Grand Hotel Vesuvio

Grand Hotel Vesuvio was built in 1882, and immediately became the classic Naples hotel. Guests in the early years included Oscar Wilde, Guy de Maupassant, and Enrico Caruso, who spent his last night here in 1921, continuing a rich tradition of artistic figures dying in grand hotels. The hotel was nearly destroyed by bombardment during the Second World War, and was painstakingly reconstructed, reopening in 1950; it was no less a hit, hosting the likes of Rita Hayworth and Grace Kelly. And since then the Grand Hotel Vesuvio has been the lodging of choice in Naples for film stars, statesmen and the like.

But enough gossip; this isn’t a tabloid story—what matters is the hospitality, the stately old building, and the views over the Bay of Naples, overlooking Sorrento, the island of Capri, and Vesuvio itself. The rooms are unapologetically old-world, while facilities are completely modern, with a custom line of bath amenities, and satellite television vying for attention against the sublime views. Guess which wins.

The restaurant is named for Mr. Caruso, a gourmand if ever there was one, and its spectacular setting atop the ninth floor threatens to overshadow the cuisine. The Echia Club is the hotel’s fitness and relaxation center, complete with Bulgari amenities—fitness addicts can sate their cravings in the cardio room, but given the decadent nature of the Grand Hotel, our guess is that most guests will emphasize the relaxation and spa services.