Naples is not a rough or dirty place if you can stay somewhere like La Controra Flashpackers Hostel -- it's a peaceful and funky hostel in the central historic area.
The Location
The location of the hostel is pretty good -- it's only a few minutes from the metro station and an easy walk to the city centre (the main museum is only about five minutes away). There are some really good pizza places nearby for famous Naples pizza. There are lots of small food shops nearby and the closest supermarket is at the next metro stop and can also be reached by bus. The metro, which closes as 11 p.m., can be very slow as the service runs only every twelve minutes or so -- plus you have to take two lines, which can take up to forty minutes for three stops. If you can comfortably walk up hill for ten minutes with your luggage, you can do it from Cavour to S.Rosa.
Rooms and Bathrooms
All of the rooms are large, bright, and airy with really good lighting. Each bed in the dorms has its own light and there are large lockers that fit even the biggest suitcases and backpacks (you will need your own lock or can borrow one with a deposit from the reception). The beds are new and comfy and there are chairs and tables as well in the rooms. The paint is fresh and funky and everything is modern.
The bathrooms are very clean, however, they don't seem to be big on locks -- we guess you just have to trust that no one is going to walk in on you. The water pressure and scalding/freezing water are the only letdowns of this hostel.
Common Spaces
There are four large common spaces at the hostel, including a TV room with three computers that you pay for by the hour. You can borrow movies to watch from reception -- they have about thirty or so. The there is the kitchen which has a few high tables for meals/drinking, and then at the back there is a large bar with tables, chairs, and sofas. All three of these rooms lead off to a large enclosed garden with decking, chairs, and a BBQ. This is a perfect area to chill out in the sun and recover from your hangover and rest your tired feet from Pompeii. In winter, during our stay, it was quite quiet, although there were enough people with whom to have some drinks and head out to the local bars. We assume that in summer the hostel would be bursting with life.
Another feature of the hostel is that in summer they often have DJs play at the hostel -- the only downside is that the kitchen and the common rooms generally have a rule of closing at midnight and some staff can be tough about this. If they were to open until 3 a.m. or so, it would make this the perfect hostel.
Summary
Compared to the same priced hostels in Milan, Verona, Venice, Rome, and Florence, this hostel is far superior and is a clean and fresh oasis in dirty Naples (although it is in a nice area). The staff are friendly and helpful. The hostel is super clean and funky. This is what a hostel should inspire to be -- somewhere that people want to come back to and also recommend to friends. It is a great place to stay in Naples.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2008
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