The hotel is located in a questionable area of Rome. It's about a 10 minute walk from the train station but close to a Metro stop. We couldn't figure out what floor the "hotel" was on, since it seemed like the building was an apartment building. It was dark and creepy inside and eerily reminiscent of the Bates Motel. We figured out we had to ascend to the 3rd floor and took a rickety elevator about the size of a phone booth upstairs.

We found none other than Norman Bates himself behind the front desk. He wasn't exacty welcoming. The door was open, and I'm sure he heard us downstairs trying to figure out where to go, but didn't say a word. He took us to our room, which was a nice surprise. We had a three people and they put us in their quad. The single bed had a huge depression and was extremely uncomfortable to sleep on. The hairdryer was broken, but they replaced it the next day with one whose plug didn't fit the socket. But breakfast was prompt the next day, with cappucino, fresh orange juice, and packaged croissants.

The shower head isn't suspended from the wall, so you have to hold the nozzle to bathe yourself.

Another bad thing was the low-flush toilet. It takes forever for it to flush again and there's a dirty, --flecked toilet brush nearby with which you can use to clean your skid marks.

Interesting find: There are framed pictures, pieces of nonconforming wallpaper, and a calendar stuck to random places on the walls. A little investigative work discovered that they conceal tears and holes in the wallpaper.

Note: Norman Bates removes the laptop to which you get internet access at 10pm at night, and doesn't put it back until about 9am the next morning. So you can check your email early or late at night.

The rooms were not clean and the service could not speak English. The sheets were not changed before our arrival. There were cocroaches running around in the room.

Stayed here during one of the busiest times Rome has seen (the week of the Pope's funeral) and was thoroughly pleased with the location, cleanliness and polite service. Only a 5 minute walk down a straight road to the Termini station where you'll find buses, tour buses and on-foot access to the city's greatest tourist spots. The rooms are decorated in a tasteful and traditional style and we found the beds and bathroom spotless. The coffee with fresh cream and croissants served at your time of choice between 8 and 9 am are most welcome. The free internet access and 24 hour access by personal key is great. Would recommend this place to anyone who hasn't got the budget or need for a lavish suite on their trip.

we stayed in the Cristina in June 2003, I loved the room. I did not find it too far- it was actually really handy for us- we came in and out by train and the station is 10 mins away, it is difficult to find though. The location is good as it is quiet and away from soem of the hassles you can get in the more touristy areas.
Our room looked out over the courtyard and was really pretty- had the cool ceiling and a compact, but clean bathroom. The aircon was not very good- and it was very warm in the night. Free internet accessin the lobby area and the coolest elevator in the building.
It is clean, safe and an excellent bargain for the location in central Rome-but don't expect the hilton.

I loved the Breakfast- you give a nod to the guy on reception and 10 mins later he brings you cappucinno and a croissant to your room- room service for free!!!!