3 couples will be in Vernazza in late May 2012. Were looking at Albergo Barbara but they seem to have quite a few negative reviews. Any suggestions on places to stay would be appreciated!
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Try her:
http://www.elisabettacarro.it/ There are MANY steps, but the view!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17599 posts
The 2-bedroom apartment at La Marina Rooms, built into the seawall below the castle with a terrace right over the water, will sleep 6, but one couple would be in the fold-out couch in the living/dining room. You could add one of the double rooms in the same building and be very comfortable.
Posted by
Cartersville, GA, USA
101 posts
I've stayed at Albergo Barbara and found it to be perfectly adequate...basic, rustic, unadorned, but this is CT, not Rome. I'm sure everyone has different experiences, so if the reviews make you uncomfortable, then obviously you are right to look elsewhere. I've always enjoyed my stay with Martina Callo and her email is [email protected] . She has 4 rooms up A LOT of steps in a building on the square. Room #3 has an awesome rooftop terrace with harbor and square views. Reserve with credit card, pay cash.
Posted by
Cartersville, GA, USA
101 posts
Adding to previous post, because first one in its entirety wouldn't go through, although I didn't exceed the # of characters permitted. Anyway, my opinions of the reviews you probably read: I read some of the Albergo Barbara reviews you are probably referring to out of curiousity since my stay there was a few years ago. Frankly, my interpretation of their complaints is that most expected too much AND didn't know what to expect all at the same time. And the poor folks who moaned about getting their luggage up/down 63 stairs in the dark truly just probably didn't know where to look for the light switch. If they were surprised by so many stairs, then shame on them. There might be 1 elevator in Vernazza and it ain't at Albergo Barbara! CT comes with steps, period. Staff/owners are NOT on premises 24/7, so they won't always be around on "your" schedule to deal with inquiries...they are usually there for check-in/check-out hours and the rest of the time (at best) they leave a contact number. While most proprietors are friendly and as helpful as they can be, it is best to remember that these are not actual HOTELS, and are not run as such. For those who need a hotel experience, Monterosso is the better choice. And the customer is NOT ALWAYS RIGHT, at least not in Italy and France. I also noticed that one couple complained that their entire 2-night reservation was unilaterally cancelled when they requested to take it down to a 1-night stay. Well,that IS unfortunate, but I am willing to bet that the period of their stay came with a minimum 2-night rule if it was July-August (esp. August) or a high season weekend. I ALWAYS take such reviews with a grain of salt. In short, if it were MY trip, I wouldn't be overly concerned based on what I read.