Montello 387 Volastra, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Italy | (951) 228-0643
Terrific views of the Ligurian Sea and Manarola from the furnished terrace
Located off the hiking path between Manarola and Corniglia
Two-minute walk to a restaurant and parking
Clean and spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs and large bathrooms
Free breakfast buffet includes made-to-order scrambled eggs
Small bar area for cocktails
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Little in the nearest village apart from two restaurants and a church
Parking costs extra
If you're staying at the lovely two-pearl Luna di Marzo, you're either mid-hike or escaping the crowds of the coastal villages. The Volastra location high in the hills allows for breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea from the terrace and sun deck. Ten guest rooms are spacious and come with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and large bathrooms -- a few of them feature a balcony with sweeping views. The breakfast spread with made-to-order scrambled eggs is included in the rates, and there's a small bar for cocktails. Otherwise, Volastra is home to little more than two restaurants, a hiking path, and a bus stop. For travelers who want to be in the heart of Cinque Terre's action (and not just looking down at it) check rates at Hotel Ca D'Andrean in the heart of Manarola.
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Scene
Cozy boutique hotel with overflowing gardens perched on a scenic cliff
Luna di Marzo is a small boutique hotel tucked down a manicured path just off the hiking trail that eventually leads to Corniglia. The hotel is surrounded by flowering gardens, including grapevines and olive trees. The gardens open out to a furnished breakfast and sun terrace with incredible views overlooking the Ligurian Sea and villages of Corniglia and Manarola. Inside, there's a pleasant lobby and seating area decorated with pop art. Most of the guests are couples and small groups of friends who are either stopping here for a night mid-hike, or avoiding the crowds and prices down in the coastal villages. Guests do gather for cocktails on the sun terrace in the evenings, but otherwise stick to their rooms and the hiking trails.
Location
In the sleepy (and hiker-friendly) village of Volastra
Luna di Marzo can be tricky to find. Those arriving by car can only drive just past the church, before the road leads to a pedestrian-only hiking path. There's a small dirt parking lot just across from the church. This lot is owned by the hotel, and parking there costs extra. From the lot, walk down the road and take a right at the hiking path, next to one of the only restaurants in Volastra. You'll see a bright pink residential home and a small sign for Luna di Marzo, which is down a set of steps and manicured path. Volastra is one of the few Cinque Terre towns that still feels authentic, thanks to its out-of-the-way location away from the sea and ferry docks. There are just two restaurants, one is a family-owned joint, and the other is more modern. The village is also home to a church, a small convenience store, a few bed-and-breakfasts, and private homes. You'll see loads of hikers on their way to and from Corniglia (about an hour and 20 minutes) and Manarola (about 40 minutes). There are bus services to the main Cinque Terre cities from the road, though the schedule varies. Pisa International Airport is the closest airport, at about a 90-minute drive.
Rooms
Cheerful and spacious -- some with balconies and excellent views
The guest rooms at Luna di Marzo are spacious and comfortable. Decor generally consists of tile floors, white walls, simple wood furniture, and a cheerful bedspread. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a small flat-screen TV, refrigerated minibar, and a telephone. Twin beds are often pushed together to make a double bed. Bathrooms are equally spacious, and equipped with a shower cabin, bidet, and toilet. Slippers, toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided. Large windows let in lots of light, and some rooms have furnished balconies with ocean views.
Features
Free hot breakfast spread, small bar, and free Wi-Fi
Features are simple, but add value to a stay. The free breakfast is a favorite, and it includes a buffet of cold items like fresh fruit, cereal, pastries, mozzarella balls, and tomatoes. Staff serves cappuccino and made-to-order scrambled eggs to each table. There's a small bar area for sunset cocktails. Guests can eat or drink in the breakfast room, or take their meals out on the furnished terrace to enjoy the views. Parking costs extra in a small nearby lot; reservations are recommended. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
