Hotel Alba

We found the restaurant superb, with food that felt more modern and adventurous than what we tried elsewhere in Lavagna. The hotel is extremely friendly and sits in a perfect spot for the center of lovely Lavagna. Highly recommend.

The food deserves its own mention: everything was fresh, tasty, and beautifully presented, with endless compliments to the chef. The rooms and bathrooms were super clean and comfortable. I’d read glowing reviews before booking but honestly wasn’t sure they’d be true. Then we arrived and got such a warm welcome, with politeness and attention to guests I’d expect from a 5-star hotel. We were there for a weekend escape for my boyfriend’s birthday, which was already special, and the hotel made it even nicer. Guys, if you read this, thank you so much again!

Lavagna turned out to be a hidden gem, with a beautiful coast, great food, and an authentic small-town feel. It’s easy to reach by train, and Hotel Alba is a short walk from the station. We liked being away from Italy’s more touristy spots while still close enough for day trips. Many people spoke little English, but we ended up enjoying that and tried to learn as much of the language as we could. After two months traveling around Europe, Alba was our favorite stay. It’s central but peaceful, and the kiwi garden, with its overhanging vines, shade, and privacy, was a highlight. We had breakfast there every morning, one of the best parts of our travels. The staff were the friendliest we met in Italy, especially our waitress. The room and bathroom were a good size for Europe and very clean, and the AC worked well. We liked it so much we tried to book an extra night, and we’d definitely return.

We were there while visiting Cinque Terre, and I only wish we’d stayed longer. The rooms were lovely, breakfast was amazing, and they made us comfortable throughout. We arrived very late on the first night because of highway closures, but they were still waiting for us. I recommend this place!