are embarking or disembarking, the Romeo is exceptionally convenient. But the Excelsior is just a five-minute taxi ride away, and, despite its lack of a pool, is unquestionably my first choice.

AT A GLANCE

LIKE: The rooftop pool; the variety of restaurants; the obliging staff.

DISLIKE: The stretch of waterfront on which the hotel is situated is not particularly attractive.

GOOD TO KNOW: For a view of the bay, it is necessary to secure a room on the fifth floor or above.

Romeo Hotel 88 Studio Corner, $400; Suite, from $425. Via Cristoforo Colombo 45, Naples. Tel. (39) 081-017-5002.