Hotel Magri’s

Hotel Magri's yellowish facade and gritty surrounds don't make much of an initial impression, but once guests step inside the gated complex, they're welcomed by lush grounds. Guests can gather on a vast stone terrace finished with beautiful tropical plants centered on a large gazebo with wood lattice details and lots of sitting areas. The 2004 hotel, which underwent some renovations in mid-2017 (including renovation of half the guest rooms), offers refined, contemporary decor with a neutral color palette of browns and creams. The lobby features a glossy cream-colored floor, inset wood reception desk, and a sitting area separated from the rest of the lobby by freestanding pieces of modern art. Its location is off the beaten path, but its competitive rates and nicely sized rooms attract a range of travelers, including business guests, small families, and tourists or travel groups. 

One reason for this hotel's competitive rates is its location outside of the historic center of Naples in a somewhat rundown, industrial neighborhood, with few restaurants or sights in the area. But access to the city is fairly easy via public transit. The Via Gianturco station and Napoli Gianturco Station are a seven- and 10-minute walk from the hotel respectively, though some guests feel uncomfortable walking through the gritty neighborhood. Each station offers regional and local train and subways service, with about a 10- to 15-minute ride into central Naples (door-to-door, guests can be at Naples Cathedral in about a half hour). Trains are also convenient to some regional sights, for example, it's about a 35-minute ride into Pompeii. Naples International Airport is about an hour via public transit or 15-minute drive. The hotel offers daily late evening shuttle service (except on Sundays) into Naples historic center, free of charge. The property also has a large, secure parking lot, which is free to use.

About half of the guest rooms were overhauled during the hotel's mid-2017 renovations, leaving a wide gap in style between the sparse and dated older units and the stylish and modern revamped ones. An entry-level Classic Room, for example, features brown wall-to-wall carpeting, a blue bedspread, chunky wood furniture, and a dark red vinyl chair. It's generic and outmoded, but details like inset shelving adorned with vases attempt to add flair. A renovated Superior Room, on the other hand, features wood floors, a modern neutral beige and brown color palette, white lacquered furniture, and recessed ceilings with inset lighting. Bathrooms vary, but tend to feature bidets, toilets, and showers (or occasionally tubs). Showers range from cramped stalls to roomy walk-in styles. 

Twin, Double, or Triple Rooms are available. All rooms are air-conditioned and have flat-screen TVs, lightly stocked mini-bars, electric kettles for coffee and tea, and free Wi-Fi, plus safes, and free individual toiletries and hairdryers in bathrooms. Views are mostly of the street, but the hotel is fairly well insulated from exterior noise. 

The hotel's main extra property feature is a spacious restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The lobby bar area is small, with just two bar stools, but drinks (and meals) can be consumed, weather permitting, on the pleasant garden terrace, which includes a covered gazebo area. Breakfast is a standard buffet, usually included in the room rate, and room service is available during limited hours.

On the down side, Hotel Magri's skimps on the wellness facilities. The gym is tiny with a modest mix of modern cardio equipment and a few pieces of weight-lifting equipment -- though it does have a nice wood floor and lots of windows letting in sunlight. There's no pool either, but a garden area leads to a slightly elevated terrace deemed the solarium, which features a smattering of wicker chairs and cafe tables and just a handful of loungers.

Business travelers can take advantage of the hotel's four meeting rooms. For guests traveling with children, there are cribs, high-chairs, and kids' menus, plus pets are allowed. Free parking is a boon, and the hotel has a spacious, secure lot, plus the hotel offers a free shuttle that runs in the evening to Naples' historic center, though some complain that service runs too late. Airport transfers can be arranged, and staff offer concierge and laundry service. Wi-Fi throughout is free.