We plan to stay in Vernazza during the second week of September. For such a small place we're having a difficult time prioritizing where we would like to stay. And from what I understand we better book soon. Street maps are not easy to come by and I would greatly appreciate some insight on the following... If you are staying on the piazza is it very noisy late at night(after 11:00 pm or so)? Or is it so lively and charming it's not be missed regard less? If you stay on the hill tops for fantastic views do you have to decend to the square to get coffee and pastry or are there places throughout? We're in good shape but I don't like to work too hard early in the day! Are there any rooms or streets to avoid because of train noise? Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences. I trust RS.com travelers like no others!
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
1. By 11 pm, it is VERY quiet. 2. back down the many steps for a cafe. Some of the rooms for rent have coffee makers.
3. There really is only one "street" and it is for people only. This village gets quiet after dark, except in mid summer, Try here for lodging: http://www.elisabettacarro.it/
Posted by
OP
WIlmington, DE, USA
6 posts
Thanks Bob, that is helpful. Elisabettacarro was on my list, I'll contact them!
Posted by
Cramerton, NC, USA
71 posts
Suggest you overnight only at recommnded places. We didn't because we were a bit late making reservations and stayed in a small apartment at the top of the hill near the trail shack. Beautiful view, but was attacked by insects at night I assume they were bed bugs and literally had dozens of bites the next morning and it took several days for them to clear. Had planned to stay 4 nights and needless to say we left early. Having said that, the view from the hilltop was among the best I've seen anywhere and the food, wine and ambience in the little village were top notch. I don't want to discourage you from staying there, but do strongly suggest due diligence in your choice of lodging.
Posted by
Austin TX after living in Boulder CO for 25 years
1175 posts
We just returned from a stay with Monica Lercari - she has the apartment up at the top by the El Castello Restaurant (which is closed right now). We previously stayed at Gianni Franzi on the square, but we love to leave our windows open and the restaurants did not quiet down until well after 1 am. So this time, we chose Monica and only heard the ocean waves ! You are 165 steps to the town, but who cared ? Sipping coffee on the balcony overlooking Vernazza and the coastline was amazing - we didn't want to leave to hike !! Her apartment has a kitchen so we had a hot pot for tea/coffee. It truly was a perfect location. Enjoy!!
Posted by
OP
WIlmington, DE, USA
6 posts
Thanks Carla and Duane. I feel so relaxed looking at photos of views from the top that I can only imagine what it will be like first hand. Carla, that establishment might be missing from my list, so I really appreciate the info.
Duane, I'm sorry about your insect experience. No wonder you shortened your stay, but kudos to you for being a traveler with a wise perspective. For so many, a negative experience at one establishment colors their whole opinion of a locale. Thanks to you I won't procrastinate my booking. I expect to feel reluctant to leave Vernazza. Actually, I already don't want to leave even though I haven't yet been!
Posted by
Los Angeles, California, United States
9 posts
We just returned from Vernazza. We stayed in Room Martina #3 which has its own private rooftop patio with a view of the little harbor the clock tower and the music of the bells. Loved our stay- www.roomartina.it but we did not have a coffee maker or hot pot to make hot tea...so down the 17 flights of steps to a great little coffee shop each morning for fresh croissants and coffee, cappucinos etc. The balcony was the best- we had wine-and dinner there a couple of nights!! The bells from the church awoke us each morning but the mornings are so glorious! Street noise was not a problem- everything seemed to be quiet by about 11pm -some restaurants closed earlier in fact. ENJOY your stay!!!