Hotel Due Gemelli

The hotel feels wonderfully warm and Italian, and its slightly old-fashioned touches only add to the charm. We first stayed here several times about ten years ago and had been wanting to come back ever since. We still remember the staff fondly, and the seafood risotto was the best we’ve ever tasted. The views are outstanding, too. Its peaceful, tucked-away setting, away from the now-crowded Cinque Terre spots, makes for a nicely balanced visit.

The room was modern and very clean, and the ocean views from the hotel were amazing. Getting into Riomaggiore meant a fairly strenuous walk, so we took the bus to the town center. Breakfast was available for 8 euros, which seemed reasonable, though we ate elsewhere. There were a few things that need attention: the shower door seal was coming loose, the water kept switching between hot and cold, and the patio handle fell right off. There was no Do Not Disturb sign, so the maid opened the door while I’d just gotten out of the shower. We could also hear the man next door snoring so loudly that we turned on the fan to cover it up. The walls must be thin. Still, these were mostly small fixes, and our stay was decent.

The view from our balcony was priceless. It made me feel like I was staying in one of those grand holiday homes rich people have. The rooms were a little dated, but clean and comfortable, and breakfast had everything I wanted. Don’t miss “Grandpas Cake.” Everyone on staff was welcoming and helpful. There’s a shuttle from the hotel to Riomaggiore, which is useful since parking there is scarce. A beautiful but challenging trail to town starts right beside the hotel. It climbs 250 meters, drops 500 meters, and takes about two hours.

We had a really wonderful stay at Due Gemelli. Our room was spacious and well equipped, with an entry area where we could leave boots, bags, and the dog’s bowls. From the balcony, the sea views stretched across 180 degrees, with the UNESCO-protected pine and oak woods below. The hotel sits high in the hills above the Gulf of Poets in Cinque Terra. Staff were friendly and helpful, breakfast was fresh and tasty, and parking was easy. The shuttle stop is right outside. Le Spezia is also only a straightforward 10-minute drive away, with plenty of public parking as you enter town.