POMPEII, Italy-The name reflects 79 AD which was the year Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the ancient city of Pompeii, as well as the number of rooms in the hotel: 79. Steps away from the entrance to the Pompei Archeological Park, this hotel is in a class of its own. No other hotels that match its size, luxury, and modernity. The twentieth century building formerly owned by the church has a tremendous floorplan which provides plenty of space for events and guests.

 Most Archeological Park visitors are day trippers from Rome, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast. Staying in Pompei provides an opportunity to beat the crowds and experience the ruins without a large presence of tourists, especially in the winter season. The site is more enjoyable when visited over more than one day rather than rushing around trying to see everything in a few hours.

 Chef Roberto Lepre runs Il Circolo, the ground floor restaurant at the hotel with a large outdoor patio. The osteria serves locally-sourced and regionally-inspired dishes and has a traditional Napoli woodfired oven for pizza. Chef Lepre provides cooking classes to guests throughout the year as well.

 Our lunch designed by the chef started off with a plate of mixed fritti, which included tempura vegetables and cheese. Next was slow cooked veal with ziti and some sweet onions covered in a goat cheese fondue. The main course was tagliata (beef slices) with small potatoes and broccoli. To finish things off with a large tiramisù, which collapsed on my plate as the waiter removed its covering.

 The rooms are very modern with every convenience, including spa-influenced soaps by Nuxe. Most rooms have a view of Mount Vesuvius or the town of Pompei and all are equipped with the usual conveniences of a four-star hotel. Energy efficiency is another priority at the hotel. Water temperature and room temperature are governed to create a more environmentally conscious hotel.

 Breakfast started off with a curate tray of toast and other local pastries. Coffee is made to order along with eggs served many ways, along with vegetable and meat options. The bar was filled with juices, yogurt, and cereals. All foods in the hotel are locally sourced.

 The spa has a reservation process to ensure that there will not be overcrowding. Equipped with a steam room, sauna, and heated pool, the spa makes a great place to unwind after a long day at the ruins. The wellness center offers massages and other treatments by appointment. On the same floor, there is a fitness center with enough weights and machines to make sure you can get a good workout.

 The roof terrace, which is usually closed during the winter, is a highlight of the hotel. The bar, The Roof, and the restaurant, RAW, both have spectacular views of Pompei and Vesuvius. They also have an outdoor event space which makes a perfect setting for a wedding or other large events.

 For conferences and corporate events, the hotel offers numerous options from small breakout conference rooms to multiple event spaces that can host as many as 170 people for a gala dinner.

 The modern town of Pompei offers several restaurants and bars plus the usual souvenir shops and tour companies. The town’s main church located next to the hotel, Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria del Santo Rosario di Pompei, is well worth a look inside. The 19th century church is next to the hotel and stands out as an architectural treasure.

 Habita79 is the perfect stay for a relaxed visit to a world-famous archeological site. It offers comfortable luxury with unforgettable gastronomic experiences in a modern setting. mlp