Hello! I'm generally not one to consider such things, but curious if it would be that big of a deal to arrive via train in Monterosso on a Monday night in September, and expect to find a room for the next 3 days. Since it would be for Mon-Wed, weeknights, it sounds like finding a room would not be that difficult, and potentially a more cost-effective move as opposed to booking in advance. Not looking for anything overly nice, more focused on budget. Any advice on that idea would be greatly appreciated. Also, can you hop on a train direct from Rome to Monterosso, or do you have to always connect in La Sperzia? If so, roughly how long is that trip? Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Do you have the RS Italy book yet? It answers both these questions for you, and tons more. It'll be the best money you spend on your vacation. You can also find out about the trains through the trenitalia website. There won't be any direct train from Rome to the very tiny CT villages. Best wishes.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
The only time it you shouldn't reserve is when you don't know your schedule. It sounds like you know your arrival date and the length of the stay so why not book? You can always find a place to stay but you will spend time looking a room and it may not be the quality or the price you want.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
In 2006 I arrived in Monterosso with my husband and no reservations. I was in charge of finding 2 rooms, as another 3 people were joining us. The minute we got off the train, a guy come up to us asking if we were looking for a room. We followed him to an office in town, then out to see two different rooms in different buildings. We took the rooms at about $60 a night for 3 nights. This was in late September. I'd heard that they did this, and it worked for us. the towns were pretty quiet at that time, we didn't have any waits to eat, and the trail was pretty quiet too. Not sure if this many years later getting to town without reservations will still work, but it was great for us. An adventure if nothing else. Not sure about the train, we came from Milan for that trip.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
7 posts
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm probably going to book in advance just to be safe, but nice to know it's not impossible to get a room day-of if neccessary. Thanks again!