Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo

This review does not reflect the staff of this hotel, who consistently provide exceptional customer service. My issue lies with the hotel’s operations. If your work brings you to Naples, this is not an ideal place for a long-term stay. The rooms do not meet five-star standards. The bathroom was so small that I had to step into the tiny hallway to dry off, as I kept bumping my arms on things inside. As a lifetime Bonvoy member, I was given a king room, but the bed was too large for the cramped space. The photos clearly used a wide-angle lens to make the room appear bigger than it is. Additionally, as a world traveler, this is the first Marriott I’ve stayed at that does not provide free water. Given Naples’ high temperatures and humidity, water is essential, yet the hotel expects guests to purchase it from the mini fridge. Once again, I must emphasize that the staff and people at this hotel are outstanding. The problem lies with the facility’s operations. On my next visit, I will definitely consider staying elsewhere.

Nice hotel (pool and sauna on top, with beautiful rooftop views!), but unfortunately we were ripped off by the taxi the hotel called us. I asked the front desk to help the two of us reserve a taxi to the airport for the next morning, 5:30am, which they happily did after asking how many bags (2), and if we would need to pay via card (yes).

We checked out the next morning quickly, and they let us know the taxi was just outside. And indeed a white van with a taxi sign on top was just outside, doors open and ready for us. This was the first and only taxi we used in Napoli so maybe I missed it, but once inside, I did not see a meter, and there was no usual signage in the car that taxis normally have- just a regular car inside. Once we got to the airport, surprise surprise- he asks 35€ for the 12 MINUTE ride. And the cherry on top, no cards, he asked for cash. I didn’t bother to fight it as I just wanted to get to our plane on time. (For reference, a taxi ride from the ferry port, which is farther away and a 20-30min. trip to the airport, is always 21€)

There is of course a chance this taxi was not the one the hotel ordered, but- the hotel has no excuse in this case either. The front desk has a clear view of where the taxi picks you up at the front, and there were multiple staff present and no other customers at the time to occupy them. If there is a pattern of this happening, the staff absolutely need to be proactive in making sure guests get to the taxi they’ve helped to order.

I see now reviews from others who also had a bad experience with taxis reserved by the hotel, so the cynicist in me wonders if the hotel staff has a sweetheart deal with some shadier drivers who are happy to take advantage of travelers.