Planning to go to the CT, but currently do not have any reservations for arrival July 20th for 3-4 nights. Read about 'Mamma Rosa who meets incoming trains at the station' according to the RS book. Is that still the case? Will we be able to find her, or others like her at or near the train station in Riomaggiore with rooms or beds for rent on our arrival day? Any suggestions or tips on finding rooms on day of arrival appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
There are so many tourists who visit this area I think I would be a little nervous showing up in the middle of high tourist season with no reservations.
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario,, Canada
521 posts
I got a room with Mar Mar in Riomaggiore. They are an agency that rents out private apartments in Riomaggiore, but they have their own maid service. I found them to be very easy to work with and honest in providing details for each available apartment (including the number of steps to get to each one), though you MUST check in by 5 pm as they close at that time and will not accommodate a late check-in.
Posted by
Sonora, CA, USA
100 posts
Middle of summer - MAKE RESERVATIONS! Personally, I don't think you'd be able to find anybody at the train stations in CT - even in Vernazza at the end of Sept. it was masses of people getting on/off the train. It did clear up late in the afternoon which was great. I know alot of people still love the sponteniety of "finding" a room, but then your choices are limited as far as views, stairs, etc. We stayed in Vernazza at
http://www.francamaria.com
We had room #2 which looked out over the piazza, the harbour and the clock tower was right in our window view as well. It was truly awesome. I just really liked knowing ahead of time what I was getting...You will SO fall under the enchantment of the CT...
Posted by
Eden Prairie, MN, USA
168 posts
Hi Jeff,
We stayed at Edi's Rooms (website www.wel.it/Vesignaedi) in Riomaggiore and loved it! Our room had a huge balcony over looking the ocean/town. Plus Edi was very nice. It's very easy to find. From the train you just talk on the road and you will see a sign for their office. From there you she will bring you to your room. Our room also had a coffee machine (with coffee) and a refrigerator.
We loved staying in Riomaggiore. Walk on the Via Dell Amore one night (it connects to Manorola). I would also recommend at night going to Bar Centrale. It's a great place for drinks (and I recommend their mojito).
Have a wonderful trip! I'm jealous. CT is one of my favorite places in the world! :-)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Jeff,
At this time of the year, I'd HIGHLY recommend pre-booking a room! I also used Mar-Mar Rooms and would certainly recommend them. They also operate a small "mini-Hostel" so that might be an option too. One point to mention is that if you're going to use one of their properties, you'll have to arrive before 17:00, as they close their office for dinner at that time.
It's quite possible that Mamma Rosa will be at the station in Riomaggiore when you arrive. She was waiting when I got off the train on my last visit. She doesn't speak much (any?) English. I've heard "mixed reviews" of the facilities she offers, so keep that in mind.
The "official" C.T. Hostel is in Manarola (the next village to the north). It's small but well run. Note that they have a STRICT lockout during the day though. You could also try Hotel Ca d'Andrean in Manarola.
It would be a good idea to pack the Italy Guidebook along, so you'll have a list of accommodations in each of the towns.
If you have to start travelling to each of the five villages looking for a place to sleep, you're going to waste a lot of valuable travel time.
Good luck!
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, USA
125 posts
Thanks for all the input and suggestions. Many of the locations in the RS book, have replied 'all full' but I did get replies from Edi, Robert Fazolli, and the hostel in Manarola, that rooms are available....so I probably make a decision between those, and reserve my 3-4 night stay in the CT. As you suggest Kent, we don't want to be going from town to town looking for a room after 2:30pm which is when we arrive.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Jeff,
Did you also try La Torretta in Manarola? It's a bit pricey, but if your budget will allow you might consider it.
I'd suggest "locking something down" fairly soon. You might also check TripAdvisor as you might find some good recommendations there.
One other suggestion would be to have a look at the listings for Monterosso or Corniglia. Monterosso is the largest of the five villages so has the largest inventory of Hotel and B&B rooms (in both the "new" and "old" parts of the town). Corniglia (the middle village of the five) is a bit "off the beaten path" as it's high on a rock bluff. Therefore, it doesn't get as much attention as the other four villages and may have more vacancies. Although I haven't stayed in Corniglia, one thing I vividly remember is the smell of wine fermenting as I wandered through the various alleys and streets exploring the village.
If you're planning to hike the trails, you might take an extra large bottle of water. There used to be some Cats living along one of the trails, and they might appreciate some fresh water.
Good luck!