Starfish Holidays

“Living the Village Life ”

It was a birthday surprise from dearest husband, therefore, I am not mentally prepared what I’m getting myself into. Saw too many negative comments so here’s a share of my experience and opinion after some self-analyse. Cinque Terre; in general is an old fishing village so if you’re a shallow trav… more

It was a birthday surprise from dearest husband, therefore, I am not mentally prepared what I’m getting myself into. Saw too many negative comments so here’s a share of my experience and opinion after some self-analyse. Cinque Terre; in general is an old fishing village so if you’re a shallow traveller and fancy for a 4 star hotel treatment in Riomaggiore; this may not be the right place for you. Please be reminded that this old fishing village is mostly accessible by foot only; no cars. Husband booked for an apartment which includes private roof terrace; enjoyed packed breakfast/pizza on the terrace with fantastic sea view and making connections with friendly seagulls. There’s this ‘mini kitchen’ with a portable stove available but cooking might not be sensible in general. Since we’re doing two weeks tour in Italy, huge luggage can be very inconvenient with all the dragging in the trains and along the steep high pathway & cobbles; especially if you have to end the travelling day by climbing three floors up with the steep narrow staircase without porter to your apartment. We had our unit next to the prime area where the restaurants and bars are; in the early morning can be a little noisy with the school next door and street clean up - we get to experience what real life in the village is like; without tourist. Residence does really start their day early here. Super nice and what a bliss. Room looks newly renovated. Clean flooring, bed and furniture, pillow is a little too flat, toilet & shower place can be fairly squeezy. A word of caution, since the piping system and heater can be a little old, do expect intermittent of super cold and hot shower.. achieving neutral lukewarm water temperature can be a little challenging. Our host is just a text away and she has been very responsive and efficient in attending to our needs. Thank you for having us.

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“Amazing location, great host, but noisy”

The location of this suite is amazing for walking and accessing the train and marina. the view is spectacular. The room was clean and well supplied, and Micol was very responsive to any information or requests that I had. One possible downside, due to the great location is the noise. You are d… more

The location of this suite is amazing for walking and accessing the train and marina. the view is spectacular. The room was clean and well supplied, and Micol was very responsive to any information or requests that I had. One possible downside, due to the great location is the noise. You are directly above the train line, and the balcony overlooks a piazza where a school is located. This means that you have constant noise from early morning, around 4 am to late night, be it trains or children and families coming and going. I personally did not mind this, as I get up early, and actually enjoyed watching the kids playing in the piazza each afternoon. I would stay here again.

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“Had amazing view but checking is a pain.”

We had an amazing view and a small kitchen. Bed was ok, and I really enjoyed our stay, but to check in you go to the address and call the cell number and someone will meet you in about an hour. This is not explained well, don’t ring the door of the address or think this is where you are staying (th… more

We had an amazing view and a small kitchen. Bed was ok, and I really enjoyed our stay, but to check in you go to the address and call the cell number and someone will meet you in about an hour. This is not explained well, don’t ring the door of the address or think this is where you are staying (thankfully because it is pretty scetchy). I don’t know what all the rooms look like but ours was great and we had a great time, but when you book tell the, you want the place with the kitchen and deck — also Note there are a lot of stairs to climb, but if your not in shape, why would be going to Riomaggiore, it’s on the side of a cliff and there are no elevators, just stairs.

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