Mar-Mar

Mar-Mar is a great place to stay in Cinque Terre. Located in the first town of Riomaggiore, it's about a three-minute walk from the train station. There is a big blue sign indicating the location of Mar-Mar. Basically you follow the tunnel from the train station, turn left at the end, and walk up the hill for one hundred meters. You'll see restaurants on your left and right, and then you'll see the Mar Mar sign.

The front desk girl Amy is really helpful and knowledgable about Italy and they have a lot of books on Italy and the area that you can use for the day free of charge. The rooms themselves are located away from check-in but are still close. Beware that Cinque Terre has a lot of steep steps, and going to your room is no exception.

The rooms themselves are clean and come with clean sheets and blankets and a towel. There is a plug-in heater located in the closet if you get cold. The room is great because there are only two beds (not the best quality but at least they aren't bunked) to a room and you basically have the place to yourself.

There is a full kitchen where you can cook meals, and there are three grocery stores located just outside of the check-in office. The bathroom is tidy, though the shower is a little gross because there is mold starting to form on the tiles and in the grout, and the shower curtain probably should be changed or cleaned (this is the worst part of the stay -- everything else is amazing). Also, be warned that the hot water tank isn't the largest so you could end up in a cold shower.

On the top floor of the room there is a terrace with chairs and a laundry line to hang your laundry. The view of the mountains is great especially at sunset.

One downside to the hostel is that there are no lockers or any places to secure your belongings. So bring a lock and jimmy up some sort of locker for yourself. Rooms are made up daily so it's almost like you're staying in a hotel. There isn't really a common area to go and meet people, but everyone gathers in the kitchen to talk about their day. Overall, the social aspect was great depending on who you are going to be bunking with. You just have to seek out the social life in this hostel.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
December 2005