BonvoyTraveler

Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel     We flew on Alitalia from Naples to Rome and on to Paris after our long day touring Pompeii. The flight to Rome was just a commuter flight and we only had time to run to our next plane which had a good meal in Business Class though the service was quite slow.  On arrival at the Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel at the edge of the Marais which we reached after a taxi ride from Charles de Gaulle we went straight to bed so that we could explore the city the next morning.      The rooms were basic, modern and functional, and the hotel service was quite slow, especially breakfast and quite crowded, but as many know in Paris you should move at a slower pace.  Of course we were in a hurry.  I had gone for an early run in the morning to see the recently damaged Notre Dame and run along the Seine a little before returning back to the hotel for a quick workout, shower and to join the others for breakfast.  Soon after we went out for a walk through the Marai

         After leaving Rome we took the short train trip down to Naples, primarily as a gateway to visit Pompeii which I had regrettably missed on my first trip to Italy as a backpacker two decades earlier.  We had opted for the Renaissance Naples close to the water but a bit of a distance from the train station so we took a taxi to get to the hotel.  Instantly it was apparent that Naples was a rougher town than Rome, the cab drive was lively and animated in his swearing at the other drivers as we weaved through the traffic.  Pedestrians seemed to take their life in the hands by stepping of the curb.        Arriving at the hotel we were told they were full so no upgrades.  The room was basic and small but functional and nicely updated.  The highlight of the hotel was the roof deck spaces which included the breakfast restaurant and the expansive terrace with stunning views and an excellent breakfast buffet and the pool and lounge area.  The lobby with spiral staircase was nice as was th