Billed not as a hotel but as Luxury Accommodation, this 8-bedroom boutique guest house keeps itself as something of a secret to the outside world, tucked away inside a historic building. Without the flashy facade of an upscale hotel, you might wonder what you have let yourself in for, climbing four stories either in the building’s communal glass elevator or taking the imposing stone staircase. But what awaits on the other side is nothing short of a beautifully styled, friendly inner sanctum. The centro storico 18th-century palazzo was once home to a family of noble character, restored and reformatted in 2018 by owner Sebastiano Liotta.
Suites and bedrooms flank the central hallway, ranging in size and orientation, but each with its own quirky array of amenities. Some have huge chromotherapy whirlpool jacuzzi baths, while Minerva has a private sauna with an emotional shower. Room decor is minimal, colourful and contemporary, while the building’s legacy is preserved in the form of original wooden-beamed high ceilings that add cool contrast to the newer more modern design. Some rooms have large wooden shutters - the west-facing suites all overlook St. Elmo castle on the hill, while the smaller rooms each have external ‘Neopolitan’ blinds to keep the bright sun at bay during the warmer months.
Breakfast is an exciting affair, where pastries and different cakes are offered - a Neapolitan speciality you’ll see echoed in the city’s bakeries. A smoothie machine means health kicks can’t be compromised; you can order eggs to your liking, as well as barista-style coffee. For a stylish stay in a city that never stops partying, Artemisia Domus is a sleek spot in a colourfully authentic neighbourhood where personalised service is made possible due to its boutique nature and where Italian conviviality meets historical grandeur.
Time Out tip: Do what you can to book the Cleopatra room, a sumptuous spot with an in-built bar station, stand-alone exercise bike and fresco-decorated walls.
Address: Via dei Carrozzieri a Monteoliveto, 13 80134 - Napoli
Price: £150 per night based on two people sharing
Closest transport: Sant’Anna dei Lombardi bus stop, Università metro