Neapolitan life near the Amalfi Coast | Naples
In and Around Grand Hotel Parker’s*****L
By Giovanni Torre Avallone | Chief Experience Officer | Grand Hotel Parker’s Naples
& Marco Giuliano | Head Concierge | Grand Hotel Parker’s Naples
Perhaps no city in Europe has a history as rich and varied as Naples. For centuries, it has been occupied or been a part of Greek, Roman, Bourbon, and Spanish civilizations. It now beckons like it did during the time of the Grand Tour, watched over by the restless Vesuvius volcano.
Naples has always kept its chin up high and grown increasingly, maintaining its own spirit, language, and heritage while integrating elements of other cultures.
This seaside city has everything: magnificent views, baroque excess, rich culture, an amazing culinary tradition, and a real sense of class.
Giovanni Torres Avallone, Chief Experience Officer & Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge, both of Grand Hotel Parker’s, were born and raised in the authentic city of Naples. They will take you around the city they love so much and show you their favorite places to eat, drink, and what to do in Naples.
Where to stay in Naples
Grand Hotel Parker’s is the city’s first and oldest luxury hotel, located on a hill overlooking the Bay of Naples. A beautiful gem restored to its late 19th-century glory, elegant public rooms are adorned with original antiques, and bronze sculptures gleam under chandeliers. The stage is set for you to enjoy a uniquely sumptuous experience. And amid all this palatial splendour, the effortless boutique style and flawless service add a welcoming, homely ambience.
Fine Italian marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and elegant furnishings continue the luxurious heritage theme in the Grand Hotel Parker’s bedrooms and suites. The classical style of the split-level suite, complete with a drawing room, offers a perfect retreat for entertaining and business and a restful haven.
Wake up to the gentle sea breeze and captivating views over Vesuvius and Capri. Spend a day in nearby Caserta on a wine-tasting tour at the hotel’s family vineyard, Villa Matilde. Then, as the moon rises over the ‘old city’ of Parthenope, the rooftop terrace bar and lounge invite you to savour the finest panoramic views – a chilled Negroni or vintage Champagne in hand. These are one-of-a-kind spaces perfect for sparkling cocktail parties and cosy, intimate gatherings. When it’s time for dinner, indulge in elevated Neapolitan cuisine and Michelin-starred gastronomy at the George restaurant.
Grand Hotel Parker’s | e-mail | call | instagram | C.so Vittorio Emanuele 135, Napoli Italy
Autumn 2=3 nights special offer at Grand Hotel Parker’s
Stay three nights for the price of two (including breakfast). Please don't forget to mention Bearleaders during booking to receive a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), early check-in, and a personalized city tour from our concierge.
What to do in Naples
VILLA FATTORUSSO
An exclusive private beach in Posillipo, just 15 minutes from the Grand Hotel Parker’s. The perfect place to sit by the pool in a sophisticated atmosphere.
instagram | 15 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
DARWIN DOHRN MUSEUM
This museum is dedicated to exploring natural history and the works of Charles Darwin and Anton Dohrn. Works of art, sculptures, and historical biological samples will show how marine organisms move, feed, and reproduce, and the mechanisms that led to current life forms.
Instagram | 20 min. walk from hotel | favourite of Giovanni Torre Avallone, Chief Experience Officer
BAGNO SIRENA
Another beach in Posillipo, where you can enjoy a swim and seafood lunch with stunning views of the Vesuvius.
instagram | 10 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
NABILAH BEACH CLUB
A beach club somewhat out of the city, with amazing sunsets. It is locally famous for hosting concerts and great parties and is as much a place to relax as to experience the nightlife.
instagram | 40 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
CAPPELLA SAN SEVERO
One of the most popular museums of Naples, famous for its ‘Veiled Christ’ - a unique sculpture in white marble. Built in 1590 as the private chapel and burial site of the San Severo family, it is a must-see for those interested in the history of Naples.
instagram | 20 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
SPANISH QUARTERS
This uphill residential area is the peak of Napoli's atmosphere, and more people speak the Neapolitan language here than anywhere else. Once seen as a dangerous place indicative of Naples's vices, it has become increasingly popular while keeping its rough edges intact—a place to feel Naples's soul. Get lost in its narrow streets, enjoy food from small market stalls, and be amazed by the many painted murals and hidden churches.
10 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
SANITÀ DISTRICT
A visit here is an incredibly unique experience that, much like the Spanish quarters, shows the character of Naples. Once founded by the richest and most powerful in the city, it fell into degradation after the royal family built a shortcut to their palace that cut the neighbourhood off from the city. In recent years, it has once again bloomed, and more and more attention has grown to the wonderful artistic and religious heritage of the area.
20 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
REAL TEATRO DI SAN CARLO
Having opened in 1737, this is the oldest active opera house worldwide, decades before Milan's La Scala or La Fenice in Venice. You can visit famous operas and ballet performances all year long.
instagram | 30 mins walk or 7 mins by car | favourite of Giovanni Torre Avallone, Chief Experience Officer
WINE TASTING AT VILLA MATILDA AVALLONE
A unique experience an hour outside of Naples. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Campania, Villa Matilde Avallone stands as a testament to the region's rich heritage and passion for winemaking. Founded in the 1960s by Francesco Paolo Avallone, a lawyer and avid oenophile, the winery has dedicated itself to reviving and upholding the legacy of ancient Falerno wines, once revered by Roman emperors and poets.
instagram | 1 hour drive from hotel | favourite of Giovanni Torre Avallone, Chief Experience Officer
E. MARINELLA
Established in 1914 by Eugenio Marinella in Naples, Italy, E. Marinella has established itself as a global icon of sartorial excellence, renowned for its meticulously crafted silk ties. The company's exquisite craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality have earned it a loyal following among discerning gentlemen worldwide.
instagram | 10 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Giovanni Torre Avallone, Chief Experience Officer
THE REGGIA DI CASERTA
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Campania region in southern Italy lies the mesmerizing Reggia di Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest and most opulent royal palaces in the world. Commissioned by the Bourbon King Charles III of Naples and Sicily in 1752, the Reggia di Caserta stands as a testament to the grandeur and power of the Bourbon dynasty.
instagram | 45 min drive from hotel | favourite of Giovanni Torre Avallone, Chief Experience Officer
Where to eat in Naples
GEORGE RESTAURANT
Grand Hotel Parker’s Two Michelin-starred restaurant is a 360° unforgettable sensorial experience with breathtaking views of the city, the Vesuvius, and Capri. The chef combines his experience abroad with his Neapolitan roots flawlessly, with produce and recipes from Campania enriched by inspired use of sauces and advanced techniques.
instagram | in the hotel | favourite of Giovanni Torre Avallone, Chief Experience Officer & Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
BIDDER TERRACE
This charming ristorante is famous for its sweeping sea view, making it the perfect place for Neapolitan breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is a haven of serenity overlooking the Amalfi coast. Enjoy heartwarming recipes inspired by the Neapolitan recipes of Mamma Matilde, the mother of the Avallone family.
in the hotel | favourite of Giovanni Torre Avallone, Chief Experience Officer & Marco Guiliano, Head Concierge
COCO LOCO
Located close to the Via Chiaia, perhaps Naples’ most idyllic street. The restaurant serves all sorts of seafood delicacies, including popular marinated raw fish, all paired with wonderful wines.
instagram | 10 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
RISTORANTE DORA
A legendary seafood trattoria since 1973 with a classic atmosphere. Their signature dish “Mezzanelli alla Dora”, a seafood pasta, is adored by locals.
10 min. walk from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
ANTICHI SAPORI PARTENOPEI
Fantastic local food served for lunch and dinner. A focus on seafood but with other offerings, paired with wonderful service.
10 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
MIMI ALLA FERROVIA
Classic Neapolitan cuisine is as famous as the guests in the pictures that line its walls. All celebrity Italians seem to have visited the place for a good reason: great food in an authentic setting.
instagram | 20 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
Book a unique three-day hosted experience at Grand Hotel Parker’s
Enjoy a private driver for a day to discover The Amalfi Coast or Pompeï, go to the Darwin Dohrn Museum and shop exclusively at the famous Marinella store. Feel welcome in this family-owned five-star hotel.
Where to go for a drink in Naples
6TH FLOOR LOUNGE & TERRACE & BIDDER BAR
The Grand Hotel Parker’s exclusive bar with a panoramic view of Naples, a place that just exudes class. The Bidder Bar within, named after the founder of the hotel, is recognized as an official Bond bar, so it is the perfect place to enjoy a ‘Shaken, not stirred’ Martini and truly feel like 007.
in the hotel | favourite of Giovanni Torre Avallone, Chief Experience Officer & Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
L’ANTIQUARIO
This bar’s moody speakeasy feel and signature cocktails have earned it a place in the 50 Best Bars of the World list. Exquisitely crafted classic and modern cocktails with an eye for detail and - occasionally - live jazz tunes to complete the experience.
instagram | 10 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Giovanni Torre Avallone, Chief Experience Officer & Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
ARCHIVIO STORICO
A cocktail bar with wonderful food, the venue is full of art and history. It is inspired by the Bourbon kingdom that ruled from Naples in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It showcases interesting French influences in food, drinks and design.
instagram | 12 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Giovanni Torre Avallone, Chief Experience Officer & Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
L’EBBREZZA DI NOÈ
Named after the ‘Intoxication of Noah’, the biblical story is beautifully captured in the famous Sistine Chapel fresco. A wine shop by day and an upscale wine bar with dining by night. This is the place to go for those looking for an amazing bottle, expertly selected by sommelier Luca.
instagram | 7 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge
ENOTECA BELLEDONNE
An impressive collection of wine is housed in a small shop and bar. Located right in the heart of the Napoli nightlife, it is brimming with atmosphere and life. Yet it is still cozy and hospitable. Alongside their extensive wine collection, they also have a great selection of bar snacks.
instagram | 9 min. drive from hotel | favourite of Marco Giuliano, Head Concierge