Villa Steno - Is it really that wonderful?
 

When I look at the Villa Steno web-site, I see mediocre looking rooms and "sea-views" which appear to be 100 miles away from the sea...and yet the place which seems to be a steep hill walk away from town continues to hold the #1 position on tripadviser.

Can someone tell me just what is it about this place that is so fabulous when compared with other hotels in the C.T. area.

Thanks.

For the early morning crowd.

Anybody?

What is your definition of "mediocre?" How much are you willing to spend per night?

"Mediocre" to me means plain furnishings without any character - a bed, a chair and a few "Ikea" tables and lamps with a faded print on the wall.

Maybe the area just does not lend itself to "character" furnishings at reasonable prices, but 2 years ago we were able to find a deal (160E) on the Orbitz website for the Grand Brisyol hotel in Rapallo in July- a price that has now almost doubled_ and we were hoping to locate another 4* hotel for basically 3* prices.

I guess that we have spoiled ourselves by hoping to find a hotel with character, similar to those which are so prevelent in other areas of Italy, and we are frustrated by the lack of available similar types of accomodations at prices in the area of 130 -160 E.

Thanks for responding.

The charm of Villa Steno is outstanding views, pretty surroundings, wonderful owners and staff and the overall beauty of its setting.

The rooms are plain but very comfortable and ours had a great bathroom with separate shower stall which can be hard to find. We also were lucky to have a private terrace with patio furniture and 2 sunbeds.

The breakfasts are very good and the coffee great. The lady who looks after the breakfast area is very sweet and anxious to please.

You could probably find a fancier place to stay but I doubt you would find nicer people to deal with or a more comfortable place to stay. We loved it.

If you're looking for a 4-star hotel, you probably won't be happy here but I echo everything that Royal said. Yes, the room and furnishings are basic but the bathroom has been updated and it's very, very nice. The spectacular views, private terrace, and the owners, who go out of their way to help you, more than make up for the room itself. For example, on our last day there, we had to leave before the normal breakfast time but the owner had breakfast ready for us early. There were similar touches of thoughtfulness throughout our stay.

Nevertooold:

I'm glad you got a specific answer to your question. I will be spending 5 weeks in France, Italy and Croatia this summer and have found it difficult to find "bargains." But I think I probably have very different tastes and needs than you do.

I did notice that there was another hotel in the town you found the Villa Steno that is right on the small beach for prices that weren't that much higher than the Steno. Sorry, I don't have the name. But it did look like it, too, would have rooms that might be below your standards.

Good luck! I've never stayed in the Cinque Terre area but it is on my list.

Check out La Mala' in Vernazza.

http://www.lamala.it/en/index.html