Hotel Stella Maris

Cinque Terre is the name given to five villages (Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola, and Corniglia) that are built into the mountainous coast of Liguria. Several of these picturesque villages are accessible only by foot or train. There are several choices of places from which you can explore these tiny fishing hamlets, one of these being the modest, rather dated resort of Levanto. The Hotel Stella Maris is a simple, two-star hotel, but it exudes warmth and caring, and is recommended to the traveler who is looking for a reasonably priced place to stay and who values hospitality rather than decorator-perfect accommodation. Not that the hotel is lacking in character: it is located on the second floor of a 17th-century palazzo and remnants of its past grandeur remain. Many of the bedrooms feature high, elaborately frescoed ceilings and handsome antique beds. I think my favorite is number 4, an especially inviting room with a romantic wooden, French-style headboard. Supper is served by candlelight in the intimate and elegant dining room under the frescoed ceiling. Breakfast is included in the room rate. Although only a little English is spoken, Renza and Alexandro exude a merry warmth that is sure to touch your heart. A fresh basket of fruit is given with the Junior and Superior suites.