Wasn't a Yelp listing for Racconti di Mare, so I created it after my stay (you're welcome!). Found…read moreit on Travelocity for a good price, I was looking for a place close to Cinque Terra, and the location, La Spezia, is it. Touristic with lots of shops and restaurants, it's 2 or so blocks from the train station, and a 12 minutes train ride to the first village in Cinque Terra.
Davide, the greeting host, is great. Text msgs days beforehand ensuring the gf and I arrived safely. Parking is a bit of an issue, as the streets surrounding it are for residents only. He directed us to temporarily park close, he helped us carry in our luggages, and then drove with me to an area 3-4 blocks away that I could park at with metered parking (9 euros/day). Very nice guy!
I didn't want a Hilton, and that I didn't get!
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It's 5 rooms with bathrooms, and a shared dining area. Very clean throughout.
The room was nothing like I've ever seen, although, some pics posted on Travelocity gave me a hint of what to expect. Fairly large room, hand-painted artistic walls with water scenes and topless mermaids, heart sheets, funky lights, and a netting over the bed. The private bathroom, also larger than usual, continued the painted theme. Overall, comfortable and I liked.
Jagoda, a young Polish gal, prepared a lovely continental breakfast, fresh OJ, warm croissants and assorted pastries, and of course, coffees.
Conclusion:
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The location is great for Cinque Terra travel proximity, and being close to the train makes it very convenient. It's a unique experience, that's for sure! Davide and Jogoda makes staying here very comfortable, and they speak enough English to take the guess work out of the equation.