Oasi Hotel

This small boutique claims one of the best locations and breakfasts in Levanto, making it a popular choice for travelers looking for convenience, full bellies, and a homey vibe. Decor is simple but stylish, with natural wood furniture, solid color fabrics in classic bold hues, and wispy window dressings. From the one-way street out front, the three-level, sunshine-yellow building looks as welcoming as a large Mediterranean-style home, complete with wrought-iron balconies, green window shutters, and a green garden. It all adds to the overall guest-house vibe. Inside, public spaces are bright, feel a bit cramped for space, and have colorful pops of character. As a world-traveler, the owner prides herself on knowing and anticipating what international guests want. The hotel's come-as-you-are policy is family- and LGBTQ-friendly, and most guests are couples. However, the limited features on-site aren't suited for travelers looking to spend their days at the property. 

Oasi Hotel is conveniently located in the center of Levanto, within a five- to 10-minute walk from the train station, a pebble beach, and several local bars, restaurants, and shops. Levanto is the jumping off point for Cinque Terre, and rail passes start from the nearby station (and are sold at the hotel) with the next town less than five minutes away. Portofino and Porto Venere are easy full-day trip destinations, at just over an hour by car or train. The closest airport is in Genoa and is between an hour to an hour-and-a-half drive. 

The 14 rooms at Oasi Hotel have a warm, contemporary feel thanks to the simple, IKEA-style furniture in natural teak and oak wood. Thin curtains and minimally decorated off-white walls keep the rooms bright. All rooms are non-smoking and come with flat-screen TVs with cable channels, slippers, AC/heating, and minibars stocked with beer, water, and a few snacks. The snug and contemporary bathrooms squeeze in bidets, slim shower stalls with shower caddies and adjustable showerheads, hairdryers, and heated towel racks. Toiletry packs come with all the usual suspects, plus conditioner and a travel toothbrush set. Ground-floor rooms have access to a small patch of shared garden space furnished with stylish wooden loungers, a small table, and a close-up view of the property's verdant privacy divider, while second-floor rooms with balconies have a slim space with a table, chairs, and hanging planters. Smoking is allowed outside the rooms. 

Oasi Hotel is small boutique with very few on-site features, though the free homemade breakfast gets excellent reviews. Served in the small breakfast room which also doubles as the hotel's bar (serving both booze and coffee), the morning meal usually consists of quite a large spread by Italian standards. Bakers deliver fresh bread and pastries each morning and the hotel serves a selection of homemade and local goods like jams, cooked-to-order egg dishes, smoothies, and yogurt. The family-run restaurant focuses on traditional recipes and made-to-order dishes mostly focused on fresh seafood and local ingredients. It's only open for short hours during lunch and dinner. If you get hungry during the day, there's always free tea, coffee, and cakes available. Freebies include Wi-Fi, beach towels, and bike rentals. The front desk is staffed 24 hours and there is a private garage available for parking (fee).