B&B Porta del Mare

The views are stunning, and the host is a charming person. The place has lots of potential, though it could use some better organization.

We lasted an hour before leaving. The parking space we were promised wasn’t there, and we got nothing but lame excuses. Our “Deluxe” room was filthy and awful, with dirty pillows and mattress, a bed you could only get into from one side, and a disgusting bathroom. The slippers looked like they’d come from the trash. There was no privacy, and the door could be forced open with a bit of pressure. The place looked nothing like the online photos and wasn’t worth €20 a night. The guy responded rudely and aggressively whenever we criticized anything. A complete disaster. Stay away.

Breakfast with Piero ended up being the part I liked most. We shared a table with other guests, including two Germans, and were laughing and eating when someone suddenly yelled from a room, “Someone wants to sleep here.” I froze, but Piero didn’t react at all. It felt less like meanness and more like a completely free-spirited attitude. His stained shirt, windblown hair, and sly smile were so out of the ordinary that I couldn’t help liking him. Would I return? Gladly, if he changes the mattresses and pillows. The B&B is on the fifth floor of an old building, in a spacious apartment with three exposures and a splendid view. The owner's welcome, though, was very cold and awkward. The double bed had two wool mattresses and pillows that seemed to be from the 80s, and it was like sleeping on a rock, which was rough on my bad back. The cot for a 21-year-old girl literally collapsed. The bathroom was comfortable and had plenty of hot water, with leftover shower gel and shampoo. The toilet brush was unsightly, the bathmat frayed, the slippers in the closet had been used, and there were only four hangers. Overall, a disaster, even though Piero prepares breakfast for you in the morning.

I felt at home in this peaceful, welcoming place. The owner was kind and helpful, and its seaside location is excellent. I’ll come back to visit you.