On a narrow street in the Spanish Quarters guests can find the Hotel Il Convento, a 17th-century building beside the Santa Maria Francesca convent. This mid-range hotel opened after World War II and was renovated in 2001. The six-floor building is tucked beside aging buildings with laundry drying over rustic balconies. A nearby church chimes its bells early in the morning every day, waking most guests despite earplugs. 

In comparison to the neighboring buildings, this hotel is well-maintained with balconies on the front and an arched entrance that leads into a small lobby, where there’s a sofa and treats near the wooden front desk. The hotel -- inspired by convent designs -- features standing and dangling lanterns and other old-world details. Plants are in the stairwell and there’s a narrow elevator. Tourists who want affordable rooms in the heart of Naples typically stay here. 

This hotel is in a central location for tourists in the Quartieri Spagnoli, or Spanish Quarters that’s centrally located in Naples. The streets are narrow, busy, and gritty. But there’s an authentic vibe to the area with many traditional restaurants, bars, and shops. The sights near the waterfront, including the Teatro di San Carlo, Castel Nuovo, Galleria Umberto, and Royal Palace of Naples, are within walking distance. The shopping promenade, Via Toledo, is also reachable on foot. 

With the Toledo Metro stop nearby, the Duomo and Naples National Archaeological Museum can be reached in about 20 to 30 minutes. It’s a 25-minute walk to the Naples ferry port with trips to Ischia, Capri, and Cagliari. Upon request, the front desk will reserve airport transfers to the Naples International Airport, which is a 25-minute drive.

The designs in rooms are simple and classic. Tile floors, dark contemporary wooden furniture, and blue textiles are mixed with convent-style furnishings, including lanterns, painted brick accents and wooden framed windows or balconies that overlook the Spanish Quarters in some. Welcome snacks are a nice touch and earplugs are included to keep out the street noises. Basic (and often tiny) bathrooms have hairdryers and showers with mounted toiletries, and some have shower/tub combos and bidets. Three Budget Rooms are for solo travelers with 10 meters of space. 

Standard Rooms have traditional monastery furnishings. Junior Suites are on the top floor with exposed wooden beams, sofas in small sitting areas, and garden terraces. Fitting up to five people, Family Rooms feature downstairs sleeping areas and lofted bedrooms with two extra beds. All rooms have minibars, kettles, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, small safes, and free Wi-Fi. Accessible rooms are available. 

The Hotel II Convento's amenities are designed to replicate the ambiance of a 17th-century convent. The main breakfast room feels like a kitchen from a bygone era with cooking tools hanging on the wall, a wooden table, and mini-fridge filled with treats. In the mornings, a traditional Neapolitan spread of fruit, ricotta, eggs, cereal, and yogurt is available for guests. Gluten-free options and room service also offered. More seating is in the second breakfast room, but the atmosphere is dark since there’s no natural light. The bar, featuring a wooden facade, is cramped with comfy sofas. On request the 24-hour front desk can help guests with booking airport transfers, tours, and arranging parking (for a fee) that’s about 300 meters away. For couples, romantic services -- wine and flowers -- can be included in rooms. Throughout the hotel Wi-Fi is provided at no additional charge.