I cannot say enough wonderful things about my stay at Villa Steno in Monterosso on the Italian Riviera, recommended in Rock's book on Cinque Terre. The hotel is perched high up so that many balconies as well as the breakfast area and the rooftop sundeck have a view of the waterfront. The rooms are lovely and even offer refrigerators, coffeemakers and QUIET air conditioning.
But the secret charm of Villa Steno is the staff. As we were walking up the driveway for the first time, Anna from reception was already coming down the stairs with a warm greeting and insisting to carry our bags to the reception desk and then on to our rooms. A welcome drink with a delicious local snack put the final touch on making us feel at home.
Matteo was there to see that we had everything we wanted for breakfast and as well as in the evenings to offer advice for the day ahead.
The Cinque Terre are a group of five seaside towns where it is said that everybody knows everybody else. What a pleasant surprise to be also treated as a resident of the town, even though our stay was brief – way too brief.
Monterosso was the perfect base of operations for visiting all five towns, thanks to the outstanding train and boat shuttles as well as the paths that connection the towns with the added benefit that they offer breathtaking views. And Villa Steno is the perfect place to call home for your visit.
-Herb