Hotel Serenity in Ventimiglia

The check-in left us with the worst impression. Before arriving, we had to upload our IDs to a website, which felt odd since this is usually handled in person or through a private message. Then the receptionist didn't speak English at all, which surprised me in a tourist city so close to an international border. We managed to communicate somehow, but she took our IDs again, photographed them and sent them off somewhere, even though we'd already uploaded them. The location was ideal, close to the station and beach, and the hotel and area seemed quiet and safe. Our room was very clean, had a balcony and AC, and breakfast was included. The facilities were less impressive. There were plenty of towels, but no body lotion. The old hair dryer gets dangerously hot at the handle if you use it for long, so be careful. Booking listed a fridge, but we couldn't find one. There was a safe, though we didn't look for a key, so it might have been tucked away somewhere.

I stayed here regularly for 30 years, and until quite recently it was a lovely family-run hotel with caring staff. Since it was sold, though, it feels like whoever took over doesn't care about the guests. There's no front desk or parking, entry is by code, and there's no help or assistance for guests. The aggressive woman speaks only Italian. Avoid this place like the plague.

The room was fairly clean and comfortable, though breakfast was only OK. Check-in took a few extra steps, including uploading documents to a website that didn't feel trustworthy. The coded door lock also made me uneasy from a safety perspective. I don't know whether the codes are changed after each guest checks out.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast was a decent traditional Italian spread. The room was quiet, very clean, and had a good bed and pillows. It's small, but quite enough for two people. The toilet and shower cubicle are small too, though everything worked fine. The hotel is close to Ventimiglia train station and a short walk from the beach. Good value for money, with bright lobby areas.