From Baranin B & B - Cinque Terre — Hotel in Riomaggiore

I don’t usually write reviews, but our room need a review, cause it was so unique. We got lucky being put in room #33 just across a narrow path from the reception office. First, it’s a long uphill haul to reach the B&B from the train station in Manarola. But there are taxi and luggage services available at the train station if you’re not up to dragging a heavy suitcase. We had our suitcases brought for us by our walking tour coordinator, so only had to get our “butts” and lite backpacks up the very steep street in this small town.|As you enter Room #33, three visual items hit you immediately. The ceiling above this room is held up by massive wooden beams. One approximately 14” by 14” which must weigh 100’s of lbs. History only knows what this space was like so many years ago. Only a stone wall grace one wall that leads to the bedroom and living space. An old ladder hangs above with LED strip lighting to accent the beams above with a myriad of shadows. A lit nook also adorns the foyer, a good place for room keys. To your left is the large bathroom with again the old wooden beams above. The sink is a raised 30-inch-long oval with wings on both sides for your toiletries, a nice touch and something our last hotel didn’t hardly have at all. The shower is an open design but is so long no need to fret that water will splash on the rest of the bathroom floor. By the commode is a huge vase almost 2 feet across at the top and it’s set into the wall ½ exposed, making for a unique feature. Oh, I also need to mention the 22 foot long one foot wide shelve along the wall reaching from the entrance all the way into the sleeping area. Adjacent to the behind the bed are two sitting and/or single sleeping or lounging beds. Again up-lighting makes everything glow and easy on the eyes while providing great lighting for any un packing or repacking, which will make you sad your leaving. That area also has 3 windows to let in ample natural lighting. The area behind the bed again has three more nooks which just adds to the charm of this most delightful room. I’m already trying to figure out how I can incorporate at least a few of these ideas into our home back in Colorado, maybe better up-lighting, fake beams, something like that. I would like to add that because this town is so small, expect your night’s sleep not to be disturbed by any sound, at all. Tomb like. Far and away room #33 is the best and most unique Bed and Breakfast room I’ve ever had a chance to stay in. No place is perfect, and everything is a compromise but the floor of the shower needs some texture added to it for safety, it gets slippery when wet, my only complaint in an otherwise great place, would highly recommend...

Firstly, I’d like to summarize several key words, which is “Rude stuff, poor service, compulsory hidden charges and AVOID”, for those who don’t have enough time to read the whole review.

If you have enough time to read further, I’d like to share my experiences out here. I have been compulsorily charged £30 for the 30 minutes late. Here is what happened. I was traveling from Pisa to Manarola. I noticed the check-in window is closed at 18:30 and the train in Italy normally don't on time, so I emailed them and told them I may arrive later than 18:30. They agreed and said a surcharge of £30 will be applied. Then I replied to discuss with them seeking for a solution to avoid this fee, like using a key box or something similar. No response was received. I noticed they were trying to avoid this topic. Therefore, I send another email to them. Still no reply was received. It was boring to make this kind of communication. I rang the bell when I arrived at around 19:00. After 30 seconds, a member of stuff came down unhappily and gave me the key. When I checked-out after two nights stay, I want to gave some feedback regards to the late check-in fee. The stuff just kept repeating, “I don’t care, just choose another hotel”. I have been travel a lot in Europe, but this was the first time I met a hotel like this. They were so eager for tourists’ money. How ridiculous was this! I just wanted to give some feedback. If the fee was clear on the booking confirmation email or the stuff could explain it, I can totally understand. However, as I stated above, I don’t think such rude attitude and 30 seconds distance walking can be excuses for £30 charge. Because I needed to catch the train, I didn’t have time to argue with them and I am quite sure they used to utilize this point to get the money as they wish.

If you can make sure you will arrive on time, I don’t know what will happen. If you want arrive by train, please remember the Italian railway will guarantee you nothing but late.

By the way, the amount of late check-in fee was no police stated. £30 was charged from me, I don’t know how much will be charged from the next guest. £40? £50?… Maybe depends on the mood...

Brilliant 3 night stay (mid April) - highly recommended 👍 Sarah & Silvia went above & beyond to help make our entire stay a great one.

From offering advice about supermarkets & ATM'S, to boat tour information, to selling the Cinque Terre cards for trains/hiking, to being available on Whatsapp & answering questions before our stay - just fantastic service from both of these ladies 👌

The detailed instructions on Whatsapp made finding the apartment late at night simple. Our unit was small (but sufficient) cleaned daily (including dishwashing for us!) which was unexpected. Sleeper couch was good quality & 2 bathrooms with showers was great for 4 people. Very clean, neat & tidy - just what you want. We had 2 big heavy suitcases & managed the 10 min walk from the station just fine. Be aware there are steps - but mostly they are gradual and smaller (except for the small final flight. Ask about cash rates - ATM is on the right as you exit the long underground tunnel from the station.

Would love to come back...