Mar-Mar

I felt upset and unsafe staying at this hostel. While I was out, staff broke the padlock on a locker holding all my valuables and moved my things without asking. They later told me on WhatsApp that I'd used the “wrong” locker, but the one assigned to me was already occupied at check-in, and the one I chose was the only free one. There was no emergency, and they could have handled it without damaging my property or invading my privacy. I asked for a refund and got neither an apology nor any accountability. Based on how this was dealt with, I can't recommend the place.

The place has an old-school feel that's still charming, with a pretty good location and a nice terrace. But the cleaning lady made mornings really uncomfortable. At 8 a.m. she'd come in talking loudly on her phone, switch on the lights, and ask people if they were checking out so she could clean their beds. At 8:30 she put her head right in my face to ask if we were leaving, even though checkout wasn't until 10. She also threw away everything we'd put in the fridge, including pouring our orange juice down the sink. If she'd come around 11, most people would have left already and she could have got on with it. Instead, she insists on waking everyone so early. I wouldn't stay again or feel comfortable recommending it because of this.

There are only around 14 beds here, so it feels more like a shared Airbnb than a typical hostel. The furnishings are basic and not modern, but the location and views make up for it, and it's cheap too. It's in the village, where there aren't many hostels, and I almost missed it when I first searched. For location, it may be the best hostel in the Cinque Terre. People gather on the lovely terrace overlooking the town and sea to chat in the evenings. I didn't really click with the other guests during my stay, but the people who spent time out there seemed to really enjoy it and appreciate the value of this small hostel. The beds were fine, though squeaky enough to wake you. I had the smaller four-bed room and the temperature was fine. People in the larger room seemed to have trouble with the fan, and apparently the door to the terrace there doesn't close properly and can bang at night. The kitchen is functional. There are two bathrooms, both fine, if a little worn and nothing special, with no major problems. It's easy to find. The staff at the bar give you a really handy map, and you also get discounts at the bar downstairs, though I didn't use them. Riomaggiore has a good selection of shops and places to eat. It's small, as are all the Cinque Terre towns, and some coops sell groceries, but they're usually closed in the afternoons. I'd suggest getting a fish-and-chip cone, though don't expect UK chippy quality, and taking it down to the harbour to watch the sunset. The train station is very close, with easy connections through the Cinque Terre and the rest of Italy. I hiked to Manarola too, and it's very steep, so get used to stairs! You can leave your key at the bar when you go. I completely forgot, but the hostel owner was very understanding, which was nice. The place has little quirks, but it's so well situated that I was happy to put up with them. I'd definitely stay again. For the price and location, it's hard to beat.

The balcony has a view over part of the beach, with a little piazza right in front. Finding the place is a bit tricky, so go to the bar O'netto first. They'll help you and hand over the keys. There are two rooms, one with 10 beds and one with four, plus two bathrooms with showers. The kitchen has a fridge and small stove, with a little dining area, and there's also a small living room with a TV. Cleaning happens daily at around 8 a.m.