Naples B&B Near University: Your Perfect Italian Escape!
Naples B&B Near University: Okay, So… Here’s the Real Deal (Italian Edition!) - A Review That’s Probably Too Long
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average, sterile hotel review. This is a messy, honest, and probably-too-detailed dive into Naples B&B Near University. And after my whirlwind trip, I'm feeling all the feels! (And needing a nap. Seriously.)
Overall Impression: Let's be honest; Naples is a chaotic, beautiful, and utterly intense city. This B&B? Well, it's a decent, albeit a little wonky, basecamp for exploring the madness. Think… well, think of it as a slightly rough-around-the-edges Italian grandma's home, where you're never quite sure what you'll get (in a good way, mostly!).
Rooms: The Cozy Confines (And the Occasional Mystery)
Available in All Rooms (and some… questionable plumbing): Okay, let's get real. My room, which boasted a spectacular view of… another building, had all the essentials. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Blessedly check. Mini-bar? Yup, and I may or may not have accidentally drank a slightly questionable soda at 3 am. (Score: 3/5)
Additional Toilet: Hallelujah! One of the little, glorious moments of the trip was having this. So good!
Air conditioning: Necessary. Trust me, you need it, especially in the summer.
Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone: All present, all working (though I admit, I didn't use the bathroom phone. Who even uses those anymore?).
Bathtub: Nice, but small; and the water pressure was a bit of a gamble.
Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet: The real MVPs when you need to escape the relentless Neapolitan sun.
Caffe/Tea Maker, Complimentary Tea: This is ITALY! Thank goodness there was coffee. Thank god, I needed it.
Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed: Essential, convenient, and surprisingly comfortable.
Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box: Standard fare.
Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens: Okay, the LAN cable was a bit dusty, but Wi-Fi worked like a charm. The Iron was just… there.
Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies: Didn't use the movies, but the minibar was stocked enough to make me smile.
Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature: All totally functional.
Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers: Fine.
Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa: A bit of a weird sofa.
Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella: Okay, the umbrella was a godsend - it rained when I got there!
Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.: They all worked.
(Emotional Response): Look, the room was… fine. Not the Ritz, but it had everything I needed. It felt more like a really well-appointed apartment which has its charms. The only REAL complaint? The soundproofing wasn't stellar. I could occasionally hear the passionate arguments (or maybe just loud conversations) from the neighboring rooms. Purely anecdotal, but very Italian.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Slightly) Reassuring in a Chaotic City
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service: They definitely said they used antiviral stuff. Breakfast in room? Yes! Breakfast takeaway? Yes! Cashless payment? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer: Plenty of hand sanitizer stations, and that made me feel a little safer.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services: They were REALLY pushing the safety thing.
- Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Okay, they definitely taking things seriously.
- Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Yes, yes, and yes. (Emotional Response): Look, Naples isn't exactly known for its pristine cleanliness. But this B&B tried. The hand sanitizer was plentiful, and I saw staff wiping down surfaces constantly. It wasn't clinical, but it was reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventurer’s Soul
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Don't expect a Michelin-starred experience, but the a la carte options were solid.
Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee Shop: The breakfast buffet? Decent, but not spectacular. The coffee, however, was genuinely good.
Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants: The restaurant had some good options.
Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Convenient for a quick bite.
(Emotional Response): The breakfast! Okay, listen. The croissants were stale. The coffee was the saving grace. The eggs? Pre-made. It was a standard European breakfast, but I found myself wanting more. The restaurant was alright, and the coffee was the best thing.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag, Like Italian Traffic
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out: Super convenient for the COVID-19 times.
Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator: The elevator was tiny, but it worked!
Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: The gift shop was small, but the souvenirs were actually nice!
Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities: Ironing service for my slightly-creased-from-travel shirts!
Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes: Didn't use any of this, but it's there.
Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: They're super prepared!
(Emotional Response): The concierge was super helpful, offering up a ton of tips on exploring the city. I also appreciate the on-site ATM. The doorman, by the way, was a character! He seemed to know everyone and had the best stories about Naples.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Minimal, But That’s Okay
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage: None of these were actually available.
Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool was missing, but I'm not exactly sure if they even had a pool.
(Emotional Response): Honestly, this isn't the place for a spa day. Naples is the spa. Just wandering the streets, absorbing the energy, and eating pizza is enough to relax.
For the Kids: (I Didn’t Have Any, But…)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Family-friendly, but no babysitting!
Accessibility: (A Mixed Bag, Again)
Wheelchair accessible: Well, the main entrance was accessible, but inside was another story. The hallways are a bit narrow.
Elevator: Okay, the elevator seems to serve its purpose.
Facilities for disabled guests: Didn't use any of the facilities, so I can't comment on how much they are helpful!
(Emotional Response): This isn't the easiest place to get around if you have mobility issues.
Getting Around: (Naples Traffic is the Real Challenge)
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: The airport transfer was super useful, however, I didn't need any of the other amenities!
- Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: If you're driving in Naples, good luck. (Emotional Response): The location is convenient for getting around.
(More Stream-of-Consciousness Rambling)
Okay, so, the real question: Would I go back?
Yes
Phuket Paradise Found: Sea Hills Resort's Unbeatable Luxury
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to descend into the gloriously chaotic reality of a trip to Naples, fueled by questionable coffee, questionable decisions, and the absolute unwavering belief that pizza is a legitimate food group. My home base? B&B Universita Naples. Prepare to be immersed.
Itinerary: Naples, the Beautiful Beast
Day 1: Arrival, Aroma, and Accidental Arugula
Morning (Because, let's be honest, who RELIABLY wakes up early on vacation?):
- Reality: Drag my jet-lagged carcass from the airport. The air hits me like a warm, garlic-infused hug – Naples, you are already assaulting my senses in the best possible way. The B&B's supposed to be a quick taxi ride, except…the Google Maps in the driver's phone went bonkers. We ended up doing a scenic tour of the back alleys, punctuated by frantic Italian gesturing and me silently praying for a clean bathroom. (The driver was lovely, bless him, even if he was singing opera at 7 AM.)
- Arrival at B&B Universita: Finally. Up three flights of stairs (no lift – welcome to authentic Italy!), and…it's charming. "Charming" as in, the wallpaper is peeling in a very aesthetically pleasing way. The owner, a woman named Maria who looks like she's seen things (and possibly judged them), greets me with such warmth, I almost cry. Her English is… "functional." My Italian is… "existed in a previous life but was probably terrible." We make it work. She gives me a key shaped like a tiny pizza cutter. I am sold.
- First Impressions: The room is small, but the window opens onto a chaotic, sun-drenched street. Laundry is strung across balconies like brightly coloured battle flags. People are yelling. Scooters are weaving. This is it. This is the real deal.
- Rambling Thought: Can I survive for a week in a city that seems to demand I eat, drink, and loudly express my opinions 24/7? Challenge accepted.
Afternoon: Food, Glorious Food (and That Pesky Arugula)
- Mission: Find the best pizza in the universe. Start with a recommendation from Maria (who insists, with a dramatic flourish, that it's "the best pizza in Naples!").
- The Pizza Quest: The pizzeria is packed. Absolutely jam-packed. I manage to snag a place at a tiny table, where a kindly old gentleman with a booming laugh keeps trying to feed me his mozzarella. It's glorious. The pizza arrives: thin, crispy crust, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella. Pure. Bliss.
- The Arugula Incident: I, in my eagerness to embrace all things Italian, order a side salad. It arrives, a mountain of… arugula. Now, I'm not a huge arugula fan. I politely pick at it, feeling slightly judged by the salad. I try. I try. I failed. I ended up leaving like 90% of the arugula on my plate. Shame.
- Emotional Reaction: Pizza: ecstatic. Arugula: existential dread.
Evening:
- Wandering: I wander (lost, of course), stumble upon a charming little alleyway with a tiny church and a million tiny shops. I buy a slightly terrifying-looking, very cheap leather bag. I have no regrets.
- Sunset: Watch the sunset with a lemon granita (tangy heaven) from a street vendor. The sky explodes in colour. Naples is showing off, and I am here for it.
Day 2: Underground, Overwhelmed, and the Miracle of Coffee
Morning:
- Breakfast Fail (Sort Of): The B&B promises breakfast. It delivers…strong coffee, questionable pastries, and a lot of eye contact with other guests who clearly understand this is a negotiation between hope and reality.
- The Underground Tour: I've booked a tour of Naples' underground city. I'm expecting ancient ruins and fascinating history.
- The Cold, Dark Truth: Claustrophobia. Seriously. Down in those passageways, the air thickens, the silence gets heavy, and I start to question everything. Still, the history is fascinating. I learn about the city's past and see Roman ruins.
- Emotional Reaction: First: panic. Second: immense respect for the city's resilience. Third: coffee. Lots of coffee.
- Coffee Break: Back at my B&B to rest my brain and get another coffee – Maria makes the best coffee and this is the only coffee she makes, and I'm so glad I got to experience it.
Afternoon:
- Spaccanapoli Exploration:
- The Street That Cuts The City in Two: I wander down Spaccanapoli, a narrow street that is the soul of Naples. It's a sensory overload: laundry hanging overhead, scooters whizzing by, street performers belting out opera, food vendors hawking everything from fried pizza to sfogliatella pastries. I feel like I'm in a movie. And a very crowded one.
- More Rambles: I get serenaded by a surprisingly good accordion player. I buy a handmade Christmas ornament (in July – don't judge). I get lost. Again. I love it.
- A Small Disaster (and a Recovery): I, in my enthusiasm, accidentally knock a stack of pastries out of a baker's hand. He stares at me. I stammer a frantic apology in my terrible Italian. He bursts out laughing and gives me a free sfogliatella. Naples forgives all.
- Emotional Reaction: Mortified. Then, relief. Then, sugar rush.
- Spaccanapoli Exploration:
Evening:
- Dinner: I'm craving pizza, which is pretty much every waking moment. I find a little trattoria on a side street that looks promising. It is. The pasta is incredible. The wine flows freely. I strike up a conversation with the couple at the next table, who are, miraculously, from my hometown. Small world, big pizza.
- Nightcap: Limoncello. Of course.
Day 3: Pompeii's Echoes, Vesuvius' Vista, and the Quiet Moments
Morning:
- Pompeii's Majesty: Day trip to Pompeii. The train is packed. The journey is chaotic. But then… Pompeii. The scale of the place is staggering. To walk through the ruins, to see the homes, the streets, to almost feel their presence, is truly humbling.
- The Dark Side: I see the casts of the people, frozen in their final moments. It hits me hard. The gravity of the tragedy. The fleeting nature of life.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed, sad, and in awe.
- Rambling Thought: How did they even live here? It's so quiet now.
Afternoon:
- Vesuvius' View: Hike up Mount Vesuvius. The path is steep. The air is thin. But the view… the view is worth every shaky breath. The Bay of Naples sprawls below, sparkling in the sunlight. It's breathtaking.
- A Moment of Peace: At the summit, I sit in silence for a moment and just… breathe. Naples, with all its chaos and beauty, unfolds before me. It makes me feel connected to the place -- I understand why people have lived here for so long.
Evening:
- Quiet Night: A quiet pasta dinner at a small restaurant near the B&B. I read a book in the Giardino Universita the garden beside my B&B -- it's so quiet, but also loud with life.
Day 4 - 7: The Slow Unravel, the Final Bites, and a Sad Goodbye (For Now)
- Days 4-6: The Rhythm Takes Hold:
- The Routine: Waking up to the chaotic symphony of Naples. Coffee (always coffee). Wandering. Eating. Getting lost. Laughing. The city, once a whirlwind, starts to feel…familiar.
- Specific Adventures:
- Day 4 - The Market: The boisterous, colourful, chaotic market of Mercato di Poggioreale. I buy some local scarola, a leafy green vegetable. It will be a disaster when I try to cook it.
- Day 5 - The Museum: Museo Archeologico Nazionale – the archaeological museum. So many art pieces of incredible people!
- Day 6 - The Shore: A trip down the coast to Posillipo, the most beautiful part of Naples. I swim in the blue water of the bay. I get a perfect sunset.
- Day 7 - The Heartbreak: The last day. The realization that I'll be leaving this crazy, wonderful place soon. I buy a final pizza, a final gelato, a final espresso. I sit on a bench and
Naples B&B Near the University: Ask Away! (Or Don't, I'll Answer Anyway)
Okay, Seriously, Is it *Really* Near the University?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. "Near the University" in Italy can mean anything from a hop, skip, and a jump to, well, a decent bus ride. Yes, YES, it's actually pretty bloomin' close. I mean, closer than I am to losing my keys, which is a daily occurrence. You can practically roll out of bed and stumble into a lecture hall (I wouldn't recommend it, mind you, unless you’re prepared for some serious side-eye from the professors). Think… maybe a 10-15 minute walk, tops. It's not like you're trekking across the entire city – thank the gods for small mercies!
What's the Breakfast Situation Like? Please, Tell Me It's Not Just Dry Toast.
Dry toast? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! This is Naples! Look, one of the most vivid and real experiences of my life was taking a bite of a fresh cornetto there - I swear, angels sang! The breakfast, my friends, is THE REASON you're going to this B&B. Okay, maybe not THE only reason, the pizza is also a strong contender. BUT, the breakfast... It's a feast. You're going to have coffee that will kickstart your soul (and maybe keep you up all day), pastries that are so melt-in-your-mouth good you'll cry (I did), and maybe *some* toast, but it'll be the good kind, the kind that's practically slathered in butter and dreams. Don't expect a Michelin-star experience, but expect real Neapolitan hospitality and a good start to your day. My only "complaint"? I always ate WAY too much. I needed to loosen my belt a notch *every* single morning. Worth it.
Will I Be Able to Speak English? Because My Italian is... Well, It Doesn't Exist.
Okay, deep breaths. We've all been there. My Italian mostly consists of "Ciao!" and a frantic pointing at the menu. The B&B probably has *some* English speakers. Maybe the owner, maybe a staff member. But let's be realistic: Embrace the adventure! Part of the charm of being in Italy, especially in a city like Naples, is the slightly chaotic, charming, "lost in translation" moments. Get Google Translate ready, learn a few key phrases (thank you, please, and *where's the bathroom* are essential!), and prepare to mime your way through some conversations. Honestly, it’s half the fun! I once spent a solid 15 minutes trying to explain I wanted a bottle of water, and ended up with a bottle of sparkling water. We laughed, I drank it, and it was a memory I wouldn't trade for anything.
Is it Clean? Really Clean? Because I'm a Germaphobe (Sort Of).
Okay, I understand. We all want clean, especially in a city that can be... *spirited*. From my experience, the B&B *is* generally clean. Not hospital-sterile, mind you. This isn't a sterile, soul-crushing chain hotel. It’s an Italian B&B! But the rooms are cleaned regularly. The bathrooms were… passable. Let’s say I didn’t feel the urge to scrub everything with bleach after using it, which is a win. But if you're a germaphobe, maybe pack some extra sanitizing wipes. Just in case. And for extra peace of mind, I'd suggest keeping my expectations a bit… flexible, you know? But really, it was all good.
How Safe is the Area, Especially at Night? My Mom is Already Worried.
Right, the elephant in the room: Safety. Naples has a reputation, and it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, okay? Is it perfectly safe? No. Is it *terrifying*? Also no. It's a city. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash expensive jewelry. Don't wander down dark alleyways at 3 AM. Use common sense. The area around the university is generally okay – more lively than dangerous. The hustle and bustle will make you feel safer than wandering down an empty backstreet in any city at night. But take the same precautions you would in any big city. Be smart, be aware, and listen to your gut. Tell your mom you'll be careful. Then go eat amazing pizza! But seriously, it’s a city. There are always risks. But I felt reasonably secure, and I'm a pretty cautious person by nature.
How Do I Get Around? Are Taxis Expensive?
Okay, Naples is a city you REALLY need to experience getting lost in. But let's get practical. Taxis? Can be expensive, and maybe a little… *spirited* in their driving style. Think Mario Kart, but with horns. Public transport? It's there. The metro is pretty good, and the bus network is… well, let's just say it's an adventure. You WILL get lost. You WILL end up on the wrong bus. You WILL witness some incredible scenes (mostly involving passionate Italians gesturing wildly). Embrace it! Walking is also a great option, especially near the university. Seriously, the best pizza places are tucked away down narrow streets you'd never find unless you were wandering aimlessly. So, mix it up. Walk, get lost, take the metro (learn Italian, and the metro is the most fun), use a taxi when you're tired. Just... prepare for the ride. And don't forget to have Google Maps handy. Just in case.
Anything I Shouldn't Miss?
Oh, honey, where do I EVEN begin! You absolutely MUST get pizza. Naples is the birthplace, and it's legendary. Don't even bother with anything fancy, find a local spot, eat it with your hands, and thank me later. Pompeii is a must-see, it's a short train ride, and it's absolutely mind-blowing. The Duomo? Stunning. The Spaccanapoli (the long, narrow street)? Get lost in it! The food? Okay, I already mentioned pizza, but there's sfogliatella, babà... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Do yourself a favor and just eat everything. Don’t be afraid to wander. And for heaven's sake, take a boat trip to Capri! Yes, it's touristy, but the views are spectacular. Don't over-plan. Leave room for spontaneity. And above all else, be prepared to fall in love with Naples. I did. Several times.
