I'm looking for 2 double rooms in Manarola for 2 nights next June: the 13th - 15th or an apartment that would work for four adults. I've been emailing Aria di Mare and getting no response. (They charge 90 euros per night for rooms with a view.) I finally called yesterday and was told they have nothing available for those dates. We'd prefer rooms with a view and are willing to pay up to 100 euros a night or more if necessary. (Obviously more for an apartment.) I've got Rick's Italy 2011 book and have tried a few of his suggestions but haven't heard back from anyone. Is it better to call than email? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
I go to Europe every summer and mostly stay in one of the places that RS recommends. I, too, have had problems in the past in trying to communicate with those places. At first I e-mail them and wait about a week, then e-mail them again if I have not heard back from them. I let another week go by and it I still have not heard back from them, I call them, being mindful of the time changes so I do not call them in the middle of the night. If the telephone call does not work, I might try one more call in another week if I really want to stay in their place. In the meantime, I start contacting other places just in case the first place does not work out. I only bat about 50% success rate using this method, but then again I always go in the summer when there is certainly more demand especially on RS recommended places. However, I have never left here without a reservation somewhere, at least for the first week or so. Good luck and happy travels.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11455 posts
Why not try Trip Advisor for some alternatives? I have had extremely good luck with the highly rated places on TA. Others in this board recommend vrbo.com or venere.com, although have not tried those yet. Good luck!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32249 posts
Lynette, If you've been E-mailing the lodgings in Manarola over the last few weeks, it's quite possible they've closed for the season by now. As you don't need the rooms until June, try again in the New Year. You could try La Torretta, however it may be above the budget you quoted. Good luck!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
I agree with Ken. I was there late October last year and some places (Even in busier Vernazza) were getting ready to shut down for the whole season in early November. In my opinion, Manarola is worth the effort. It was by far my favorite of the 5 villages.