Hotels in Pompei

Modern Pompei exists almost entirely because of the ruins next door: this is a small, unremarkable town that happens to sit beside one of the most complete Roman cities ever excavated, buried and preserved by Vesuvius's eruption in 79 AD. The archaeological site itself is the draw, and it deserves a full day, not the rushed half-day most coach tours allow.

Beyond that, be honest: the town centre is workaday, heavy on souvenir stalls and tourist-menu restaurants, with little of its own character once you're past the site gates. It's also a natural base for Herculaneum and for trips up Vesuvius itself, both a short train or drive away. Stay near the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station, which puts you within walking distance of the ruins entrance and on the direct rail line to Naples, Herculaneum and Sorrento.