The aromatization of α-tetralones substituted at the β-position by an ester group is reported using either CuI or Pd2(dba)3. In the case of using CuI (10 mol%) as catalyst and Cs2CO3 as base in dioxane, 2-(methoxycarbonyl)-α-tetralones are smoothly converted into the corresponding methyl 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoates at 70 °C under air. Alternatively, Pd2(dba)3 (1.25 mol%) can also be used as catalyst in the presence of K3PO4 as base in toluene also at 70 °C under argon. These are the most straightforward methodologies for the aromatization of these types of α-tetralones. CuI is the catalyst of choice due to higher efficiency, economical and practical reasons.