Question about Albergo Barbara hotel in Vernazza, Cinque Terre

Scully, we haven't stayed there but I just took a look at it (and reviews on a couple of websites) and I don't know; dark, bare rooms with some high windows, no shared common area, no breakfast, no guarantee of a sea view, LOTS of stairs...

I see by your previous post that there are five of you, including 2 teenagers and a 9 year-old so I'm assuming you're going to have to get at least two rooms? Have you looked into apartments at all? I would think for the price that you could get one which could accommodate all of you plus a small kitchen and gathering space of some sort; living area, outside terrace or garden, etc. but maybe I'm off base here.

And is Vernazza a MUST? Have you checked out any of the other villages? What dates are you looking at and for how long?

Any hotel can get bedbugs, as can public transport, etc. I'm sure the traveler who wrote that TA review would have no basis to say what Rick's book editors will do "next year." You could ask the hotel what they did about the bedbug complaint.

Scully,

If you're not set on staying in Vernazza, you could also look at accommodations in Monterosso. It's the largest of the five towns and therefore has more choices, including larger hotels which provide breakfasts. It also has the best beaches of the five towns.

Thanks for the input!

Kathy, I'm open to any accommodations that fit us, in any of the villages, and I'm willing to spend up to 300 euros a night to find the right lodging, but I'd prefer to stay at 250 euros a night or less. This was the first lady who had responded to my email queries, and the price was low, so I was willing to consider it. We will get two rooms, or one suite, depending on price.

I've been looking on airbnb as well and there are options, but most are perched far above the sea, and I don't think there's anywhere for my kids to swim. They love the beach, so I want to give them the opportunity to swim in Italy. We will be there in early July and we will stay either 2 or 3 nights. I'm still firming up our plans and it's based in part on what is available and how much I think we will like it.

And Laura, good point. Thanks!

Ken, I love the idea of that town. I have emailed several hotels and private room hosts and haven't heard back yet.

Scully, I've just read in your most recent post that you're going in July. Be aware that Albergo Barbara does not have air conditioning? That might be a plus in mid-summer!

Have you looked on booking.com? A fair amount of us use that site for our bookings, and it might be helpful during low season in the CT when the many accommodations are still closed and not paying close attention to emails. You can easily sort apartments or multiple single rooms by price plus scan their reviews.

It's pretty late in the game to be booking for high season so if you run into trouble, consider Levanto? It's literally just a few minutes from Monterosso by train, and on the sea. Probably better rates as well.

Thanks, Kathy. Yes, I just booked my airfare two days ago, so I'm a bit late in the planning game!

Scully, we haven't stayed there but I just took a look at it (and reviews on a couple of websites) and I don't know; dark, bare rooms with some high windows, no shared common area, no breakfast, no guarantee of a sea view, LOTS of stairs...

FYI.....we stayed at Albergo Barbara last September and the room was not dark, but there is no common area, no breakfast is served, very steep stairs and no air conditioning. The view was amazing but if we ever go back I think we would opt for Monterossa after taking a day trip there.

we stayed at Albergo Barbara last September and the room was not dark,

Ah. Probably just the photography, Murray.

If you can catch a sale I would recommend the Royal Victoria. We there this past September and it was fantastic. You also get breakfast with your room so keep that in mind when factoring the price.