Image by Royal Olive via Flickr By: Levi ReissPompeii and the neighboring city of Herculaneum are truly unique open-air museums. On August 24, 79 A. D. Mount Vesuvius destroyed these two cities within a period of some twelve hours. Thousands of people were killed but the buildings were only slightly damaged. Pompeii is a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can see in extraordinary detail the way people lived at the height of the Roman Empire. You might wish to purchase a three-day ticket that allows you to visit five archeological sites: Herculaneum, Pompeii, Oplontis, Stabiae, and Boscoreale. Among the sites to see in Pompeii are the Foro (Forum) once the town's center, the Macellum, a covered meat and fish market, the Basilica, the court of law and economic center, the Anfiteatro (Amphitheater), the baths, and perhaps the brothels. Don't bring the kids to visit the Villa dei Misteri (Villa of the Mysteries). For your convenience we have listed neighborhood hotels in approximate order of cost, starting with the least expensive.
The two star Hotel Astoria has 20 rooms some of which offer a view of Mount Vesuvius. It has been recently renovated and offers facilities for the disabled. There is free parking and secretarial service is available. The property includes a bar, a TV lounge, and a restaurant. The address is Viale Giuseppe Mazzini 87, Pompeii 80045.
The Farm House Villa Julia is a bed and breakfast in the heart of ancient Pompeii. The seven rooms each have a name such as Lavanda or Margherita. Some of the rooms have a view or are accessible to the disabled. The property is surrounded by a charming garden and has an outdoor play area for children. There is a solarium and a conference room.
The Hotel Diana Pompei has won the Italian Hospitality Award in the 3-star hotel category. It is located a short walk from Pompeii's historic center of Pompeii. This is a family run hotel that features a garden with lemon and orange trees. The guest rooms feature Gres ceramic flooring and Majolica bathrooms. There is secretarial service, and should you so desire horse riding is available. The hotel offers a reading room, a TV room, a bar, a cafeteria, and a coffee shop. The address is Vicolo Sant'Abbondio 12, Pompeii 80045.
The four-star Hotel Amleto is located in the historical center of Pompeii, only a few steps away from the archeological site. Hotel amenities include a meeting and banquet room, a bar-cafeteria, a restaurant with terrace, a solarium, and TV lounge. There are a total of 26 single to quadruple rooms and two junior suites. Two of the rooms are suitable for disabled guests. There is a conference room with a full range of modern conference facilities. The Amleto calls itself the most prestigious hotel in Pompeii. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The address is Via Bartolo Longo 10, Pompeii 80045.
