Via del Santuario 114, Riomaggiore, Italy | 39 0187 920773
Good location on the main street in Riomaggiore
Walk to the town's restaurants, bars, shops, and the train station
Basic, simple rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges
All rooms have a furnished balcony or terrace
Small bar plus a free breakfast buffet with handmade espresso drinks
On-site parking for a fee -- almost unheard of in the region
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Steep uphill climb to hotel and lots of steps
No on-site meal service besides breakfast
Rooms lack electric kettles or coffeemakers
The 10-room Locanda del Sole is a family-run budget hotel conveniently located on the main street in charming Riomaggiore. It's close to restaurants, bars, and shops, and the train station also is within walking distance. Rooms are basic and a bit dated, with air-conditioning and mini-fridges, but few other frills. Luckily, they all have a balcony or terrace furnished with a table and chairs topped by an umbrella. Another highlight is on-site parking, which is unusual in the Cinque Terre. The free continental breakfast buffet includes handmade espresso drinks -- a perk when compared to the machine offerings at so many budget hotels. As an alternative, self-sufficient travelers who would like the option of preparing their own meals could check out the Mar-Mar, where rooms have kitchenettes but no Wi-Fi.
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Scene
Homey family-run hotel good for travelers who don't need extras
As is typical in this area, this little hotel is nestled into the side of the hill and spreads over different levels, some of which have great landscape views. It's quite a hike uphill for guests staying at the top, but that's where the sea and town views are best. In keeping with its name, images of the sun highlight the facade of the building, and there's a little cafe table and chairs on the cobblestone sidewalk. Guests are greeted by the friendly owner and his wife, who are happy to share their knowledge about the area. The reception area is small, but most guests prefer to hang out on the terraces in nice weather. This family-run place has a laid-back, relaxed vibe that appeals to couples and families who aren't looking for the extras -- just a clean, comfortable base to sleep and shower. Groups also make their way here.
Location
Convenient location on Riomaggiore's main street, close to restaurants, bars, and shops
The hotel is located on the main street in Riomaggiore, within easy walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops. The Riomaggiore train station is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and the beach also is nearby. The hotel is built on several levels in the terrace style typical in this area. It is unusual, though, in that it has parking on-site. Although the area is pedestrian-only, guests with cars can drive up a short private road to reach the hotel. The closest major airport is Pisa International, about an hour and 20 minutes away by car, or two-and-a-half hours by train. The Genoa Airport, which is smaller, is about an hour and 45 minutes away by car, or nearly two hours by train.
Rooms
Basic rooms with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and furnished balconies or terraces
The hotel's 10 rooms are all basic and a bit dated, though they are clean and well-kept, which helps make this a reasonable option for a night or two. They're available with two twin beds, a double, or a double plus a twin. Extra beds and cribs are available for a fee. Floors are tiled, walls and drapery are white, and beds are covered in old-style blue bedspreads. Some rooms have handsome hardwood furniture, like wardrobes, that up the homey effect. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on the wall, and ceiling fans swirl overhead. There's also air-conditioning and a mini-fridge. Small bathrooms feature tiled tub/shower combos or showers only, plus bidets and hairdryers. All rooms have a terrace or balcony furnished with a lounge chair plus a cafe table and chairs topped by an umbrella.
Features
On-site parking, free breakfast buffet, and a small bar
The hotel has little in the way of features, but it does have on-site parking, which is unusual in this area. A free breakfast buffet is served daily in a sunny and simple little breakfast room with a few tables and chairs. Guests have noted that while the offerings generally consist of breads and cereals, the owner is happy to whip up handmade espresso drinks -- a nice, personal touch. A flat-screen TV on the wall keeps guests up-to-date on the latest news, sports, and weather. Guests also can get beer and wine here, and use the hotel-wide free Wi-Fi to check their social media or send emails.
