Town House Suite La Villa degli Argentieri - Monterosso al Mare

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Group

stayed in Jun 2008

The hotel double booked one of the superior rooms which we had made on one of the 3 day. They were very apologetic, and provided us with a discount. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and even provided a packed breakfast when we had to depart from the hotel very early on the last morning. The room and facilities are in good condition and very clean. I would return to stay at the hotel again.

Guest name: KF, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in May 2008

A delightful find which is not listed in any of the "typical" travel guides for Cinque Terre! From the description, I originally thought the hotel was located on a hill we would need to walk up to but was happy to discover it is just a 2 minute walk from the train station. Enrico welcomed us and was wonderful in offering information, recommendations and a few authentic Italian lessons here and there! The rooms are a bit smaller, but extremely clean and well kept! Would definitely make a return in the future!

Guest name: Heidi Olson, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in May 2008

Very nice hotel! Within walking distance of the train station and right on the beach!

Guest name: RP, USA

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2008

The La Villa degli Argentieri is a beautiful little facility right on the waterfront of Montorosso. The facility seemed to be newly remodeled with obvious great care. Staff were attentive and provided a high level of care. This was the best hotel we stayed at during our Italy adventure - assuming you like the smaller feel. High marks from us!!!

Guest name: RD, USA

Average rating:  3.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

interestingly enough, we got an email from the hotel ONE day before we left for Europe telling us our reservation was cancelled due to a computer glitch. The manager of the hotel offered another hotel to us, which was not satisfactory. We called him personally and begged to stay at the hotel. When we got to Rome, there was an email from him saying we could stay in standard rooms, but not the double deluxe rooms (which have a balcony) that we had confirmed from Venere. We heard many different stories as to why we had been cancelled, one of them being that their agreement with Venere was that they could change your requested room or put you at another hotel. Is this true? If so, I will never book with Venere again. Needless to say, we were VERY upset by the whole thing. I did email Venere when we got cancelled and they gave us no help. We liked the hotel a lot, but not what happened to us. They did give us a discount, but the manager was not very accommodating nor did we ever figure out why this all happened to us. In addition, they never even told us that there was a roof top terrace! I found that out from some friends of ours (when we got home) who stayed there last spring. We went to Italy to celebrate our 40th anniversaries and everything we prearranged and booked worked beautifully....except for this reservation. It was upsetting also that Venere did nothing for us. Tell other travelers to make sure that they really have a reservation and tell them there is a rooftop terrace! I also need to say that all the other employees of the hotel were wonderful....just not the manager...........Joan Diessner

Guest name: JD, USA

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

My only regret is that I could not stay longer. The room (#4) was beautifully decorated, spacious and airy. The view from the front terrace as blocked by the pine trees in front of the hotel, so third floor might be better for those who want an ocean view. Breakfast was ample and pleasant. Staff were extremely helpful and friendly, but English-only speakers should bring an Italian phrase book.

Guest name: Michael Cronin, USA

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2007

The hotel was very clean and comfortable. The staff was extremely helpful - making dinner reservations for us & giving us directions and helpful tips about the area. The hotel is right next to the beach and the rooftop terrace has a great view. I would stay there again and would direct anyone I know to stay there as well. It was a very pleasant experience.

Guest name: NM, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in May 2007

Location was great. We had a wonderful time and the hotel was better than we had expected. Breakfast area was especially nice, and coffee excellent! All of the staff very friendly and helpful. Would definately stay there again.

Guest name: William McKenna, USA

Average rating:  5.5

Guest type: Group

stayed in Apr 2007

The hotel was very clean and the staff extremely helpful. The location is ideal for visiting the Cinque Terre and the proximity to the station and town is good. However, the sound insulation is poor and we were lucky that residents were not unduly noisy. As it was the sound of the plumbing from room to room is clearly audible. We had the ground floor room which was not ideal but the only room available. It should have a discount as there is no view and you have to have the curtains / blinds pulled as the room is overlooked. The standard of the breakfast offered was not what I would expect from this price hotel. The quality of the food was of the poorest kind with little variety from day to day. Considering the price of this hotel I expected much better. Tinned fruit is not really acceptable and fresh juice rather than squash would be my expectation. One type of croissant was present every day and was sweetened with jam, a plain alternative would have been appreciated. The other bread on offer was very bland and uninteresting. There was plenty of food but it really was unimaginative and poor quality for the price.

Guest name: VL, Italy

Average rating:  5.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Apr 2007

I reserved a B&B suite through the Venere website and received a confirmation. Closer to my arrival date I sent another email directly to this hotel again asking for confirmation of the room type and location/view. Again the exact thing I resevered was confirmed. HOWEVER, when I arrived, I had been placed in the lowest type of room they had, and the employee running the front desk "did not normally work here". He managed to find a slightly better room, but NOT the suite I had reserved and confirmed twice. They said they would discount my room rate, but in actuallity, all they did was charge me for the room they put me in, instead of charging me for the suite. I had seen similar feedbacks when reviewing this site, and all I can say at this point is "heed them". The restaurant Miky(sometimes spelled Miki) is very close by, recommended by Frommer's, and was VERY good. While reservations there aren't required, you definitely need to make them. I watched many people get turned away during their busiest times due to not having a reservation, though they were good at trying to get people back later that same evening.

Guest name: David Cowling, USA

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Sep 2006

The hotel was very clean, the staff very nice and helpful. The location was perfect. The rooms however lacked in the following. The first night I stayed there I had a single room. It was so small I couldn't keep me suitcase open and get either to the bathroom or the door to the hall. But it was a pretty room with a nice view. The second night I had a double room with a supposed view of the ocean. The room was a decent size, but not a prettily decorated. The ocean view I was paying for was obliterated by the Italian pine trees that were planted to give you privacy from the promenade which was directly below. So there wasn't much of a view. All that being said, I might go back there just for the location.

Guest name: Brenda Morris, Canada

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2006

I was most pleased that the very accommodations specified in the reservation were exactly what we received. My husband and I enjoyed the balcony with view of the sea, overlooking a small church in the village. We spent three wonderful days here, and both of us would love to stay here again if we ever return. Breakfast was more than adequate, a large selection of breakfast items. Everyone at the front desk was friendly and accommodating. It is unfortunate (for the hotel) that the town decided to put its car park in front of the hotel, which detracts from the lovely sea view. The hotel is a short walk to Old Town with restaurants and shops and a short(level)walk from the train station. The hotel is so clean, it sparkles. Highly recommend for visiting Cinque Terre!!

Guest name: May Mills, USA

Average rating:  8.3

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Oct 2006

An excellent, central hotel, located on the beach. Parking is not free, though a large carpark is available near by for 12 Euro per day.

Guest name: Jason Lenzo, Australia

Average rating:  7.7

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2006

Monterosso was a brief stop on our 13-day trip through Italy. It is a very difficult town to drive into. We were fortunate to get directions from a local resident when we ended up on the wrong road into town (that does not actually let you drive down to the waterfront buildings). Once on the right road, we were able to find the hotel with some searching. The website says the hotel has free parking, but it no longer does. A pay lot is available across the street. We were told it would cost 12 Euros, but it actually cost us 24 since we stayed in the lot overnight. The Villa degli Argentieri is a very nice hotel (although the fish decor is a bit odd). They serve a nice breakfast. Our room on the first floor was a bit loud, but fortunately the noise quieted down well before we were ready for bed. Monica, at the front desk, was very helpful with restaurant recommendations. We had a great meal at Al Pozzo in the old town.

Guest name: Maribel Gerstner, USA

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Aug 2006

We were travelling with a 6-month old baby and the hotel staff were fantastic. Not only did they provide us with a very good cot for the baby, they were also very accommodating when we had special requests relating to sterilising equipment, keeping items at freezer temperature, finding adaptors for equipment etc. I could not recommend this hotel more highly for those travelling with babies. There was enough room for the pram both in the room and by our table in the breakfast area. As the breakfasts were very good we wanted to take our time over them and luckily we were able to. They also recommended restaurants which were suitable for taking a baby too which was very useful. The rooms were clean and original in their furnishings.

Guest name: Catherine BLAKE, France

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Jun 2006

the accomadation was fantastic as was the service their reccomendations for eating spots and advice re trains etc was superb AAA+

Guest name: Paul Townend, New Zealand

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jul 2006

Great place. We would have to say the best in Cinque Terre. Clean, air conditioned, great breakfast, nice helpful staff. We really enjoyed our stay here.

Guest name: Karen Vollman, USA

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in May 2006

The area of Monterosso was absolutely beautiful. The hotel was well maintained, the rooms were clean and decorated beautifully in the beach theme. The breakfast that was provided was excellent. The shower was a little small, but was similar to all of the other hotels in our travels.

Guest name: Edith Makarewicz, USA

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2006

This was a wonderful hotel experience. The location in the town is excellent and the hotel is very nice. There is a parking lot in front of the hotel that detracts just a bit from the sea view for the rooms on the 1st floor. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Breakfast was better than most Italian hotels and the service was excellent. I would definitely return to this hotel. Monterosso is larger than the other 5 Terre towns. The centro storico side (nice 5 minute walk from the beach front side of Monterosso) has a wide variety of restaurant and wine bar options. We liked Il Pozzo and Enoteca Internazionale. If you have never hiked 5 Terre before, bring sturdy shoes and a water bottle in hot weather. We saw a few people who were ill prepared for the mountain trail walk in flip flops and beach gear.

Guest name: Jennifer Stuart, Italy

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Apr 2006

An excellent hotel in perfect location right on the boardwalk. Almost new condition. Extremely clean. Friendly, helpful staff. Excellent continental breakfast. The only drawback was that my room was small, but I would absolutely return to this hotel.

Guest name: Craig Crebbin, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2006

There is not a thing negative i can say about the Arg, its location and its staff. This is a bit surprising, since we got off on the wrong foot when we arrived as a family of 5 and the Arg only had a reservation for 2 double rooms. This sent the front desk manager into a freaked-out tizzy of the variety Southern Italy is famous for. Initially he accused us of lying but he eventually yielded, and we slept our first night in a king-sized bed with our youngest daughter between us and a cot was rolled in for the second night, and he expressed his heartfelt apology several times throughout our stay. I actually liked this guy a lot, and am puzzled about what was really going on. The breakfast here is wonderful, and the double deluxe, at 20 euro's more than the regular, is well worth it. The room is about twice the size of the regular double and it has two balconies -- one looking out over the water and street, the other looking up the mountains (we were in room 3). No sooner did we leave than we resolved to come back, perhaps this fall, for a longer stay. I enthusiastically recommend it.

Guest name: Jim Tumber, USA

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2006

This was a lovely accommodation, with balcony overlooking the sea, and a fun bathroom decorated in a fish theme and jetspray shower. The breakfast buffet was large and varied and the staff were very helpful. Would definitely stay here again.

Guest name: TH, USA

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

Relaxing and quiet, and a better value than expected. We came at the tail end of the main tourist season (last week in Oct) and received unsolicited a free upgrade to a deluxe room with a view facing the sea. Though small, the rooms are comfortable and bathrooms clean and cutely designed. The shower unit was amazing with sprays coming out to bathe you all over. Located close to the railway, the hotel was convenient for us b/c we had some big bags. Most hotels located 10-15 minutes away over a slight hill near restaurants, but those could be noisy as they were closer to the tracks.

Guest name: Doris Chang, Algeria

Average rating:  8.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

A very nice hotel located within a 5-minute walk from the train station. I would recommend this hotel - although it was quite pricey at $200 Euro a night. If I compare it to all the other hotels we stayed at during our three weeks in Italy, I would say it rates right up there as one of the better ones. However, the price is a little inflated.

Guest name: Vivian Draward, Canada

Average rating:  5.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

per noi non c'è stata corrispondenza fra la camera offerta (double de luxe) e quella assegnataci, piccola, finestra senza bagno, frigobar sguarnito, tapparella rotta.Una camera carina, molto pulita ma senza dubbio STANDARD.Perciò il rapporto qualità prezzo del tutto inadeguato!

Guest name: ROSSELLA SPOTTI, Italy

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

The best the area has to offer!!! Clean room, competent staff and perfect location. I will stay there again!!!!! ****

Guest name: Brad Miller, USA

Average rating:  5.6

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

Nice little hotel, but overpriced. There is not a quiet little street between the hotel and the beach, but a loud street and a football place. Location overcrowded in July, and there were unannounced train strikes that leave one stranded there

Guest name: LH, United Kingdom

Average rating:  3.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

This hotel was not worth what we paid. Two friends came to see me and my girlfriend at the hotel. They did not know what room we were in or anything and just said my name. The front desk gave them the key to our room and let them go in. Thank God it was just my friends otherwise anyone could have asked for my key and stole all my stuff. The service was CRAP. I would recommend staying at one of the other places on the main strip. This place is over priced and has incompetent employees and even the owner is a mean ass woman.

Guest name: Nicholas Gonzalez, USA

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

We had an excellent experience. The staff was extraordinary. We had a really fun, relaxing and downright special time.

Guest name: MS, USA

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Apr 2005

The only criticsm would be the size of the bathrooms in two out of the three bedrooms that we rented. In two of the bathrooms, there was to much stuff in there and you could barely move in them. In the 3rd bedroom, the bathroom was perfect size. The breakfast, staff and beautiful location certainly made up for the short comings of the bathrooms. A definite return visit is planned!

Guest name: MC, USA

Average rating:  5.4

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Mar 2005

We were given a nice, clean room although it was a shoe box size. Unfortunately it had no view either and when you are paying that much money on the Cinque Terra coast- you want a view of the water.

Guest name: RT, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2004

Very nice place, a bit pricey for the amenities. The "suite" we stayed in was very nice, but only one room. A beautiful spacious one, with a stunning-view balcony and a great shower-for-two, but not what I expected (suites should have a second room with sofa). For $300 (E250) I expected more. Breakfast, also, was typically poor. I have yet to find a hotel breakfast I enjoyed in Europe outside of a major chain hotel like Crowne Plaza. Although I'm told that good breakfasts can be found at Ireland hotels.

Guest name: Gerald Welker, Italy

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2004

We found Villa Argentieri absolutely first class. Friendly warm and excellent service. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Guest name: Collen Meldrum, Australia

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2004

Our favorite place in 10 days stayed in Italy

Guest name: Brent Gwynn, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2004

This was a wondeful place to stay at! The location was right in the center of the action in Monterosso on the beachfront, the staff was gracious and helpful, and the rooms were beautiful. I highly recommend staying here.

Guest name: KF, USA

Average rating:  7.3

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2004

An excellent hotel having rooms with great views. The rooms are small and the area is noisy at night.

Guest name: WB, Germany

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Jul 2004

An immaculate inn in an outstanding location. Right on the beach and the major passagiata of Monterosso al mare. Friendly staff, a sumptuous and complete breakfast, newly renovated in a nautical theme which was cute and very clean, especially the bathrooms. Parking was included, which is critical in Monterosso, because there is virtually no on-street parking, and they will close the town to auto traffic if all the lots and street spaces are full.

Guest name: BG, USA

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Jul 2004

We had a fabulous time. All your staff was friendly and very helpful, It made our vacation much nicer! Thank you and we hope to visit again soon. Grazie!

Guest name: Sarah Welcome, USA

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Jul 2004

La Villa degli Argentieri was the only hotel in which we stayed that we had read no reviews for before we booked it. It was to be a sot in the dark. The hotel turned out to be an excellent experience. The location was excellent, just across the small street from the beach, but surprisingly serene and not noisy. The staff were curtious, competent, and helpful. A nice touch was that each morning for breakfast, the table assigned for each room bore a small flag of the country of origin of that room's guests. The rooms, while small, were spotlessly clean and had clearly been upgraded very recently. The rooms with a sea view have a balcony with table and chairs, another nice touch. The Argentieri is not cheap, but it is an excellent choice in one of the best spots on the Cinque Terre.

Guest name: MG, USA

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2004

Ideally located and very easy to find, given its proximity to the train station and beach. Matthew (very good English) provided a warm greeting, along with helpful information and contacts for the region, including dinner reservations at a wonderful restaurant (Miky). The half-pension (continental breakfast) was the best we’ve had anywhere in Italy, including fantastic cappuccinos. Overall, we found La Villa degli Argentieri to be a fantastic base for all our Cinque Terre activities.

Guest name: Steve Carden, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Jun 2004

Absolutely lovely hotel! Staff was wonderful and accomodating. Plus, the parking arrangement was great to have in the very compact Monterosso.

Guest name: Jennifer Judd, Italy

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Jun 2004

This hotel was very clean and the staff very personable. The location is good; far enough away from the central hub but still close enough to walk from the train station with ease (we're talking metre's here). Some of the staff speak excellent english, others may only be able to speak italian or french. Breakfast is extremely good for european standards (eggs, meats, cereal, fruit... a wide variety), but be prepared to have a giant TV blaring CNN in your ear while you eat... I guess some people like that! Smokers will have to curb their habit until outside or off-property. If I retured to Monterosso,I would stay here again, however I would be more inclined to stay in the town of Riomaggiore - I just liked it a bit better than Monterosso.

Guest name: DH, Canada

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2004

Beautiful rooms, great location, friendly staff, but comparatively expensive for what you get.

Guest name: John Robinson, Australia