In 1870, Macpherson’s Pension Britannique was inaugurated, run by a Scottish woman with a strong personality, Emilia Macpherson. Artists, princes, politicians and adventurers admired the Gulf of Naples looking out from the windows of the pension. Among other the most illustrious guests were Prince Umberto of Savoy, Queen Federica of Greece, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Virginia Woolf and George Bernard Shaw. Over the years, the hotel changed management but not reputation, remaining a reference point for high-ranking tourism until 1943, when its privileged status convinced the German command, and later the American one, to choose it as their headquarters.

Much more than just a hotel, The Britannique is a true Neapolitan institution, which has been restored to its former splendor. After its recent renovation, Naples is present in every detail of the hotel. Each floor, through colors and materials, recalls one of the many layers of the city: the lava of the subsoil inspires the spa; the hall recalls the courtyards of the buildings, while the floors of the rooms reflect the colors of the gardens, the domes and the sky of Naples. Crossing the threshold of the rooms, each guest will find the warmth of a Mediterranean city and an elegant and sober luxury awaiting: contemporary style meets the charm of the past. Maximum comfort, vibrant colors, precious details and design elements: these are just some of the features that are present in all of the rooms. And what about the suites? These are much more than simple rooms. They are the essence of the Neapolitan spirit: beauty and luxury, warmth and colors, art and legend. Elegant places made with care to every detail and enriched with works of the best contemporary Neapolitan artists. Each of the six suites is dedicated to a myth of the Neapolitan tradition, because a city out of the ordinary can be described only through extraordinary stories.

Nowadays The Britannique is a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, actually the newest five star accommodation in the city, where contemporary design meet classical style, a bridge between the travellers of the past and present. It is located on the upper city’s avenue Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, that separates two of the bourgeois districts, Chiaia and Vomero. From up here the view is absolutley astonishing. You can see the Mount Vesuvius, the Sorrento Peninsula and even the island of Capri. As well as the historical city center, and the more elegant parts of the city, the Mergellina and the Posillipo hill. This might very well be the best and the perfect location to stay if you want to enjoy the full panorama of Naples and its surrundings. Even when you just want to have some relaxing time in the jacuzzi you can enjoy the whole view of the city as it is situated on the top of the hotel. (The spa and the gym is in the basement.)

The hotel wants to express the true Neapolitan spirit to its guests, away from clichés and the common folklore. Young Neapolitan artists were selected through a competition and received the mission of interpreting the myths and legends of the city. Fascinating stories, known to every Neapolitan but still unknown to those who come from outside. And so, from photography to sculpture, from terracotta to collage, in all the rooms of the hotel it is possible to admire works of art created for these spaces, offering a new interpretation of the city.

The NIQ bar is situated on the elegant rooftop, ideal for enjoying the view of the sunset over the sea or a cool evening under the stars, accompanied by the creations of the skilled mixologists. The refined raw materials and sophisticated combinations with the magnificent panorama, will make your cocktail unforgettable. The Pavillon’s Neapolitan breakfast inebriates you with tastes and aromas never experienced before. Waiting for you every morning there are zero- kilometer products selected for you by the chefs, such as delicious apricots from Vesuvius, fragrant cakes, biscuits and homemade jams. Those who prefer savory cannot resist the buffalo mozzarella cheese, always fresh coming from the best local producers.

The hotel will be opening soon its fine dining restaurant The Macphersons on the rooftop. Executive Chef Eduardo Estatico will be working with his team to surprise his guest with his authentic and inspired creations. Haute cuisine will meet the genuine flavors of Naples, in an enchanting setting with a breathtaking view as we also experienced here during our stay.

Photos: PR, The Gentleman’s Review (food)
14th of May, 2022