Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
The owners of this B&B claim that it’s the only hotel in the world attached to a working art studio — and it’s certainly the only one I’ve encountered in a decade of covering hotels around the globe for Italy Magazine and other publications. But even if it’s not the only one, it’s no doubt a very special artist-run hotel.
What to expect
Owners Vincenzo Oste and his wife Inès Sellami are both artists and designers, and their pieces — as well as pieces by Vincenzo’s late father Annibale, a noted artist — fill this property from top to bottom. Just about everything is handmade, from the ceramic tables in the breakfast room to the towel racks in the bathrooms. But the thing that truly sets this place apart is how warm and welcoming Oste and Sellami are. From showing guests around the attached atelier to sharing their local insider tips, they go out of their way to welcome guests.
Background
Atelier Inès occupies a building constructed by Oste’s great-grandfather in 1947. The ground floor has hosted an art studio since 1980 (originally Annibale's studio). When Annibale died, Vincenzo and his sister took over the studio, but when he and Inès decided to start a family, they realized that their frequent trips to visit galleries and collectors around the world were incompatible with raising children. So they decided to open a B&B in order to invite gallerists and collectors to visit them instead.
Location, location, location
The B&B is located in the heart of Rione Sanità, Naples’ most bustling, authentic neighborhood. Once a working-class stronghold, the neighborhood has been gentrifying and is now home to buzzy pizzerias like Concettina Ai Tre Santi, bakeries like Popella, and street art, but vendors still hawk their wares on the cobblestone streets. The centro storico and the Archeological Museum are each a 10-minute walk away.
Where you’ll sleep
There are just nine rooms and suites, each of which is decorated with original furnishings and art pieces crafted by Vincenzo and his late father, Annibale. My spacious suite had a separate sitting room with a sofa and private terrace with a table and chairs. All the rooms have an espresso machine and minibar and bathrooms have premium amenities by Ortigia. There are no TVs — Naples provides enough of a sensory overload that Oste and Sellami prefer to privilege peace and quiet in the rooms — but there are plenty of books and magazines to read.
Dining & drinks
There’s no restaurant at Atelier Inès, but breakfast is served a la carte in the ground-floor breakfast room, or outside in the courtyard garden in good weather, and includes coffee or tea, a selection of pastries, yogurt, fresh fruit, and the option to order eggs. Downstairs, there’s a wine cellar stocked with bottles that guests can charge to their rooms. In your room, you’ll find a list of Oste and Sellami’s favorite restaurants, bars, and pastry shops. They’re happy to assist with reservations.
You should know...
Oste and Sellami are deeply rooted and well connected in Naples. During my stay, Sellami pulled strings to get me a reservation at a well-known restaurant that doesn't normally accept reservations for tables of two.
Accessibility
- Some stairs are required.
- The hotel has no elevator.
Features & amenities
- City setting
- Free WiFi
- Family friendly
Contacts
Atelier Inès Art & Suites
Via dei Cristallini
Tel. +39 3494433422
Website
