Originally a villa dating to the 1800's, the Liberty style building became a hotel around 1860, making it one of the oldest hotels in Naples. While the hotel is situated above the city center, it is possible to walk down a series of staircases to the sea and central shopping areas. The hotel is named after George Parker Bidder, a wealthy English marine biologist who arrived in Naples in 1886. During a stay at the hotel in 1889, officials arrived at the hotel to confiscate the hotel to pay the owner's gambling debts. When Mr. Parker learned what was happening, he told them to put the hotel on his bill! The hotel has recently undergone a complete renovation including all rooms, the lobby area with its antique library and bar. Rooms are spacious, fully equipped, and feature many antique furnishings, with reasonable rates. Many have beautiful views, some have balconies. For families, there are connecting rooms and suites that can easily accommodate three persons. All suites are bi-level and have sea view. The hotel has an outstanding chef in its rooftop restaurant and JDB recommends at least one meal there. Adjacent to the restaurant is a wide terrace with a commanding view of the sea and the Bay of Naples, perfect for outdoor dining in warm weather. The Daylight Spa and Health Center by Marc Messegue has been a tremendous success for the hotel. It is a lovely spa offering a wide range of health and beauty treatments. A compact yet well equipped fitness room is also available at the spa. A rooftop solarium and dining area were introduced recently, providing a place for guests to relax with an incomparable view of the Bay of Naples. Naples is a vibrant city, full of interesting shops, museums and restaurants and the San Carlo Opera House, one of the oldest in Europe. In fact, there is one whole street devoted exclusively to the plethora of antique shops in the city. Pompeii is only about 30 minutes by car, and boats leave for the islands from the port on a regular basis.