Between the 16-24 April 2026 I stayed in the Grand Hotel Santa Lucia, in Naples. The hotel (with breakfast) was pre-booked with a New Scientist Discovery Tours entitled “Uncovering Vesuvius, Pompeii and Ancient Naples“, and organised by Kirker Holidays. This trip included…
18 April – National Archaeological Museum (my review)
19 April – Visit to Pompeii (my review)
20 April – Visit to Herculaneum (my review) and Villa Oplontis (my review)
21 April – Visit to Mount Vesuvius (my review)
And I added 3 more days:-
17 April – Visit to the Royal Palace of Capodimonte (my review)
22 April – Making Pizza Napolitano and Tiramisu (my review)
23 April – Visit to Paestum (my review)
This particular post provides a general introduction to Naples, using the small historical area of Borgo Santa Lucia as a reference point. It then moves on to describe Piazza del Plebiscito as a kind of navigation tool to the royal history of the city.
Troubles Arriving in Naples
On the 11 April 2026 it was announced that Lufthansa cabin crew would go on strike on Monday-Tuesday (13-14 April). Then on Tuesday 14th April, it was announced that pilots would go on strike on the 15-16 April. I was going to fly on the 16th, and I received a message that my flight was cancelled, and I could cancel with full refund, or rebook. I did have some flexibility, so I rebooked with Lufthansa for the 17th. I did have to cancel an extra museum tour I had planned, and I cancelled the hotel for the night of the 16th.
Late on 15th I received another message from Lufthansa telling me my flight on the 17th was cancelled, and did I want a full refund or rebook. Rebooking would have ment that I would miss days in the my main tour package, so I took the full refund.
I had seen during my planning that Luxair flew direct to Naples twice weekly. I had not taken this option because the return flight was problematic. But now (around 23:00 on 15th April) I booked a seat on the Luxair flight to Naples at 07:15 on following morning. I had also to mail the hotel to re-book a room for the 16th, and I could rebook the tour I had planned for the 17th.
Naturally, in cancelling my Lufthansa flight to Naples, they cancelled my return flight, so I finally had to book a new return flight back to Luxembourg, via Linate.
Airport to Hotel
Capodichino is the name of the district in Naples where the airport is located, and capo just means a small raised area, like a hilltop.
Ugo Niutta was an Italian World War I pilot, born in Naples in 1889 and killed in action on 3 July 1916 over Borgo Valsugana (Trentino).
The last time I flew into Naples was in 2003 Naples, and I don’t remember much about it, but by all accounts the airport was overcrowded and generally a poor experience.
My taxi driver told me that after 2010 the terminal has been modernised and overall cleanliness and efficiency noticeably improved. Even so, it remains a “tight” airport sitting on a small piece of land surrounded by a working class area and local industry.
My taxi took the scenic route, but I got a cheap language lesson to start getting my Italian back up to speed.
The Hotel
The Grand Hotel Santa Lucia is a historic luxury hotel set along the scenic waterfront of Naples, offering 4-star accommodations with sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and the iconic Castel dell’Ovo.
On Booking the hotel scored an 8.8 on 572 reviews, and on TripAdvisor is scored 4.4, from 1,938 reviews.
Broadly speaking the reviews highlighted that the hotel offered a good mix of value, comfort and convenience. I would certainly concur with the fact that the housekeeping was excellent, with a real attention to detail. The bath towels were of excellent quality, and despite the bathroom being a little tight, the walk-in shower was ample and good. The desk was useful, but the chair was uncomfortable. I often criticise hotels for their poor TV options, but here Sky was available. However, for some bizarre reason I never switched on the TV.
Many reviewers were happy with the plentiful breakfast buffet, with international options and local pastries served in a pleasant breakfast room.
Reception and Check-In
Here we can see the reception and lobby, with the breakfast room just off on the left.
I would highlight the efficiency of the reception. I had a tour pre-booking for 6 nights, and I was able (for a price) to book one day before and two days after my tour. Due to travel problems I had to cancel the first day, then later reconfirm. I also finally arrived at around 10:30 on my first day, and found my room ready and waiting.
The reception area was not that welcoming or comfortably disposed, but as a group we were able to meet together before leaving each day for a tours. Through the door at the back there was a library, that remained dark and unused throughout my stay. To the right there was a bar and restaurant. I never saw anyone at the bar, but we did dine once in the restaurant, which I would class as averagely disappointing (although the swordfish was well prepared).
We also had a perfectly functional meeting room, with the usual daily problems to connect the wall TV the laptop (but quickly resolved each day by changing the cable and a reboot).
The Bedroom
The bedroom was spacious and comfortable. The bed was a bit soft for my liking. I prefer a hard mattress and a really thick topper. There was a useful USB-C charging point on one side of the bed. There was also a good sized wall-safe.
Housekeeping was excellent.
Situated on the top floor of the (5th) on the side of the building, I did not expect much of a view. But I was surprised…
The Bathroom
The bathroom was a bit tight, but perfectly functional. A good shower, great towels, and a plus for the face towels.
The Breakfast
Breakfast from 07:00 which was nice, and the ladies serving the coffee were friendly.
The buffet looked complete, but somehow it did not inspire me. Don’t know why. I just went with some cut fruit, and some bread, butter and orange marmalade.
I like to get my own coffee, but here you had to order it. The ladies quickly understood that I needed 3 or 4 cappuccinos to wake me up in the morning.
Conclusion
There is little to say, the hotel was part of my tour package. And it was perfectly acceptable, even an upmarket choice.
The cost of my extra 3 nights, was perhaps a touch more expensive than expected. But not excessive, and certain it was less than for an equivalent hotel in Rome or Florence. Being on the waterfront is always an expensive option.
I would certain recommend the hotel, but only if I could explain the pro’s and con’s.
Would I stay there again? Why not, but I would certainly look at alternatives such as the Grand Hotel Vesuvio next door, or the more design-focused ROMEO Napoli.
