Hotel Cristina

Tinted glass windows line the six-floor Hotel Cristina, one of several modern buildings that stand out in stark contrast to the historic and weathered landscape of the area. Built in 2013, the hotel has a secured parking garage that’s controlled by intercom at the front desk. Decor centers on paintings of Cristina, a mythical figure, and the hotel staff likes to tell guests it’s good luck to take selfies with her likeness in the lobby. Sleek white architectural designs in the reception area make boldly hued lime, purple, and bright-blue chairs pop. A lobby display case is filled with jewelry for sale. Outside, surrounded by hedges, is a terrace that offers the only lounge space in the hotel, aside from the breakfast room. Given its location near the Mostra D'Oltremare Exhibition Center, the hotel attracts business travelers, though plenty of budget-minded tourists looking for lower rates than they'd find in central Naples stay here as well.

The hotel is situated on the fringes of Naples in Fuorigrotta, nestled near the Mostra D'Oltremare Exhibition Center, the largest of its kind in southern Italy. A market is around the corner from the hotel, and pizzerias, cafes, and a few bars are nearby. It’s a three-minute walk to the Naples Zoo, and a 20-minute walk to the San Paolo Stadium. The hotel is conveniently located near the Cavalleggeri Aosta train and subway stops, and it’s a 40-minute ride to the historic district -- with its Duomo and Naples National Archaeological Museum --  though train service can be unreliable. The drive to the Naples International Airport takes 20 to 30 minutes. Ferries to Capri and Cagliari depart from the Port of Naples, which is about an hour away by bus.

The 63 rooms are modern and clean-lined, with pop artwork, white wood veneer floors, wooden and white leather wall panels, green pillows, and open closet designs. The brown satin bedspreads add an unfortunate cheap element to the room, making them a little less attractive than they would be otherwise. Windows face the street or courtyard. Classic and Executive Rooms are compact -- both come in at 14 square meters, or about 151 square feet -- while Family Rooms and four accessible rooms have 25 square meters, 269 square feet, of space. Junior Suites, which have wider layouts, have seating areas with sofas. While the hotel sits beside train tracks, room windows have been adequately soundproofed. Brown-tile bathrooms don't quite have the sharp look of the main rooms, and feature bidets, hairdryers, glass-enclosed showers, and heated towel racks. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, free Wi-Fi, and eco-friendly features like air-conditioning that automatically shuts off when windows are opened.

The Hotel Cristina’s facilities are modern, with bursts of color, though there isn't much in the way of leisure options. Take, for instance, the breakfast room with its lime-green chairs and booths, a flat-screen TV and a buffet, where the free breakfast is served. It's a basic continental spread that includes pastries, yogurt, and fruit, and there's a Nescafe machine for coffee. At the entrance to the lobby is a modern bar, but there’s no lounge -- aside from a few colorful, mod chairs. A large terrace, with greenery and stylish rattan furniture, is on the ground floor. The Sala Cristina meeting room seats up to 80 people. and two business offices are also available for small meetings. There's also a computer corner in the lobby. This hotel offers free, secured on-site parking and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee and the hotel can help book various excursions.