Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Belvedere was built into a hill, so from the street it looks smaller than it actually is. From the harbor side, the classic Italian villa architecture really shines with sunny yellow paint and white moldings. The hotel's perch also allows for some breathtaking views of the harbor and sea, which are showcased from the breakfast terrace and lobby. Unfortunately, the lobby is a bit dated with sagging white leather sofas and brown leather club chairs. Still, the bones of the hotel are quite stunning with ceiling moldings, green glass windows, and marble accents over the doorways. An old-fashioned cage-style elevator brings guests up to their rooms, or there are stairs. Guests are mostly tourists, a mix of couples and families who spend most of their stay exploring the town and enjoying the water. 

Hotel Belvedere is located across a quiet road from the harbor, and the building is directly on top of an Italian restaurant reachable from the hotel lobby via an external staircase. The nearest swimmable beach is about a four-minute walk and there are a handful of shops and restaurants on the way. Belvedere is right on the outskirts of Porto Venere's medieval town and the ferry docks are reachable in about a picturesque five-minute walk. It takes eight minutes to reach the breathtaking Castello Doria and church of St. Peter (which was a temple to the goddess Venus in 1 B.C.) at the edge of town, right on the rugged coast. The medieval city rivals Vernazza in terms of charm, souvenir shops, Italian restaurants, gelato stands, and people watching -- but is far less crowded. Ferry services up to Cinque Terre are available on a seasonal basis, with costs and schedule varying each year. Note that rough waters can delay or suspend ferries. It takes about an hour to drive to Vernazza. Pisa International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes from the hotel. Florence Airport is almost two hours by car. 

Rooms at Hotel Belvedere are simply decorated and completely clean. They're available in Single, Double, Triple, and Quadruple, making them a nice choice for families and couples. Decor includes white walls, tile floors, and wood furnishings. White bedding and substantial pillows freshen up the spaces. Large windows let in lots of light. All units include a flat-screen TV, telephone, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, refrigerated minibar, closet space, and desk. Large bathrooms can include showers or tubs, hairdryers, and toiletries. Heated towel racks are a nice touch. Units in the back of the hotel overlook the picturesque harbor, and a few of these rooms also have furnished balconies. 

Features are few at this budget hotel, but what's on offer is free and adds value to the stay. All rates include a nice breakfast spread of cold Italian items like pastries, cake, fresh fruit, focaccia, coffee, and juice. The meal can be enjoyed in the indoor dining room or on a terrace overlooking the harbor. There are a few liquor bottles and beer for those who want an evening aperitif. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. For parking, there are a handful of free spots on the street in front of the hotel. Reception staff can arrange airport shuttles for a fee.