Incredible ocean and sunset views from the porch and some rooms
Clean rooms with air-conditioning, kettles, and flat-screen TVs
Five-minute walk from Riomaggiore train station
10-minute walk to village center and restaurants
Free Wi-Fi
Helpful and hands-on owner
Difficult to find, and marked with just a tiny sign
Audible noise from the nearby train
No breakfast or public areas
One room doesn't have a patio
Stairs to access the rooms
Sol Levante is a two-pearl property that's more like leased rooms for rent than a hotel. The Italian owner has converted one floor of her family home into three simple and pristinely clean guest rooms with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Apart from the small terrace (with incredible ocean views) in front of the entryway, there's little else to this non-traditional hotel. It's located along a pedestrian promenade well above the sea and the train tracks, so train noise is audible, and it's about a 10-minute walk to restaurants and the shore. As an alternative, Cinqueterre Residence Hotel offers breakfast and evening drinks, plus a hot tub -- but rates are higher.
Scene
As simple as it gets in Cinque Terre
Elizabeth, the English-speaking Italian owner (she actually lives one floor above the hotel) has turned one floor of her family home into a small guesthouse. The three rooms are accessible up two flights of external stairs and via a small balcony, set with two small folding chairs, for guests who want to sit here and admire the views. The only other place to sit at the hotel is inside the guest rooms, there isn't even a reception desk. One room has a small, private and furnished balcony, while another room has access to the shared balcony. Elizabeth is on call to help with directions or problems, but usually respects guest privacy. Guests are usually couples on vacation. Kids are technically welcome, but they'd have to share a double bed with their parents.
Location
Off of a pedestrian promenade above the Riomaggiore train station
Sol Levante is perched on a cliff directly above the Riomaggiore train station and Ligurian Sea. The sky high location offers lovely views of the water and hillsides, but it also includes the sights and sounds of the trains. Guests arriving by train (which is most guests) will have to schlep their suitcases up the hill, at about a five-minute walk. It's about a 10-minute walk to the water and main area of the village, along with a high concentration of restaurants, shops, and bars. The train from Riomaggiore departs on a regular schedule for the other four villages, about a five-minute ride between each village. It's about an hour and 20 minutes to Pisa International Airport and two hours to the airport in Florence.
Rooms
Clean and contemporary with flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning
There are just three pristinely clean guest rooms at Sol Levante, each can sleep two people with enough space for a double bed, mini-fridge (topped with an electric kettle and instant coffee), nightstand, and wardrobe. Simple decor includes laminate floors and white walls. A flat-screen TV hangs on the wall and Wi-Fi is free. The major difference between the three rooms is access to outdoor space. Bathrooms feature a small shower and bidet. Toiletries are provided. The best (and most requested) room has a private furnished balcony with sweeping views out to the sea. The next best room has direct access to the shared balcony that everyone passes through coming and going from the rooms. The most affordable room just has a window that lets in light, but no views.
Features
Free Wi-Fi and an on-call owner
Features at Sol Levante are non-existent, as the entire hotel consists of three guest rooms and a shared balcony. There is no bar, breakfast, coffee, or public areas here. Wi-Fi is free throughout and the owner is available to provide simple concierge services.
