Via Renato Birolli No 120, Manarola, Italy | 39 0187 920770
Excellent location on Manarola's main street
Five-minute walk (or less) to train station, sea, and ferries
Fresh, modern rooms with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges
Some rooms with balconies and spectacular sea views
Free buffet breakfast includes cooked-to-order eggs
Free Wi-Fi throughout
No elevator
Parking is limited, expensive, and off-site
Rooms may be noisy if windows are open
Some rooms are small
The 12-room Hotel Marina Piccola is a three-pearl boutique hotel in the center of Manarola. It's an easy five-minute walk from the train station, and the ferries for access to all of Cinque Terre are just down the street. Multiple restaurants, bars, and shops are within walking distance. The family-run hotel is packed with charm, and views of the sea are spectacular from several spots. The modern rooms are also a nice change of pace in a region where plenty are old and dated. Guests rave about the free breakfast, as well as the nearby restaurant run by the same family. Another option in Manarola is La Torretta, where rooms are larger and more upscale, but it's not as close to the sea and there's a fee for Wi-Fi.
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Scene
Small, family-run hotel packed with charm
This little inn has been run by the same family for decades, with the daughters taking over from their parents in 2011. It dates back to the 1970s, when it was created out of an old fisherman's house and then expanded in 2003. The facade of the six-story building is painted peach and yellow with green shutters, fitting right in on this colorful street. Despite the hotel's vintage beginnings, things are fresh and modern inside, and guests enter into a bright white lobby with a small white reception desk. Parts of exposed stone walls remain from the building's historic past, and a modern dog sculpture stands guard by the desk. Sometimes, the owner's real dog makes an appearance, adding to the casual, homey vibe. An arched entrance leads from the reception area into the adjacent breakfast room. It's a lovely place with a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere that's most popular with couples. Keep in mind that it does close during the winter.
Location
Excellent location in the center of Manarola, close to the sea and train station
This hotel is located in the heart of the village of Manarola, a few steps from the sea. It is situated on Birolli, the main street in town, which is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. The train station is an easy five-minute walk from the hotel, and it's also close to the boat docks for access to all of the Cinque Terre. It's not particularly convenient to arrive by car as parking is before entrance to the village, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and it's limited and expensive. The Via dell' Amore trail can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot. Pisa International Airport is about two hours away by train.
Rooms
Fresh, modern rooms with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges -- some with sea views
The hotel's 12 rooms are split between two buildings. Some are quite small, but they are all tastefully decorated and fresh, with modern furniture and artwork. Neutral color schemes of beige and cream are highlighted with blue accent walls. Some show historic details such as exposed stone walls. All come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms also are small, but modern and attractive, with hairdryers, showers, rainfall showerheads, bidets, and toiletries. The four triple rooms are larger and can add a twin bed if needed, while the one Junior Suite has a double bed plus a double sofa bed. The seven rooms facing the sea have spectacular views. Views of the street are interesting and great for people-watching, though with the windows open may be a bit noisy in high season.
Features
Free breakfast buffet, related off-site restaurant, and free Wi-Fi
Given the hotel's historic nature and location, the features on offer here are predictably limited. A free breakfast buffet with fruit, yogurt, pastries, and cereals is served daily, and guests can order eggs cooked any way they like -- it's a popular feature with previous guests. The breakfast room is a bright, airy space with a single communal table that seats about 16 people. Located down by the water, the Marina Piccola Restaurant is run by the same family that operates the hotel. It's a charming place with a focus on fresh seafood and other seasonal items. It serves lunch and dinner. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel, though there's no parking available on-site or nearby.
