Italy, in general, is no stranger to contemporary design, to say the least, but Naples has always been a different story. Never the most forward-looking city, it’s nevertheless now developing a bit of a modern streak — and a hotel like the Romeo couldn’t have existed any sooner.
With a location between the harbor and the old town the Romeo certainly isn’t hiding itself away. And with a design by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange and a graphics and branding concept by the London-based Pentagram it’s out to make an impression. The artworks and photographs are by contemporary Italian artists, and the furniture and fittings come from the likes of Philippe Starck and Antonio Citterio.
You certainly can’t fault the Romeo’s comforts, from king-sized beds swaddled in silk to Bang & Olufsen electronics and high-tech modern bathrooms. They’re more stylish than is strictly necessary for business travelers, and far too well-equipped for the average tourist — a couple of suites even feature in-room exercise equipment, and there’s even a four-room spa — which sounds to us like a winning combination. And in Naples you’d expect the culinary experience to come front and center: Il Comandante is the rooftop restaurant, serving regional dishes with views of Vesuvius and Capri, and the lobby, charmingly, features a remarkably authentic sushi bar.
author watson@mouselink.net, source www.tablethotels.com
