American Hotel

“For business travellers, not holidaymakers!”

Firstly I should start by making it clear we weren't booked in at this hotel. We were due to be at the neighbouring hotel, The Best Western, but this was closed due to 'issues with the hot water', and since this is it's 'sister hotel' the manager waited outside for our arrival and re-directed us ... more

Firstly I should start by making it clear we weren't booked in at this hotel. We were due to be at the neighbouring hotel, The Best Western, but this was closed due to 'issues with the hot water', and since this is it's 'sister hotel' the manager waited outside for our arrival and re-directed us here. The American Hotel is dated (although they seem to have renovated some of their rooms), with no pool, no tea/coffee facilities or vending machines, and worst of all, no atmosphere. The restaurant is open for breakfast (a basic range that doesn't change from day to day) and from seven pm for dinner but the food is okay at best and contains some defrosted elements, while the bar is usually closed. The place is like a ghost town, with few staff and very few other holidaymakers. The hotel's one saving grace is that they have decent free WiFi. The area in which it sits is industrial to say the least - it is one long road lined with car showrooms, workshops and engineering factories. The beach is unreachable despite claims that it is not far away, and the only places of refuge are a nightclub over the road (not open during the day, not most nights) and a 'bar' a little way down the street. The 'bar' seems okay, but is more of a cafe with food on offer, bottled beer only, and as it seems to serve the  workers of the nearby motor-related businesses it definitely doesn't scream 'holiday', and despite google saying it opens on Sundays it didn't. If you intend to break out from here be warned - the hotel doesn't organise or advertise excursions, and due to a strange cultural quirk, tickets for the local buses can only be purchased immediately before you travel from a 'tabbacheria', none of which are within reasonable walking distance of the hotel. Your options are limited to long-distance walking (assuming you have studied the route) or taxis to the nearest metro (which don't come cheap - we paid 18 euros for a 5 minute journey). If you wish to travel through to Naples expect to pay in the region of 60 euros each way. The 502 bus schedule is okay on weekdays and sketchy at weekends, and the bus stop is directly outside the Best Western Hotel but you'll still have the issue of how to purchase your ticket in the first place. Overall, a stressful experience!

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