Via Venti Settembre 11, Monterosso al Mare, Italy | (888) 989-6591
Walkable location in Monterosso's medieval village, near the beach, train, and hiking trail
Range of contemporary rooms with flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning
Some rooms have sea views and outdoor space
Free hot breakfast includes locally sourced items and cappuccino
Rooftop terrace for breakfast and drinks with gorgeous views
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Friendly and hands-on owner
No elevator (some rooms on the fifth floor)
The two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Stella della Marina was originally built over 450 years ago, and though very little of the original structure remains (apart from a stair railing), the historic hotel has one of the best locations in Monterosso al Mare. You'll find it in a quiet back alley, half a block from the village square and five minutes on foot from the train, beach, and hiking path to Vernazza. The 10 rooms and suites are spacious and contemporary, some of them have sea views. Public spaces are limited to the rooftop terrace where the free breakfast buffet and drinks are served, but most guests spend their time exploring the village. The most notable downside is the lack of an elevator. For travelers who prefer to be away from the action, check rates at B&B Il Parco.
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Scene
Historic hotel with a furnished rooftop terrace and sea views
Hotel Stella della Marina was originally built over 450 years ago, making it one of the oldest buildings in Monterosso al Mare. Most of the structure has been rebuilt, but the staircase railing still stands. Guests enter through a black wrought iron door and into a small, modern lobby for reception. Then it's up the stairs for rooms on the third through fifth levels (no elevator, unfortunately) and the stunning rooftop terrace. The terrace has space for breakfast tables and some sun loungers, and the views over the village's rooftops and leading to the sea are marvelous. The hotel is quiet after breakfast, when most of the guests are at the beach or on the hiking trails. Guests are mostly tourists from around the world, including couples and families.
Location
In the heart of Monterosso al Mare
Hotel Stella della Marina has an almost unbeatable location in the village of Monterosso al Mare. The hotel is built just off a picturesque main square, but the entrance is via a pedestrian alley so it's quiet and removed from the crowds. Within a five-minute walk you'll find the train station, ferry docks, public beach, seafood restaurants, gelato shops, souvenir stores, specialty cooking shops, and trail head that leads to Vernazza (a two-hour hike). Parking is a bit of a nightmare in Monterosso, so it's better to arrive via shuttle, ferry, or train. Trains depart from Monterosso to the rest of Cinque Terre on a regular schedule, that's available at the station. It's about a 90-minute drive from Pisa International Airport and two and a half hours to Florence.
Rooms
Contemporary rooms with air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs
Each of the 10 rooms at Hotel Stella has a different layout and individual decor. Overall, guests can expect a contemporary design with bold color schemes like orange, silver, or mint. Little accents can include artificial lavender plants and chandeliers. Two of the rooms have additional sitting space and one has a sofa bed. High ceilings, large windows, and nice bedding keeps the rooms looking bright and fresh. Each unit comes with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and electronic safe. Bathrooms usually include a shower, sink, toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryer, but two of the rooms have whirlpool tubs. Views range from the old town, the narrow street, or across the village rooftops and to the sea. Some rooms offer an outdoor space, like a furnished balcony.
Features
Free breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, and hands-on owner
Features are limited at this budget hotel, due to lack of space and the incredible location that keeps most guests busy away from the property. All rates include a substantial free breakfast buffet that includes Italian favorites like cold cuts, cheese, pastries, eggs, Nutella, fruit, and cappuccino. Guests can dine indoors in a small dining room or outside on a covered terrace, with gorgeous views of the village and sea. Wine, beer, and simple cocktails are available in the afternoons and evenings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Parking is not available. The hands-on owner is helpful and available for assisting with directions, recommendations, and transfers. He's also been known to carry suitcases up the stairs.
