Naples' Santa Lucia Megaride: The Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Santa Lucia Megaride: My Naples Love Affair (and a Few Gripes!)
Alright, listen up, fellow travel junkies! I just got back from Naples, and I'm still buzzing. And you know what? The Santa Lucia Megaride? Forget the usual tourist traps. This place… this place is a hidden gem you absolutely need to check out. Seriously. I'm talking, like, SEO optimized and beyond. Think "Naples Hotel," "Luxury Naples Stay," "Hotel Near the Sea Naples," – this place ticks all the boxes.
First off, the Location. OH. MY. GOD. That's the first thing you’ll remember. Okay, maybe the second thing, after the sheer traffic chaos getting there (which, let's be honest, is part of Naples' charm). But then you emerge, and BAM! You're smack-dab in the heart of Santa Lucia, right on the waterfront. Picture it: The glistening Bay of Naples, the imposing Castel Nuovo looming in the distance, the salty air… It's pure cinematic perfection. Getting around is a breeze:
- Accessibility: Okay, this is important. They advertise "Facilities for disabled guests," but it's Naples. Be realistic. Lifts are present, which is a huge plus, but some cobblestone and slopes are unavoidable. Weigh the pros and cons if you have mobility issues.
- Getting Around: They offer airport transfer, which is a lifesaver. And the taxi service is plentiful. Plus, car park [on-site] is a bonus (and, blessedly, car park [free of charge] if you're lucky enough to snag a spot!). I'd say the valet parking is worth it!
The Rooms (and the Wi-Fi, because, let's be real):
Okay, let's talk rooms. I didn't have the presidential suite, but my room was a total sanctuary. Air conditioning (a HUGE necessity!), a comfy extra long bed, a desk for those emails I totally intended to write (didn't happen), and a seating area to collapse in after a day of exploring. The complimentary tea and the free bottled water were a godsend. And yes, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And Internet access – wireless. The Internet [LAN] might be old school, but it's there too! You’ve got your 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. However, the room could be a little dark – a minor quibble, but worth mentioning. And the room decorations are a bit… traditional. Not super "Instagrammable" but clean and very comfortable.
Also super convenient: Daily housekeeping, of course. Plus, Daily disinfection in common areas and sometimes Rooms sanitized between stays. They're really serious about cleanliness and safety. And that hand sanitizer everywhere? Definitely appreciated!
Now, the MOST important tech-related detail (because let’s be honest, we are all addicted) - internet! Yes, they have Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, and Wi-Fi for special events. All the essentials.
Food, Glorious Food! (and a Side of Chaos)
Naples is all about food, and Santa Lucia Megaride does NOT disappoint. Listen, the breakfast [buffet] is a MUST. I'm not usually a buffet person, but this one was amazing. Fresh pastries, cheeses, cured meats… and then, the coffee! Forget Starbucks. This is the real deal. They got it right with that Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
I also ate at the restaurant a couple of times. The a la carte in restaurant menu is wonderful as well. I went vegetarian once. The vegetarian restaurant was good, but not as good as the other options.
Here’s the thing: the service can be a little… Napolitano. That is, charmingly chaotic. Don’t expect lightning-fast service. Embrace the laid-back vibe, order another limoncello, and just enjoy the moment.
The Spa (Or, My Attempt at Pampering)
Alright, confession time. I signed up for a Body scrub and a Massage. And honestly? I'm still floating. The Spa itself is beautiful, with a Sauna, a Steamroom, and an inviting Swimming pool. There’s a pool with a view! The massage was heavenly. I wanted to find a Body wrap, but it somehow never happened.
My only regret? Not utilizing the Gym/fitness more. I mean, I saw it, and it looked nice. I'll blame the pizza.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax):
This hotel offers ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
The Things to do are countless.
- Naples Itself: Exploring Naples is an experience. It is rich in history, culture, but also at times chaotic, so you might need to get away from the tourist crowd to relax, like getting a massage.
- Ways to Relax: The spa! The Swimming pool [outdoor]! Just sitting on the terrace and watching the sunset with a glass of wine. You know.
- Couple's Room: Perfect for a romantic getaway.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, The Bad, and the Honestly Unnecessary)
They have it all. Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities (for those who actually work while on vacation), Cash withdrawal, Concierge (super helpful). Plus, Contactless check-in/out (because, you know, COVID). And of course, Daily housekeeping. The Doorman is always there to help. Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings. And if you’re planning a wedding, they offer Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events,Xerox/fax in business center. Oh, and there's a convenience store, but good luck figuring it out – I gave up. The Babysitting service is offered here, alongside Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. And yes, the elevator is working!
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, Pandemic):
They take COVID seriously. I saw Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Yes, they can Room sanitization opt-out available.
The security is tight here too: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. All good stuff.
The Verdict (and a Compelling Offer!) So, is the Santa Lucia Megaride perfect? Nope. Is it flawless? Ha! But is it an authentic, charming, and utterly unforgettable experience? Absolutely.
Here’s the deal: If you're looking for a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience, go somewhere else. If you want to be immersed in the heart of Naples, surrounded by beauty, with a touch of old-world charm, book this place.
And because I want you to experience this magic, here's a special offer, good for a short time only, for my readers:
**
Uncover Paradise: Bale Taldawa's Hidden Luxury in Tarlac!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your meticulously-planned-Google-Doc trip. This is my Naples, my Megaride and Santa Lucia, warts and all. Prepare for chaos, deliciousness, and a whole lotta me.
Naples: A Love Letter (with a side of indigestion)
Day 1: Santa Lucia Sunrise & Pizza Dreams (and a near-disaster)
7:00 AM (ugh): Alarm blares. My brain is a foggy wasteland. Seriously, who thought 7 AM was a good idea? Trying to remember why I booked a place in Santa Lucia. Oh yeah, the views. Supposedly. Peering out the window… okay, the sunrise is actually kind of breathtaking. The Bay of Naples is just… there. And the air? Salty, like a kiss from the sea. Already regretting not packing my earplugs, the seagulls are relentless!
7:30 AM-8:15 AM: Coffee. Essential. Found a tiny cafe nearby, Bar Santa Lucia. Order a cappuccino, which is slightly better than the instant coffee I tried to make in my room. (Note to self: learn to operate the espresso machine. Now.) Trying to decipher the Italian newspaper while simultaneously people-watching. An old lady is yelling at a pigeon for apparently being annoying. I'm already in love with this city.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast, a cornetto (kind of a croissant, but better) nearby. The pastry is perfection, but the conversation with the barista is… well, let's just say my Italian is even more rudimentary than my espresso-making skills. "Grazie" and a lot of pointing. Somehow, I got my pastry. Success!
10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Exploring the Borgo Marinari, the tiny harbor. Picture postcard perfection. Yachts bobbing, sunlight dancing on the water. I almost tripped over a toddler while trying to take a photo of a particularly fancy boat. Nearly ate it on the cobblestones. Embarrassing, but the photo was worth it.
12:00 PM- 1:00 PM: The Castel dell'Ovo. A castle! Right on the water! Super dramatic! I wander around, getting lost in the history, and take some more (very cliché) photos. Feel obligated.
1:00PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a trattoria in Santa Lucia. I'm famished. Order the spaghetti alle vongole (clams), which is supposed to be a Napolese staple… I'm a little nervous, what if I mess this up? It arrives, and… it's heaven. Simply heaven. Every slurp of that pasta is pure joy. My mind immediately wanders to the next meal
2:30 PM- 5:00 PM: The great pizza hunt. Seriously, I want the best pizza in Naples. I heard about this place called L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele (which, yes, I'm aware is not in Santa Lucia). But hey, that's what a taxi (and Google Maps!) are for. The wait is supposed to be insane.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Oh my god. The pizza at Da Michele. The madness. The lines. But the PIZZA! Simple, perfect, absolutely life-altering. I devoured a whole margherita, and, yes, I'm probably going to regret that later, but I don't care. Worth it. Absolutely, undeniably, worth it. The best pizza I've ever eaten. I'm convinced I'll never eat pizza again that will come up to this standard. The thought of leaving brings me an unusual sadness.
8:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Stumble back to my hotel in a pizza-induced haze. Note to self: water. Lots of water. And maybe a Tums.
9:30 PM onwards: Sitting on my balcony, staring at the water. The lights of the city are twinkling. The air is still warm. Exhausted, but happy. Contemplating a late-night gelato run, but my stomach is probably going to stage a protest if I eat more. Also, the seagulls are still at it. Good night, Naples. You beautiful, chaotic mess.
Day 2: More Madness, More Food, and a Brush with Italian Grandeur
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, feeling surprisingly decent. Apparently, pizza-induced coma is a temporary phenomenon. Thank goodness.
- 8:30 - 9:30 AM: Coffee and a pastry at a different cafe because variety is the spice of life. This time, I attempt to order in Italian. I receive my order but also a look of amusement from the server guy. Another victory!
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: A boat trip. The boats are going to Capri. I'm so tempted, but I'm not feeling up for a million tourists, and I also don't want to get swindled by price-gouging boat charters. I wander the coastline.
- 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: A quick lunch somewhere. Another pizza? No, I decide on a sandwich place and order a Panini and a coke. It's good. Not pizza good, but it'll do.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploring more of the area.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Time for more gelato. Because, why not? I try a pistachio flavor that is, no exaggeration, the best thing I've ever tasted. I devour it in about two minutes flat.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at a place recommended by the hotel staff. Not my favorite, but okay. The waiter tried to hit on me and I quickly wanted to leave.
- 9:30 PM onwards: Back to the balcony. This time, I hear the real Naples. The sounds of laughter, shouting, and what I assume is the local gossip, all mixed with the lapping of the waves. I feel a little less like a tourist, and a little more like… well, a very messy, very happy human.
Day 3: Getting Lost, Getting Found… and a Farewell Slice (or two)
- 8:00 AM: Up, up, up. Coffee and one last croissant.
- 9:00 AM: One last stroll through Borgo Marinari. Taking in the sun. This place is so beautiful.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: One last pizza hunt, just to be sure. Da Michele again? Too long a line. Nope, I'll find somewhere new. I'll try to find the best pizza in Naples! I want it all. Everywhere.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Packing. Ugh. Seriously, I need to learn the art of concise packing.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Pizza. Again. I'm embracing the inevitable food coma on the plane. This time, I find a tiny place full of locals. I manage to order a margherita, and it's phenomenal. Maybe even better than Da Michele?! Okay, maybe not, but still! Pure bliss.
- 3:00 PM: Heading out! Goodbye, Naples. Goodbye delicious messes. Goodbye, seagulls. Goodbye pizza. I'll be back!
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at the train station.
- 4:30 PM: The train is late, of course.
- 5:00 PM: Finally on the train.
Goodbye, Naples! The best part of my trip! Arrivederci!
Post-Trip Reflections (Because I'm a Mess):
- Regrets: Not learning more Italian. Not being braver about trying new dishes (I'm looking at you, sfogliatella!). Not buying more pizza.
- Highlights: The pizza. The views. The sheer, unadulterated life of the city. The people.
- Advice: Embrace the chaos. Wear comfortable shoes. Eat ALL the pizza. And don't be afraid to get lost. You might just find something amazing. And always, always, carry a Tums. You'll need it.
Santa Lucia Megaride: Naples' Secret That'll Steal Your Heart (Or Maybe Just Your Sunglasses - Seriously, Watch Out!)
What *is* this "Santa Lucia Megaride" everyone keeps whispering about? Is it like, super-secret?
Okay, so Santa Lucia is a *quartiere* (neighborhood) in Naples, right? Think of it as the charming, slightly scruffy, unbelievably beautiful cousin of the more famous spots. Megaride? That’s the teeny-tiny islet it's all huddled *around*. And yes, it kinda *is* super-secret, at least to the wider tourist swarm! You know, those ones with the selfie sticks that block every view? Seriously, the difference between Santa Lucia and, say, the Spanish Quarter, is like…well, it’s like finding a vintage Vespa hidden in the middle of a modern car show. Pure, unadulterated magic.
Okay, sold. How do I *get* there, and am I going to get lost? I have a terrible sense of direction.
Getting there is… an experience. Easiest is probably a taxi (flag one down, be firm about the price!). Or, public transportation – Metro line 1 to Municipio, then walk. And the walking? Oh, it’s gorgeous. You'll probably get lost. Everyone does! And that's part of the fun, honestly. Just wander towards the sea. You'll stumble upon it eventually. Seriously, even I, map-reading-challenged queen that I am, found it. Eventually. After asking like, three different Nonnas for directions, and nearly getting run over by a scooter. Worth it.
What's the vibe like? Is it all fancy restaurants and super yachts? Because… I'm on a budget.
Well, yes, there *are* fancy restaurants. And yes, there *are* yachts. Giant, opulent, "I-have-more-money-than-sense" yachts. But the *vibe*? It's mostly… real. You'll see fishermen mending nets, kids playing football (soccer), families enjoying *passeggiata* (evening strolls). There are definitely budget-friendly options too – pizza slices to die for, little trattorias with incredible pasta, gelato that’ll make you weep (happy tears, hopefully). It’s not all about the glitz. It's about the *life*. Honestly? Sometimes, those fancy yachts just feel… out of place.
Tell me about the Castel dell'Ovo – what’s so special and is it worth the hype?
Okay, the Castel dell'Ovo. This is *the* thing. It’s a castle, on a tiny island, right? *Medieval* and imposing, the oldest standing fortification in Naples. And stunning. Absolutely, undeniably stunning. The legend? Virgil supposedly hid a magic egg there and promised the city's resilience as long as it stayed intact. Dramatic, right? The views... oh, the views! I went up there for the first time and, no joke, teared up a little. The blue of the sea, the silhouette of Vesuvius... the whole panorama's just... it's EVERYTHING. And yes, it’s worth every single penny of the (small) entrance fee. If you have time, and honestly, you MUST make time, go at sunset. Find a spot to sit and watch the world turn orange. Breathtaking is an understatement. I think I might have even proposed to my partner whilst there. Though, to be fair, I'd had a fair bit of wine.
What can I actually *do* there? Beyond just, you know, *looking*?
Oh, the *looking* is a huge part of it. But seriously, besides that? Eat. Eat everything. Walk along the Lungomare (the seaside promenade), which is epic. Visit the Castel dell'Ovo (duh). Wander through the marina and ogle the boats (and maybe secretly judge the owners). Go for a swim (if it's warm enough, and if you're brave - the water is beautiful but can be chilly). Browse the artisan shops. Try to find a tiny, hidden bar and have an Aperol Spritz (it’s practically mandatory). And, most importantly... just *be*. Let the chaos and the beauty wash over you.
Any tips for staying safe? Naples has a reputation…
Look, Naples can be a bit… *spirited*. Santa Lucia is generally safe, but keep your wits about you. Don’t flash expensive jewelry. Watch your bag (especially when you're lost and staring at a map – speaking from experience!). Be aware of your surroundings. And don't be afraid to say "no" firmly if someone bothers you. Common sense, really. I felt perfectly fine, even when wandering around at night. But always, always, have your wits about you.
Food, glorious food! Any recommendations? I'm starving just thinking about it.
Where do I even begin?! Okay, for pizza, keep it classic. Look for places buzzing with locals. Pasta? Try the *frutti di mare* (seafood). It's fresh, it's divine, it's gonna make you weep tears of joy. Gelato? EVERYWHERE. Just… trust me, try it all. And absolutely, *absolutely* try the sfogliatella – it’s a flaky pastry filled with ricotta. I ate three in one sitting and have zero regrets. Zero! And don't forget the coffee! Seriously, the espresso there is like rocket fuel. Prepare for some serious adrenaline rushes. You've been warned.
So, the sunglasses thing... what's the deal? Are they like, magic sunglasses that vanish?
Okay, here's a slightly embarrassing anecdote. I *lost* my sunglasses in Santa Lucia. Not just lost, like, "Oh dear, I dropped them." Nope. Vanished. Poof! Gone. Probably a rogue seagull with a penchant for designer frames. Or maybe a particularly skilled pickpocket. Who knows? Just... keep your eyes peeled (pun intended!) and your valuables close by. It's one of those things you just have to accept as part of the chaotic charm. Don't let it ruin your day, though. Just chalk it up to "Neapolitan tax". And maybe bring a spare pair.
Best time to visit? Avoid the crowds, but still get the *vibe*?
Shoulder season, baby! Spring (April/May, or even early June) and Autumn (September/October). The weather is gorgeousTrip Hotel Hub
