I'm getting more confused with the more I read. I had it all planned to stay in Vernazza but after reading all the glowing reports on Hotel Villa Sterno in Monterosso, I am siding towards it. But their web site talks of steep climbs and a 15 min. hike to get to him (he suggests taking a taxi for $10). I don't want to have to take a taxi each time I check into my hotel for the 2 days I'm there, but the hotel looks so absolutely lovely and for not much more. So, now I'm hesitate as what to do. Has anyone stayed there and can tell me how bad it is? Thank you!
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
If you have a Cinque Terre pass for train and trails, you are allowed free rides on the small local shuttle buses in the towns. You can ride that bus from the lower parts of Monterosso to the area of Hotel Villa Steno. If you get into shape before your trip, the walk up to the hotel will not seem too strenuous. All the towns in the CT are hilly. You'd probably be doing some serious walking in Vernazza, too. The hotel does seem nice; I walked up there once and had a glass of wine in their reception area. Rick Steves groups have stayed there--so you know it must be good!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
320 posts
Linda - Hotel Villa Steno is great - I know that you'll enjoy it. It is a short and sort of steep walk from the train station. If you follow Rick's advice (echoed over and over again by the posters on this board) and PACK LIGHT it is a breeze - no big deal. But I would not want to haul a ton of luggage from the station to Villa Steno. Have fun.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2723 posts
Hotel Villa Steno is wonderful. Yes it's up the hill and there are a number of steps. But hill = view. So take your time and wander up, you need not be in a hurry. The family that runs the place is fantastic, the breakfast great (try the lemon preserves), the balcony view rooms just fabulous. I would have stayed forever but my tour moved on.
If you're interested in the same hospitality but not the hike, the same family runs Hotel Pasquale, located at the base of the hill, just through the tunnel as you walk from the train station. It's more noisy though from train traffic.
Posted by
OP
Somonauk, Illinois, USA
400 posts
Thank you everyone....you have made my decision easy. Hotel Villa Sterno it is!