Starhotels Terminus

Most guests at Starhotels Terminus are here for one of the conference spaces or because of arriving or departing trains at the adjacent Napoli Centrale station. Being a 1903 building, the layout and sizes of rooms vary, though common areas are all spacious. A large lobby has several seating arrangements and a small bar, all done up in a contemporary take on classical style -- think cream couches, parquet wood floors, gilded mirror gallery walls, and a bronze sculpture. The restaurant has a similar feel, while rooms are split between traditional and modern. The atmosphere is buzzing at breakfast and check-in, but otherwise relaxed.

A seventh-floor terrace allows for vistas of the city and Mount Vesuvius, though guests generally spend their days exploring the area, or in one of the on-site meeting spaces. The gritty neighborhood and abundant noise in most rooms are deterrents, but it's hard to get closer to the train station than Starhotels. 

The biggest pro of Starhotels Terminus is its location on Piazza Garibaldi and just across the street from Napoli Centrale, the city's main train station. Travel both within Naples and to regional destinations -- including Rome and Sorrento -- are available by here. However, the area is gritty and a bit rundown, which may make some travelers feeling unsafe at night. Nevertheless, several restaurants, bars, and shops are within easy walking distance. Plus, rental car agencies such as Hertz are just a few minutes' walk away. 

Pompeii is a 25-minute drive or 45-minute ride by public transportation, while Sorrento can be reached in roughly an hour or 90 minutes depending on the transportation option. The Port of Naples is a 10-minute taxi ride or 30-minute walk for ferry service to Sorrento, Capri, and Ischia. Rome and its airport are between a two-and-a-half and three-hour drive.

The 169 rooms are mostly done in a contemporary-meets-classic style, though some have more outdated, traditional furnishings. The former are attractive, are with wood floors, white wood furniture, and curved brown faux-leather headboards lined by studs. Couches and/or chairs add comfort, while black-and-white artwork adds some character. The old-fashioned rooms have blue carpet and traditional wood furniture. All but the first-floor rooms have balconies, though these aren't furnished. Those facing outside have constant noise from sirens, trains, and cars, while rooms overlooking the internal courtyard are much quieter, and many have dining sets. 

Standard amenities include work desks, air-conditioning, minibars, and flat-screen TVs, and most have tea- and coffee-making facilities. Closets with electronic safes are also provided. Suites have Lavazza espresso machines, bathrobes, and slippers. Up-to-date bathrooms have sleek travertine tiling, modern showers or shower/tub combos, bidets, bulk toiletries (except lotion), and hairdryers. Older bathrooms are still attractive and have the same amenities.

Note that within room categories, size and layouts vary.

All rates include a substantial, well-regarded breakfast buffet served in the restaurant. The spread consists of typical continental fare such as hard-boiled eggs, cold meats and cheeses, and baked goods, plus hot dishes, juice, and coffee and espresso beverages. Lunch and dinner include regional and international fare, and the eatery is open year-round. Snacks and drinks can also be ordered from the lobby bar during the day and night. A top-floor terrace has seating and pleasant views of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, plus a bar at certain times. 

A small but modern fitness center has Technogym cardio machines and free weights. There are 10 conference spaces on-site, some with lovely wall murals or artwork. An internet point is free-to-use, and Wi-Fi is both free and reliable throughout the hotel. Garage parking is available for a daily fee.