A perfect place from which to explore the most interesting parts of Naples and beyond. Ester and Luca are gracious and helpful hosts who go to great lengths to make your stay relaxed and enjoyable. They truly saved our holiday - we arrived in Naples near midnight to stay at another Airbnb place but the host switched apartments on us as we were in the taxi... New place was poky and dire, so we decided to leave asap. I contacted Ester immediately in the hope they would pick up the message next day. To my astonishment Luca replied within minutes, and although we were too tired to go looking for another place that night he said we could check into their place first thing in the morning.
Ester's apartment is ideally located near a very popular open-air market so you are right in the middle of a "real" Neapolitan area with vibrant and bustling street life going on all around, but none of the slightly dodgy feeling you get late at night in the historic centre and around Garibaldi. I can't stress how brilliant the location is - Metro, Funicular, Trenitalia (faster than the Circumvesuviana for Pompeii and Herculaneum and beyond), taxi and bus connections are all within 5 minutes walk, and one of the main ancient Roman streets into the historic centre, the Spaccanapoli, is practically next door. You are just out of the dank and dark ancient centre where there are lots of tourist attractions but fewer people actually living, but still on the level so no major climbs back in the evening! Via Toledo, a wide shopping street that leads down to the harbour, is just at the end of the street. Excellent eateries in the narrow streets all around with good prices mean you really needn't cook in the apartment, although there is a kitchen if you want to sample the delights of the market and local bakeries.
The apartment itself is spacious, light and airy, and spotlessly clean. It's on the top floor (there is a lift that takes 10c if you don't fancy the exercise of the stairs) and although the streets around are typically narrow the windows look out onto a surprisingly wide interior view, which also means it is quiet at night. With 4-metre ceilings and stylish decor (including a collection of vintage household gadgets) the apartment is a calm refuge from the bustle of the streets outside. It's much bigger than the photos suggest, so plenty of room for four. I couldn't imagine a more perfect place to stay in Naples.