Please sign in to post.

Lodging in CT for elderly parents and self

Please forgive the question if it has already been asked. I am taking my parents (both age 75+) to CT in May 2015 as part of a larger tour of Italy. My mother is very vital and mobile, my father not so much. Does anybody know the name of the flat that Rick lodges in in his CT episode? Any other suggestions would likewise be most appreciated. Two bedrooms preferred, or at least a bedroom for my parents and maybe a sofa bed for myself. Also, while I have read repeatedly that a car is a useless thing in CT, between two knee replacements and a pair of strokes, I fear that my father's ability to handle the train from Florence is suspect. We will be therefore probably be arriving in CT from Tuscany via rental car. In this case, what am I getting myself into if I park a car at the top of Vernazza overnight? Or is it best (and safe) to park in la Spezia and come in by train?

Many thanks

sco

Posted by
11852 posts

There is a shuttle to/from the car park at the top of Vernazza, but I do not know how often it runs. Driving to La Spezia makes sense, but despite the shuttle, I'd still recommend a train as long as he can descend OK. It can be a big step down to the platform at any station. Don't just park in La Spezia: turn your car in and rent another at the end of your stay in the CT if necessary.

I like Manarola a lot because you do not need to deal with any stairs at the train station and many flats are along a walkway that has no stairs up from the center. Try ArbaSpaa and be sure to ask about stairs to apartments both in the street and once you get to the building.

Posted by
16774 posts

The name of the flat pictured in that segment isn't mentioned but given the information you've provided, I think the bigger question is a flat which can be accessed with the least amount of effort and fewest stairs.

If your father would have trouble with trains, the CT is going to present some challenges as so little of it is flat. Stairs and steep grades are sort of a fact of life there whether it's train stations, exploring the villages or (often) accessing restaurant restrooms which are frequently located in the basement; common to many other locations in Italy as well. I'm not wanting to discourage you AT ALL, but it may be helpful to know what to expect?

Monterosso is probably best choice for a visitor with mobility issues as it has the largest amount of flat space for easiest walking. We stayed at a hotel a short-ish walk from the train station which had an elevator, and provides family rooms (will sleep more than 2) but it's not self-catering. Hopefully, someone else has a good solution for you!

Posted by
3580 posts

You can park at the beach in Monterosso. Newer hotels with elevators are near the parking lot. A long street (Fegina) runs along the beach and is fairly level for 200 yards or so. Ferries run between the towns and are boarded without stairs.

Posted by
11294 posts

"accessing restaurant restrooms which are frequently located in the basement; common to many other locations in Italy as well."

I just want to emphasize this point (it's true for lots of Europe, not just Italy). If your father has trouble with stairs, he will need to plan bathroom usage carefully.

Posted by
32405 posts

sco,

I believe Rick usually lodges in Vernazza, and the places there typically have lots of stairs (and no elevators), so this probably wouldn't be a good choice in your circumstances.

As previous replies have mentioned, Monterosso would be the best choice as much of the town is flat, especially the "new town", part of which can be seen in THIS photo. Some of the streets in the "old town" extend uphill, but you can take those at your own speed. There is a short flight of stairs to get from the station platform down to street level, but again you can take those at your own speed.

Choosing a hotel that's both close to the station and has an elevator would probably be a good idea. One that you might consider is Hotel La Spiaggia which fits both criteria. For travel in May, I would suggest getting a booking SOON!!! You could also have a look at THIS LIST for other hotels (AFAIK, it's reasonably current).

Posted by
437 posts

Monterossa gets my vote too. The parking lot by the sea is easy and affordable.
Monterossa even has a taxi service between the two parts of town which are connected by a ramp not stairs. However, anything away from the beach is up a steep hill, our hotel had about a bazillion stairs.

The train between the towns may be a problem with many stairs, maybe the boat tour would work for your father.

CT is a great place to relax, enjoy the trip!

Posted by
9 posts

We, too, are going to CT but in March. Just watched CT segment tonight. Will areas be open and ferry system run in March. Looks like lovely place and I hope you and your parents are able to enjoy the area. Travel is hard on the elderly. I wish I could have taken my parents more places when they were alive. Good luck to you.

Posted by
32405 posts

rcalr65,

I provided some comments in your other Thread regarding the Cinque Terre in March. The Ferries are "weather dependent" and I suspect they either won't be operating in March, or will have very limited hours (I didn't check).

Posted by
32405 posts

sco,

On the topic of a rental car, that won't be of much use while in the Cinque Terre as it's not possible to drive in the towns. As someone else mentioned, there's a large car park at one end of the "new town", but the car will likely sit there most of the time gathering dust and incurring parking charges. I believe there's another car park at the end of the "old town" but there are some slight hills to deal with walking down Via Roma.

Another point to mention is that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. Failure to produce an I.D.P. if asked can result on fines on the spot! You can easily obtain an I.D.P. at any AAA office for a small fee (two Passport photos required, which they should be able to take there). You'll also have to be vigilant to avoid the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas (more fines), and of course there are also tolls, high fuel costs, CDW Insurance, Traffic Tutor speed cameras, parking, etc.

Posted by
2 posts

Many thanks to all of you for your kind and insightful replies. I had forgotten about some of the incredibly steep stairs leading to bathrooms that I had seen in Europe in the past. I will check out Monterosso more, and see where I might be able to drop off the car in La Spezia. Much appreciated.

Posted by
16774 posts

From Ken:

One that you might consider is Hotel La Spiaggia which fits both
criteria.

This is where we stayed in Monterosso as well but didn't mention as it wasn't self catering. Very nice family-run hotel a very easy walk from the train station, and close to restaurants. As mentioned, it has a elevator, and a simple but perfectly adequate breakfast is included in the tariff. Maria - who usually runs the desk - is a peach! They close in the off-season, however, and only check email sporadically so it may take awhile for them to get back to you. As he said, BOOK SOON as it's very popular, being nearly right on the beach.

It is some distance from the ferry docks, however (not a problem for us but may be too much of a walk for your father) and boat travel isn't given if the seas are rough.

http://www.laspiaggiahotel.com