This hotel was created on the outskirts of Castellammare di Stabia from an 18th century villa colonica, which was the home of a noble family where the farmers who worked his land also lived. Located in an architecturally important area, the city was originally the residential area of Pompeii, which is 4 - 5 km from La Medusa. It is a "terme" area which means there are spas available locally although not at the hotel.
One arrives at the property via a drive lined on both sides with palm trees. The hotel's longtime staff (including six full-time gardeners!) is helpful to a fault so one immediately feels welcome. Off the lobby is an inviting bar area and the always smiling and attentive manager is ever present to look after his guests.
The gardens surrounding the villa are filled with orange and lemons trees, and to one side is a large outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi area. There is an outdoor fitness center for those that wish to work out and a hammock for those who don't!
The restaurant is situated in a glass covered conservatory facing the garden. The dinner we enjoyed there was excellent as was the service at both breakfast and dinner.
On the top floor is a terrace that goes around the entire hotel with a view of Vesuvio and - on a clear day - even Capri. The nursery one can see from the terrace grows tulip bulbs that are sent to Holland where they are sold as Dutch tulips!
The hotel has a family room with two bedrooms and one bath. Rooms are spacious, many with shower only, and offer very attractive rates. There is one junior suite among them.
Advantages to staying here include reaching the Naples airport without going through Naples; close proximity to Pompeii; ferry and hydrofoil service from the port at Castellamare to Sorrento and Capri year round; hotel has private boat that can be hired for excursions. The car has a complimentary shuttle into the center of Naples for shopping. Transfers to the train station or the airport from the hotel are on a paid basis.
