We will be arriving on the last train into Monterosso at 23:00 on a Tuesday night in mid April. We'll be staying 2 nights. Rick suggests arriving without reservation and bargaining with locals for a private room with cash. Will there be anyone awake or out to bargin with at 23:00? We'd love a good deal but we could just make a reservation now. What do you think?
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Kathy, 11 pm is far too late to arrive at any B&B or apt. Give some thought to arriving the following morning. Even with a reservation, you might well find the door locked & bolted at that very late hour.
Posted by
Long Beach, CA, USA
360 posts
make a reservation nobody will be looking to haggle with you at 23:00 Monterosso could be very busy in April due to lack of lodging availability in Vernazza
get a reservation
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3299 posts
You really, really need to book something, and make sure they know you will not arrive until 23:00 so someone will be thre to let you in.
Posted by
OP
Salt Lake City
3 posts
Thank you so much! I will book something and tell them our arrival time.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32392 posts
Kathy, As the others have suggested, it would be a really good idea to pre-book a room, and for travel in mid-April I'd suggest doing that SOON. It's VERY unlikely that you'll find anyone to bargain with at 23:00 and while there's a slight chance that method may work, you would likely have to settle for something that's "less than desirable" or way above your budget. Happy travels!
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3299 posts
Isn't the idea that one can just "show up" in a Cinque Terre village and expect to be shown to a nice cheap room by a local pretty much outdated? Does Rick really still advocate this?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32392 posts
Kathy, In line with the suggestions that Bob mentioned, it would be a really good idea to tell the Hotel that you'll be a "late arrival". Many smaller Hotels close the front desk later in the evening, so the door may be locked. When you're on the way to Monterosso, it would also be a good idea to phone if possible phone to confirm that you will in fact be arriving.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32392 posts
Kathy, It sounds like you've got the problem sorted. I arrived in Monterosso at about 21:00 when I visited there last year, and was sure to phone to confirm that I'd be arriving late. The Hotel owner appreciated that, and even had a Taxi waiting for me. It's unfortunate that you'll only have one night there, so you'll have to plan a return visit. Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Salt Lake City
3 posts
Thanks! We decided to spend the night in Milan and take the first train in that arrives at 9:00 and make a reservation for only one night. I appreciate everyone's input!