Via Vincenzo Gioberti 24, Monterosso al Mare, Italy | (618) 248-8274
Quiet location in old town section of Monterosso al Mare
Within walking distance of the beach and historic destinations
Rooftop terrace with village and water views
Rooms with bright decor and flat-screen TVs, some with balconies
Free hearty breakfast with made-to-order omelets
Free Wi-Fi
Free coffee and tea in the lobby
No air-conditioning
Small bathrooms with narrow showers
Some accommodations are noisy
Limited parking options
Off the main road in the old town section of Monterosso al Mare, the budget Hotel Souvenir is in a quiet part of the village yet still close to the beach and main tourist attractions. The 24 guest rooms aren't particularly spacious or luxurious, but they have cheerful decor, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. And the hotel has a charming garden and a hearty free breakfast that includes omelets made to order. By comparison, the nearby three-pearl Hotel Margherita has bigger guest rooms but also comes with a slightly higher price tag.
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Scene
Exposed brick and post-modern finishes
Like many buildings in Monterosso al Mare, the yellow walls and green shutters on the exterior of the Hotel Souvenir call to mind the lemon trees that grow throughout the region. After the city was flooded in 2011, the property was redone. Now exposed brick archways and walls on the patio and in the lobby illustrate the building's architectural history. Set against these shabby chic surfaces are contemporary and post-modern flourishes, such as clear lucite chairs and a white reception desk with silver, diagonal stripes. The Souvenir's garden looks up the mountain to the Cinque Terre.
Location
In old town Monterosso al Mare, slightly off the beaten path
While several hotels are in the area of Hotel Souvenir, being situated a few minutes from the main street means less tourists strolling by your room. Many of the popular restaurants, bars, and shops are within a five-minute walk such as the Ristorante Belvedere, known for its pesto sauce, and the Ristorante Ciak, which specializes in Italian seafood dishes. Given that car traffic is limited by local law, many tourists arrive by train, and the station is only 11 minutes away by foot. Drivers will be happy to know Hotel Souvenir is located near one of the few parking lots in the district (Centro Storico). And everyone will be happy to know it's within a seven-minute walk of Vernazza Beach and Bonassola Beach.
Rooms
A step above typical budget accommodations
The rooms at Hotel Souvenir aren't exactly luxurious, but they're well designed for a value hotel. The duvets have flowery patterns or stripes, the headboards are large, cloth-covered statement pieces, and the wood furniture is a couple of notches above what you'd find in a post-collegiate apartment. Even the retro-modern phones and sponge-painted walls show that someone took a little extra care with their modest budget. Of course the free in-room Wi-Fi is always a nice perk, and all rooms have flat-screen TVs, though there's no air-conditioning. A few have outdoor balconies or terraces, too. The bathrooms aren't quite as cute. The shower stalls are small. Still, they come with free toiletries, bidets, and a hairdryer.
Features
Free breakfast, a beautiful terrace view, and a business center
Hotel Souvenir's breakfast is better than what's typically served at a value location, including fresh pastries, fruit, and omelets made to order. The restaurant serves traditional Italian fare for breakfast and lunch. Coffee and tea are offered free in the lobby. Guests can enjoy that drink (or something from the bar) on the rooftop terrace, which offers a view up the lush green hillside. Pets are welcome at no additional charge with prior notification of the staff.
