Naples Travel Forum

I read today a bunch of reviews of the hotel and area from another travel site and out of 50 or so that I read three people posted that they had been held up at knifepoint right in front of the hotel. This really sounds nuts to me. Is this a bad area and is something like this possible right in front of the hotel??

It is, of course, possible for such a thing to happen in many, many cities all over the world........but highly unlikely, and very, very unusual.

I really don't think you should be worried by one review out of 50: the fact that it is just one should, perhaps, indicate that you should regard it with some caution (if the area was unsalubrious then other reviews would mention the fact). Pinches of salt are often required when reading information on the internet. Though not on VT, of course! :-)

Seriously, just use the same common sense when you are in Naples as in any other big city anywhere in the world.

When I was in Naples a couple of weeks back I had a great time and encountered no problems. That said I know it has a reputation as not a safe city and standard precautions apply. Do not wear expensive jewelery or clothes, keep cameras etc hidden, use the hotel safe, take a big showy bag out but keep valuables next to the skin, look like you can take care of yourself. Keep eyes & ears open and if the worst happens scream and yell but sacrifice belongings to avoid personal injury!

The Excelsior looks a rather grand place, considerations of safety apart its location is not particularly convenient. You would be better in the Centro Storico. If you are stuck with the Excelsior ask the Hotel staff if there are problems & keep fairly early hours at night.

Do not let the unfortunate incidents spoil it for you, bad things always make the headlines whilst thousand of happy tourists never have any trouble.

Check out my pages on Naples for some recent tips.