Albergo Gianni Franzi

We had 4 wonderful days at Gianni Franzi. The rooms were well appointed with pretty much everything you could ask for, and the location in Vernazza was beautiful, with spectacular views away from the crowds. Breakfast was splendid and the staff attentive. There is a climb up to the rooms, so be prepared. This is a 100s year old location, and you can’t expect everything a modern hotel offers. One reviewer expecting a lift is frankly silly. The climb is worth it. Highly recommended.

The room was clean, the staff attentive, and the location worked perfectly for our trip through Cinque Terre. We loved the ocean views, the helpful, fun women at reception, and the restaurant. The Oceanside bar on the third floor was a great place for breakfast or cocktails. Just be ready for the daily stair climb if you have mobility limitations. We had a spectacular stay, five stars all around.

Breakfast at the Gianni Deck was a highlight: plenty of well-prepared choices, friendly attentive staff, and Mediterranean views that made coffee feel special. We also loved eating at the restaurant in Vernazza’s main square, where the varied, fresh food is prepared in an open kitchen. The reception team, based in the bar of the same name, welcomed us warmly. The young woman who checked us in was especially attentive, and the whole place felt cared for down to the details. We came back for a second year and fell for Gianni Franzi all over again. The sea views from the rooms are stunning, and the daily cleaning is exceptional. Our room was a standard size, about 15 m², with a modern shower, spotless bathroom with bidet, toilet and sink, and thoughtful lighting. Modern, extravagant art sits nicely with the mix of original antique floor tiles and larger contemporary ones. The upper rooms have bigger balconies. Last year we had room 35 and its spacious terrace; this time room 32 also had a large balcony, though part was closed off and we could only use one side. A higher divider between rooms 35 and 32 might help. Even with that limitation, the two smaller balconies were perfectly usable, with unforgettable views over the sea and Vernazza. For us, Gianni Franzi brings together the hospitality, tradition, scenery, and food that make Vernazza special. We felt genuinely looked after and would rate it 10/10, a must-stay for anyone wanting to experience Liguria and Italian coastal life. It was also lovely sharing the views and atmosphere with Gianni Viacava, a local artist whose creativity and refined taste add to the place.

Breakfast was a self-serve buffet, and the staff were friendly. We also had a very nice meal at the street-level restaurant, and the separate guest deck tucked into the rocks below the tower had a great atmosphere. The cleaners kept our room spotless, too. Our room had air conditioning, a balcony, and a comfy bed and pillows. Sitting outside and looking over the coastline was wonderful. The hotel is made up of converted old homes, and it feels authentic and full of character. Getting to the second floor means taking a narrow, winding old staircase. A lift would spoil the atmosphere, in my view, so bring backpacks instead of suitcases. It’s a small, peaceful retreat from the bustle of town, though only 110 steps down to it. We’d definitely come back.