Hotel Terme Cristallo Palace

A relaxing atmosphere flows through this hotel, which is typically filled with group tours and older couples. Cerulean and floral-print tile covers the bright and spacious lobby, which is lined with pink walls. Certain features, like handsome antique furniture, seem deliberately vintage, while others, like heavy drapes, don't. A similar style runs through the on-site restaurant and bar, though the bar has elegant and ornate blue-and-white tile floors and a corner fireplace that provides a bit of style and ups the cozy factor. The hotel's real advantage is its outdoor areas, and the main terrace is a lovely spot to relax and take in the views of Casamicciola at one of several tables underneath towering trees and cacti. There's a bit of a resort vibe here, as the hotel is home to several outdoor and indoor pools, not to mention the on-site spa, which isn't particularly chic, but is far brighter than many of the spas we've seen in Ischia. 

The Hotel Terme Cristallo Palace is in Casamicciola Terme, a charming town on Ishia's north coast. There are a few restaurants and shops in town, and a walk from the hotel to the marina and center of town takes five minutes. The island is famous for its hot springs, and several thermal parks are within a short drive, including Negombo Thermal Park (eight minutes), Poseidon Thermal Gardens (20 minutes), and Castiglione Thermal Park (10 minutes). The iconic Bay of San Montano is a 10-minute drive from the hotel as is the Archeological Museum of Pitchecusae, in vibrant little Lacco Ameno. Sorgeto Beach, where the island's hot springs meet the sea, is on the south side of the island and takes 30 minutes to reach by car. There is no airport on Ischia, and the closest is in Naples, on the Italian mainland. Ferries to Naples can take up to an hour and 40 minutes, and depart from Casamicciola. 

Like many hotel rooms across this island, these aren't the freshest to be had. Basic rooms have a homey aesthetic and a slightly dated Mediterranean style, with patterned ceramic tile floors and soft pink walls. Whitewashed blonde furniture is in mostly good condition, though it comes from a long-gone decade, and wildly patterned bedspreads further contribute to the vibe. All rooms are air-conditioned and have flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and desks. Some rooms have large shared terraces with lounge chairs and marvelous sea views. Bathrooms are spacious, and have the same tiled floors as the main rooms plus mottled blue vanities and mirrors. Sinks and tile showers both have soap dispensers attached to the walls, and the showers are spotlessly clean.

The stars of the show at this hotel are its outdoor spaces, which include several pools, all of which are popular with guests and have plenty of lounge chairs for seating. Several of the pools are thermal -- heated by the island's hot springs -- and some are covered, like the free form pool with a bridge, shrub privacy wall, and excellent sea views. The hotel also has a rectangular rooftop pool that also has exquisite hillside and water views. An indoor thermal pool is adjacent to a Kneipp bath in a white-arched space. While the full-service Venere Citarea Thermal Health and Beauty Spa isn't the most stylish we've seen, it is far nicer than many spas in hotels across this island. Thermal therapies are available as well as a wide variety of treatments including facials, massages, and manicures. However, the steam room as well as the spa towels and bathrobes cost extra. Traditional Mediterranean cuisine as well as themed dinners are offered at the on-site restaurant, while the bar serves beer and cocktails -- food and drinks receive moderately good reviews, and all-inclusive options are available. Cardio machines and free weights are provided at the small fitness center, which is free for guest use. Wi-Fi is only available for a fee, and there are charges for using the computers in the lobby. Limited on-site parking is offered in a small area for a fee as well.