If AirBNB had an award for best host, Bruno would most definitely win.   We, an Irish-Canadian couple travelling around southern Italy, began our adventure with a week-long stay in what must be hands-down the coolest, most authentic part of Naples. The first thing we said to each other when we walked into the most charming apartment we’ve stayed in to date was « Can we keep it? »
The airy, high-ceilinged, beautifully decorated studio is on the top floor of a very old-skool Italian apartment building. We had everything we needed: well-equipped kitchen (we are both cooks and enjoyed preparing most of our meals there), a very modern washroom/shower, beautiful wooden furniture and a nice big comfy bed. There was even a washing machine, and a cute little balcony line to hang our clothes out like all the neighbouring Italian mammas!
One of our favourite features was the large shared terrace —perfect for drinking apéros and watching the sun set over this crazy city — where you feel like you have your own space and privacy, but can also get chatting with the guests staying in the other two apartments. It’s covered in lots of nice local plants, and a great vantage point for seeing how people in the neighbourhood live.
And what a neighbourhood! Having spent a week there, and seeing other (far more touristy) parts of Naples, we were always so glad to return to Stella/Rione Sanità. It may not be for the faint-hearted, but if you want to get a real feel for Naples in all its frantic glory, make this your home-base.
We’d like to thank Bruno for his hospitality. He gave us such good restaurant recommendations, was so on it when we ran out of gas for the stove, and was a pleasure to chat with the few times we crossed paths.   We fell for Naples, HARD, and will definitely be returning to « our » apartment as soon as we can. 5 stars for Stella!