Traveling to Vernazza in mid October this year. we usually stay in Franca Maria rooms. The rooms are Ok, but the location is great. Right on the main square, and only steps from the water. The staff are non existent, and we have had some issues with musty rooms. Since we have only stayed at this location, I am wondering if someone can recommend something that might be similar in location. Or, should we go in a totally different direction and look toward Manarola, Riomaggiore, or Corniglia?
Any thoughts, experiences, and advice is appreciated. Good, bad, or ugly, all comments are a help.
Thanks, Jeff
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32419 posts
Jeff,
Is there a reason you didn't specify Monterosso on your list?
Posted by
OP
Richmond, Ky, USA
279 posts
No sir,
We visited Monteroso once, briefly a few years ago, and I was just not as impressed as I was with the other towns.
I am sure I didn't give it enough of a chance, we were only there briefly.
Any ideas about any of the towns is appreciated.
Thanks, Jeff
Posted by
Moncton NB
1157 posts
Gianni Franzi is the best hotel in Vernazza, IMO. Its a lot of steps up, but once you're there, whoa what a view. http://www.giannifranzi.it/
And I agree. Monterosso is the least interesting of the 5. Corniglia is my second favourite.
Posted by
Boston, MA
1832 posts
If you exclude Monterosso you will find the other 4 towns have similar arrangements, there are really not any true hotels or very few.
Everything would be more rooms to rent than a hotel experience with some offering breakfast.
Take a look at airbnb if you have not already many of the places that come up on hotel websites are there but describe the actual room you would get better and many more are also there for these 4 towns I think it is the best website to go to.
Gianni Franzi lists their open rooms there and think Franca Maria does as well. Most of the larger places like Gianni Franzi and Franca Maria have very mixed reviews as they seem to have a mix of some great rooms and some very average rooms.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32419 posts
Jeff,
I much prefer staying in Monterosso as there's a good range of hotels and restaurants there, and staying in the "old town" is a bit further from the crowds which tend to congregate more in the "new town". One of my favourite hotels in all of Europe is there, and I always try to stay there even if I have to adjust my schedule to do so. There's also a good selection of smaller family run B&B's.
As a previous reply indicated, many of the accommodations in the other towns are mostly small B&B's rather than a hotel, and some don't provide breakfast (which is one of the most important criteria when I choose a hotel).
If you'd like to consider Monterosso, there are listings for accommodations in the RS Italy guidebook, but if you need more information I can provide a list.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
In Vernazza, try: