Escape to Pompeii's Shadow: Your Dream Stay at I Papiri B&B!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the ancient Roman world and, more importantly, talking about my stay at the I Papiri B&B, the supposed key to Escape to Pompeii's Shadow. Prepare for a review that's less perfectly polished and more…well, me. Expect some real talk (and maybe a few tangents). Because let's be honest, who needs a generic hotel review when you can have this?
First off, let's get the practical stuff outta the way because, you know, gotta be responsible.
Accessibility & Getting There (The Mundane, But Necessary):
Okay, so I Papiri B&B mentions "Facilities for disabled guests." Great! But, and this is a big but, I didn't personally test the full extent of their accessibility, so please double-check with the B&B if you have specific mobility needs. They do have an Elevator, which is a huge plus in my book (especially after a long day exploring ruins). Getting there? "Airport transfer." YES. Absolutely. Book it. Trust me, navigating Italian train stations after a long flight is nobody's idea of fun. They also offer Taxi service, Car park [free of charge] (score!), and Car park [on-site], which is handy. However, I didn’t see anything on a Car power charging station, so electric vehicle owners should check.
Now for the most important thing: Internet. They have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And, yes, they shout it, and for good reason!). Internet [LAN] too. Brilliant! I mean, you are escaping to the Shadow, but you still need your Insta-fix, right?
Cleanliness & Safety: (Because We're Living in Times):
This is where I Papiri B&B really shines. They're clearly taking the whole "pandemic" thing seriously. Room sanitization opt-out available (cool!) and Rooms sanitized between stays. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. Seeing a doctor/nurse on call is a comfort, and First aid kit present. I am hoping the Hygiene certification is present, and the Staff trained in safety protocol is evident. So, basically, I felt safe. Like, really safe. They even have Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Individually-wrapped food options. No sharing spoons – phew! Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Yep. Staff trained in safety protocol? You betcha. Honestly, this gave me peace of mind. More important than the view on COVID-times.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Hello, Food Coma):
Okay, here’s where things get interesting. Breakfast [buffet] but not completely buffet, Breakfast service, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant options seem to be missing, or very small. Western breakfast, is what they offer. But listen, the breakfast spread was fantastic. They had Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop available and all the usual suspects. I was particularly fond of the… Coffee/tea because I had to get up early - I would have liked to try the salad in restaurant, the desserts in restaurant, or the soup in restaurant, but there's only so much one stomach can take in 2 days!! But they do also offer Bar, Poolside bar, and Snack bar, and Bottle of water, so one is certainly not thirsty!
The rooms offered are as follows:
- Additional toilet
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Interconnecting room(s) available
- Internet access – LAN
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- Satellite/cable channels
- Scale
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Visual alarm
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax):
Alright, so, they have a Swimming pool [outdoor], which, after a day sweating in the Pompeii sun, is absolute HEAVEN. Seriously. The Pool with view looks great too… or so it seemed. Spa/sauna is available. The big question is whether it's worth it after hiking uphill, and it depends.
If you're into pampering, they offer Body scrub, Body wrap, a Massage is available, and a Foot bath. I wanted a Gym/fitness to try, but they don't offer one, which is a bummer.
Services and Conveniences (Because Life is Easier with Perks):
- Air conditioning in public area? Yes! Hallelujah.
- Cash withdrawal? Check.
- Concierge? They're there for you.
- Daily housekeeping? My room was spotless.
- Doorman? Felt fancy.
- Elevator? Yes, as mentioned!
- Facilities for disabled guests? As mentioned above, check and double check to be sure!!
- Food delivery? Perfect for lazy evenings.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and Ironing service? Saves you packing a clothes iron or dirty clothes!
- Luggage storage? A lifesaver.
- Safety deposit boxes? Always a good idea.
- Terrace? Perfect for a sunset aperitivo.
- Car park [free of charge]? See above!
For the Kids (Because, Family!):
Okay, so they have Family/child friendly and Babysitting service. Kids meal, and Kids facilities are available.
Finally, the Emotional Stuff:
The Rooms are Non-smoking is wonderful. So is the fact that there are Soundproof rooms, so I don't have to listen to the couple next door's loud conversations. Also, there is a Couple's room. There is also a Proposal spot for a certain amount of romance.
Now, the Big Question: Should You Book?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a clean, safe, comfortable base from which to explore Pompeii and the surrounding area, the I Papiri B&B is a solid choice. You won't find a ton of bells and whistles, but what they do offer, they do well. It's a place to rest your weary bones after a day of history, enjoy a good breakfast, and plan your next adventure. And, honestly, in a world that often feels chaotic, isn't that what we all need?
The Quirks and Imperfections:
Okay, let's be real: it wasn't perfect. The room decor was… well, let's call it "classic." (Read: not the most modern, but clean and perfectly fine). And sometimes, I found the breakfast rush a little… pushy.
My I Papiri B&B Verdict:
Overall, I had a fantastic stay. I felt safe, comfortable, and well-cared for. The staff were friendly and helpful. And the location? Perfect. Close enough to the ruins without being in the chaos. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
The Official, Totally Honest, Final Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 Stars. (Minus half a star for a slightly dated decor – but hey, who goes to Pompeii for modern design, right?).
Here's your Booking Offer – Because You Deserve an Escape!:
Escape to Pompeii's Shadow: Your Dream Stay at I Papiri B&B!
Book your stay at I Papiri B&B today and receive:
- Complimentary Breakfast: Fuel your adventures with a delicious buffet, featuring fresh local products, with daily and takeaway offers.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Stay connected so you can gloat to your friends with photos
- Discounted Pompeii Tours: Get a discount for your
Operation: Papiri Paradise (Maybe?) - A Totally Unfiltered Itinerary
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, perfectly-edited travel blog. This is the raw, unvarnished truth of my attempt to conquer - or at least survive - a few days in Ercolano, Italy, basecamped at the I Papiri B&B Aparthotel. Expect tangents, meltdowns (happy and otherwise), and more than a few Aperol Spritz-fueled pronouncements.
Pre-Trip Chaos (The "Before" Photo You Wish You Could Delete)
- Days Before: Panic-packing ensues. Do I really need five pairs of shoes? The answer, as I always find out, is a resounding NO. Somehow, I still manage to forget the all-important plug adapter, initiating immediate internal screaming.
- The Flight (and the existential dread): Airport security. Always a highlight. Questioning my life choices while slowly removing my belt. The tiny airplane seats. The air conditioner blasting arctic winds directly onto my face. "Is this real life?" I whisper to myself, as the plane, like a giant metal bird, carries me closer to my destiny! Or, more accurately, a slightly moldy B&B.
Day 1: Arrival & The Pompeii PTSD (Post-Traumatic Site Disorder?)
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Naples Airport. Taxi ride to Ercolano. The Italian driving aesthetic – a beautiful, chaotic ballet of honking horns and near-misses - is exhilarating. (Also, mildly terrifying. My grip on the seat is now permanently imprinted on my knuckles.)
- Afternoon: Check into I Papiri. First impressions: charming, kind of… crammed. The balcony overlooking the street is a major win. The decor is… eclectic. Let's just say it has "grandmother's attic" vibes. But hey, the air conditioning works, and that's half the battle. The proprietor, bless his heart, is a sweet, mustached man who seems genuinely happy to see me. Bonus points for the welcome limoncello.
- Late Afternoon: The main event: Pompeii! (Cue dramatic music.) Oh. MY. GOD. It's… overwhelming. The sheer scale of the devastation is staggering. I feel a wave of sadness wash over me, imagining the people hurrying about their daily lives, then… WHUMP! Gone. The cobblestone streets are rough on the feet, and I instantly regret wearing cute, impractical sandals. I start to realize how important the simple things were (and are). The walls, the frescoes, the hollows in the ground where people were, it's… a lot. Tears actually start to well up. Am I having a panic attack? Not sure. Okay, maybe a bit.
- Evening: Dinner at a Trattoria near the B&B. Pasta, pizza, wine, and the gentle hum of Italian conversation. I'm officially a puddle of exhaustion and, well, wonder. I'm starting to think I might like this whole "Italy" thing. (Disclaimer: Ask me again tomorrow after the inevitable mosquito attack.)
Day 2: Herculaneum & Lemon-Laced Lunacy
- Morning: Herculaneum. Smaller than Pompeii, more manageable, but equally fascinating. But… a storm had the nerve to roll in, so I was stuck in a tiny shop, looking through "souvenirs" (read: things that look like they were made in a sweatshop and probably aren't even the right style). I buy the stuff, and as soon as I take a step out it's sunny again!
- Afternoon: This is where things take a delicious turn. Someone at the B&B tells me to go to a lemon grove. "It's the best," they said. They were right. It's now my mission to find a lemon. I actually find one, still attached to the tree, and (don't tell anyone, but here's some truth of what happened) I steal one. I actually eat it as I walk. Tangy, juicy, and surprisingly not sour when you really get to it.
- Late Afternoon: Back at the B&B, I collapse. Maybe I'll try to read! Ha! I'm too tired. Naptime. Seriously, it's my favorite activity. This afternoon nap is something else. Full-body relaxation and… a dream. I'm running with a pack of dogs, and we're all eating pizza. And lemons!
- Evening: Oh God, the mosquitoes. Dinner on the balcony with the door shut. The limoncello is really helping me out here.
Day 3: Vesuvius & the Volcano's Vindication
- Morning: Attempt to hike Vesuvius. It's uphill. The sun is beating down. I question all my life choices, again. The views from the top are spectacular, though. Absolutely worth the sweat and the near-cardiac arrest. I feel like I'm looking at the world.
- Afternoon: Back at the B&B. A much-needed shower and a serious mental debriefing. I decide to have my own self-care afternoon. Maybe a bath? No, the tub is too small. I just want to relax, read, and forget my name.
- Evening: Trying to pack. I bought way too many souvenirs. The suitcase is bulging. I’m pretty sure I'll be forced to wear all my clothes on the plane. But I don't care! Dinner at a new family place. They serve up homemade pizza.
- Night: Last limoncello. Saying goodbye to the mustached man at the reception. Smiling, thinking back to the whole trip and all those things that happened.
Departure (and the inevitable post-trip blues)
- Morning: Goodbye, I Papiri! (You were… an experience.) Naples airport, here I come! The plane is delayed. Typical. But I'm okay. I'm taking away something from this place.
- The Aftermath: Back home. Jetlagged. Exhausted. But filled with memories. Of history, of food, and of the sheer, chaotic beauty of Italy. And maybe, just maybe, I'll return. (But I'm definitely packing the plug adapter next time…)
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Aperol Spritzes. (Minus one for the mosquito apocalypse.)
Savannah Getaway: Midtown's Hampton Inn & Suites Awaits!
So, I Papiri B&B...Is it *really* as good as the pictures? (And are the pictures even... real?)
Okay, let's be honest. We've ALL been burned by internet photos. You show up, and the reality is… well, it’s a bit sad. But I Papiri? Pretty darn close. The photos capture the *vibe*, the charming imperfections. Think: terracotta tiles, sun-drenched walls, and a general air of "This is where you unwind, amico."
One tiny detail though? The breakfast area photo? Yeah, it's actually *more* charming in real life. I remember being SO tired of hotel breakfasts… tasteless, lukewarm. At I Papiri? Forget that! Imagine: freshly baked croissants, fruit bursting with flavor (the peaches were borderline orgasmic!), and strong coffee. And the owner, Marco? Constantly refilling your cup before you even *think* about wanting more. He just *knows*. It's a gift! (And yes, the pictures are real, mostly... I swear I saw them move once, but maybe I was just tired from the ruins!)
What's the *deal* with Pompeii itself? Is it worth the hype? (And do I need a hazmat suit?)
Hype? My friend, Pompeii *deserves* the hype. It's like walking through a history book that's been brought thrillingly to life, like a rollercoaster of the past! The sheer scale of it… mind-blowing. Yes, you'll jostle with other tourists (it's Pompeii, not a secret hideout!), but honestly, it’s manageable.
Hazmat suit? Absolutely not! Unless you're *exceptionally* pale and sensitive to the sun. Sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes are your best weapons. And maybe a bottle of water. Because walking around those ancient streets in the midday heat… well, it can be brutal. I remember feeling a little lightheaded at one point, but then I just saw the most incredible fresco and was suddenly re-energized! It's a sensory overload, in the best possible way.
Oh, and the guides? Definitely consider getting one. They can bring it to life. You'll hear things, like how people used to socialize in the street, how some people sold themselves, and how the Romans were not that different from us at all!
How's the location of I Papiri? Close to the ruins? (Am I going to be lost in the Italian countryside?)
Location, location, location! I Papiri is *perfectly* placed. It's a stone's throw from the Porta Marina entrance to the ruins. Seriously, you can practically roll out of bed, grab a coffee (did I mention the coffee?!), and be exploring the ancient city within minutes. No endless taxi rides or confusing bus routes. It’s a massive stress reliever, trust me. Plus, there's a nice little cafe around the corner for a pre-ruins caffeine hit. Life-saver!
And no, you won't be lost. Unless, you are me, who once got terribly confused about bus lines… Italian countryside? Nope. You're in a slightly buzzy, but still comfortable, residential area, filled with other tourists. You’ll be fine.
What are the rooms like at I Papiri? Cozy? Spartan? (And are the beds comfortable? Because, sleep is crucial.)
Cozy is the word! They're not huge, palatial suites, but they are impeccably clean, charmingly decorated, and thoughtfully furnished. You'll have everything you need – air conditioning (a MUST!), a decent-sized bathroom, and a nice little balcony or terrace for sipping your evening wine (which you *should* do!).
The beds? Oh, the beds! They were seriously comfortable. I slept like the dead – which is saying something, because I'm usually a light sleeper. After a long day of tramping around Pompeii, you *need* a good night's sleep, and I Papiri delivers. Honestly, I'd happily live in those beds. I kept thinking about how I was going to sneak one home in my suitcase. Don't tell anyone I said that.
Let's talk about the host. Are they friendly? (Or awkwardly hovering?)
Marco... he's a gem. Not in a forced, overly-enthusiastic way, but in a genuinely Italian, warm-hearted, "mi casa es tu casa" kind of way. He's attentive without being intrusive. He'll offer advice, recommendations, and even help with booking tours or arranging transportation. (He knows everyone!) He gives you space, but he's *there* if you need anything.
I remember one time, I was completely lost and frazzled, trying to figure out the train system. I called him, and he patiently walked me through it, even after I'd called him and woken him up at 6 am. He's that kind of person. He's not perfect. I think I heard him say "mamma mia" once when the internet went off momentarily, but it's all a charm to me. He really cares that you have a good time. I feel like I made a friend!
Food, glorious food! What's the deal with breakfast? (I am a foodie.)
Okay, foodie! You've come to the right place. Breakfast at I Papiri? Not just fuel, it's an *experience*! Marco's got this down. It's a continental spread, but it's *way* above average. Fresh, local ingredients are the name of the game. Expect: crusty bread, the aforementioned heavenly pastries, a colorful array of fruit, and delicious coffee. The options are really delicious, and there is always something for everyone!
Seriously, the breakfast alone is worth the price of admission. I remember loading up on those croissants every single morning. Okay, maybe twice. I might have even *accidentally* "borrowed" a couple for the road (shhh!). It's a perfect start to a day of exploring. Oh, also, the orange juice? Freshly squeezed perfection. You've been warned: you'll never look at store-bought orange juice the same way again.
Anything *negative*? (Because nobody's perfect, right?)
Okay, here's the real talk. Perfection doesn't exist, and neither does a perfect stay. The B&B isn't soundproof. You *might* hear some street noise in the morning. (But honestly, it adds to the charm, that authentic city sound!) The wifi wasn't always the fastest. (But who cares? You’re on vacation! Put down your phone and *look* at the history around you!) Also the air conditioning… itBest Hotels Blog
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