Hotel San Francesco Al Monte

Beautiful hotel, it felt like we were staying in a museum. Take the time to explore the floors of the hotel, it's quite lovely. I wish this hotel was down on the Bay of Naples in a more desirable walking area. However, the views from this hotel are second to none.

Very good - nice view and great terrace

Very pleasant hotel in a remarkable centuries-old building on a hillside overlooking Naples. The top level outdoor pool and bar was not yet open when we stayed (April), but would be lovely when available (they were preparing it), and has a wonderful view. Staff were very helpful, and the accommodation was very good, especially considering the quirks which are inevitable in a building of this age. A word about getting to and from the hotel .... Guests should recognise that the hotel is high above the centre of Naples, so that although Via Toledo (one of the main shopping streets) appears close by on the map, it's actually a very long way down through a slightly edgy area. More to the point, you wouldn't walk to walk back up all those steps. Access is therefore either by cab, or by funicular. These are very useful, frequent, and good fun. There are two near the hotel - turn left and walk 5 minutes for one, turn right and walk five minutes for the other. Going up, one goes to one end of Via Toledo, and the other ends up close to the other end (and also close to a Metro station. Going up, they both finish up in the same area (Vomero), which is very pleasant and has the useful Vanvitelli Metro station. So, get a public transport pass, use the funiculars, and all is fine.

The hotel had cool historical significance being an ex-convent and built into a cliff, but it lacked some basic comforts. I was disappointed to learn, upon check out when the elevator was on the fritz and took my to the top floor instead of down, that there was a rooftop lounge area. I was not told about this during check in and I even called the front desk to ask if there was a common area from which I could view part of St. Elmo castle. They told me that there was not, but actually you can see it from the 7th floor. PROS: Close to 400gradi Di Ciro & Salvio Rapuano (the most amazing pizzeria). The neighborhood above the hotel is nice and walkable. CONS: Furniture was old, shower features didn't work, reception was not super helpful.

The al Monte is a great hotel choice for Naples. It is loaded with character. Every room, as far as I can tell, is a view room. The top-floor pool area is spectacular. The front desk is most pleasant.