My husband is trying to convience me to go to Vernazza Sept. 30- Oct.3 with no reservations. He assumes there are lots of places to stay, and that we might love just looking around to find something when we get there. I'm of the mind to get a reservation.
What do you think about this time of year and availability?
For Cinque Terre, even at that time of year, most people who write in here are booking ahead, if they know the dates they are going to be there. The usual explanation for not booking ahead is for people who do not know their dates and want to retain flexibility about what days they show up. If you already know your days, and apparently you do, there is no advantage in failing to book ahead. And the disadvantage is that the best rates and locations are already booked up by people who did book ahead; and you spend a significant part of your day and energy concerned about where you are going to sleep. These are small villages with a limited number of rooms. Once they are gone on, or you cannot locate efficiently the one or two rooms that are left, you have a real problem because you can't just get back in your car and go to the next destination.
Always make at least tentative reservations! Be sure to ask about the Property's cancellation policy at the time of making the reservation. Be sure to cancel in advance. Make note of it on your daily agenda.
Years ago I ran the Front Office of a Major Hotel. I remember scrambling to help stranded travellers find last minute accomodations. I often ended up sending them to expensive and less than desirable accomodation all b/c they had no reservations.
I know we put on the pressure at time of reservation and pretty much always tell you we are booking up fast and soon sold out. This is a standard response so most travellers catch on and know that we are probably sitting at 30% occupancy and just looking to sell...But it can and does happen sometimes without warning. I have seen occ rates go from 30% to 105% in just a couple days. I live in an absolutely beautiful city which can sell out quickly.
You never know when a conference comes to town or a neighbouring city or town...
sells out and the demand spills over...
The last thing you want is to be searching for a room when you should be out exploring.
The time of year and availability can be deceiving. Definately make at least tenative reservations.
I wish I was going with you. My husband and i spent 3 weeks in Italy over the past hoidays and I think it was out best trip ever. We stayed in Vernazza 4 days. It is beautiful. The 7 mile trail is easy and gorgeous. We did it in january. Don't let anyone talk you out of it. We stayed at Guiliano Basso's in Vernazza and just loved it. It's listed in RS. He is so nice, as is his wife, Michele. You will love them. Their rooms are located above the town. 70 steps according to Michele who climbed it daily when whe was pregnant. But the view is fabulous. The terrace is so romantic. We had wine there every night even tho we had to wear gloves. But YES...you need reservations. There aren't that many places to stay. Don't miss out because you did not plan ahead on this one. ( FYI No internet in rooms, but they invited us to their apt to use theirs). All the little towns on the CT are great but we liked Vernazza the best.
