Ostello di Corniglia, Cinque Terre

Clean, friendly, and good location

The rooms were clean and a good size. The bathroom too was clean. There was good space for luggage and clothes. The room had a view of the sea, and the town itself was very charming. All in all I'm very pleased.

Clean but disappointing

This place was a last resort for us, as our previous booking at another hostel had to be cancelled as they called us and told us our room we booked had flooded. Ostello Corniglia is clean and well maintained, but lacking. There was no kitchen, and what few facilities there was were for staff only. There was too many rules (cannot be in hostel between 11am-2pm and could not use any facilities during this time). The Wifi is the only thing that is free. Breakfast is extra and the washing facilities are quite expensive. There is also no atmosphere due to the restrictions that the staff put in place. And don't get me started on the clocktower outside my window that goes off on the hour every hour while you sleep. The town itself was lovely and probably the most untouristic of the 5. Probably due to the 360 odd stairs to the village, but if you are fit, there should be no complaints.

Clean and Bright

I stayed in mid-summer with my mom (who is 70). Very clean and updated hostel. Staff was friendly. No kitchen to cook, but there are tables in the lounge, breakfast was additional $5 Euro per person; included yogurt, cheese, toast with condiments and pastries, coffee and beverages. Women's dorm was bright and sunny with big windows. The A/C was not in use while I was there, so the windows were left open for ventilation; the local roosters and workers in nearby piazza can be noisy in the morning. I am a light sleeper and had trouble with the bright dorm (windows) and noise in the morning, but earplugs, an eye mask, and good sleeping pill help with that. Laundry was $5 Euro per load, no dryer.

Clean and bright

Modern, newly renovated from school to hostel. Easy to find and centrally located with a market just steps away. Most staff were very friendly, welcoming and helpful. Spacious locker, quality bedding, great showers, lots of outlets and free WiFi. Only drawback is lack of kitchen. Overall, excellent value. Corniglio is best village for multi-day hiking, swimming and relaxation. Route 7a, 6d and 6 goes up and over to Manarola -- spectacular, panoramic views and trail is not crowded (2 to 3 hours with break in Volastra).

Helpful staff, easy to find location, clean rooms -- Ostello di Corniglia is not quaint and cozy the way some apartments of the Cinque Terre may be, but for a hostel it's perfect.

The Location

It's right in the center of town with a great location. Just follow the path/main road and you can't miss it next to the post office and municipal buildings, steps from the square. Like everywhere in the Cinque Terre, the views are great. You can't see the ocean (as from most places in Corniglia) but you can see the pastoral hillside and town.

Corniglia is a very tiny but cute town. It's on a hilltop, unlike the other towns that cascade down to water level. There are only a few "streets" winding around. You'll probably feel lost, but it's so small that you pop out again eventually. There are a lot of great hidden restaurants and cute shops. The road up from the train station is long and steep. You can pay to take the green shuttle instead. If your luggage is easy to carry, the steps at the end of the train station are the best way to get up to the town.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The place is modern and clean, with very high ceilings and big, curtained windows. You get bunk beds and each one is equipped with a nightlight and outlet. You also are assigned a huge locker and they give you the key, so no need to fit your own lock. You have to make your own bed, but the sheets are impeccable and you get a large (although thin and not absorbent) towel as well as a hand towel. All of this at no extra charge!

The bathrooms are large, bright, and clean; there are two enclosed toilet stalls with sinks. Then in the main bathroom area there are two sinks and two showers.

Common Spaces

The lobby is modern and well-lit. There are places to sit and hang out. The staff speak English and can tell you all about the hiking trails, and they have maps and train schedules. The hostel offers breakfast at low cost; you must reserve the night before. There are also cafes in town if you need something different.

They have a washer and dryer, which can be crucial if you're hiking and sweaty. The hostel closes in the afternoon, so make sure you check the hours because it will be locked and you can't get in. Also there is some rule against luggage storage in the Cinque Terre, so plan out your hiking carefully.

Summary

This hostel is clean, modern, and safe and its location is central. It's great for an overnight in the center city of the Cinque Terre.

Nice stay in Cinque Terre

The hostel, and Corniglia as a whole are very nice and quaint. The only problem is it became a major hassle to climb the 365 stairs or wait for the shuttle up to Corniglia from the train station. Corniglia is a nice town, but it shuts down quite early and there are better towns I would suggest staying in (Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza) if possible.