Fodor's 2009 - Italy

Chiaja Hotel de Charme.
A two-minute walk from Piazza Plebiscito takes you to this hotel in a spruced-up 18th-century palazzo. It has a very colorful history, as part of the building was once a brothel. Above the fireplace in the homely entrance hall is a portrait of the marchese Nivola Le Caldano Sasso III, original owner of the building; his grandson Mimì now runs the place. Rooms are small but filled with opulent period furnishings. Savor the momento napoletano in the late afternoon when regional cakes are offered. Pros: Central location, friendly staff. Cons: Some rooms are small, noise from traffic.