Locanda Il Maestrale is a small guesthouse in the old town of Monterosso al Mare, at Via Roma 37, on the waterfront side of the Borgo Antico. It is the kind of place people book for the setting and the welcome: the beach is a two-minute walk, the marine protected area three minutes and Fegina Beach three, and the station is about nine minutes on foot. Guests give it 9.8 out of 10 from 242 reviews, with cleanliness at 10 and staff and service at 10, which is rare at any price and notable in a village where many rooms are in converted houses. It offers a handful of rooms rather than a large block, so the experience is personal and the atmosphere is calm. A breakfast buffet is included, there is a terrace and a bar, and the old town restaurants are on the doorstep. It suits couples and anyone who would rather wake up in the lanes than on the promenade.
Location and getting around
The old town of Monterosso is the historic half of the village, with lanes, small squares and the church of San Giovanni Battista, and it is separated from the newer Fegina side by a short tunnel and a stretch of sea front. Staying here puts you inside the atmosphere in the evening, with dinner options a minute away.
The walk to the station is about nine minutes, flat for the most part, but it is worth thinking about luggage and how you arrive. Parking is not listed, so plan to arrive by train and leave a car outside the village if you are driving.
The rooms
The property lists Economy, Standard Double or Twin and Superior rooms. Sizes run from about 150 square feet for the economy room to 322 square feet for the Superior room with a king bed, and the standard double is around 193 square feet with either a queen bed or two twins. Air conditioning, free WiFi, a private bathroom with shower and bidet, a flat-screen television, a kettle, a desk and a safe are listed. Ask which room faces the sea and confirm the floor and stairs when you book.
Who it suits
Couples, small groups of friends and solo travellers who value a quiet, personal stay over services. It is not suited to people who need parking, to those travelling with pets, since pets are not allowed, or to anyone who wants a large lobby and a restaurant on site. Luggage storage and a front-desk safe are listed, which is handy on the day you arrive early or leave late.
Good to know
Check-in runs from 2 in the afternoon to 8 in the evening and check-out is at 11. Free cancellation is offered on some rates, so read the terms of the one you choose. In low season some old town restaurants and shops close, and the water is for walking beside rather than swimming in, so confirm what is open on your dates. Check the park's pages for the winter weekends with no trains between Corniglia and La Spezia before you plan onward travel.
Why stay here
- ✓Breakfast buffet included
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Terrace
- ✓Bar
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Front-desk safe
- ✓Private bathroom with bidet
Good questions
How far is Locanda Il Maestrale from the beach and station?+
The main beach is about two minutes on foot and Monterosso station about nine, according to the booking page.
Is breakfast included?+
Yes, a buffet breakfast is listed as included. Check the terms of your rate when you reserve.
Can I bring a pet or a car?+
Pets are not allowed and parking is not listed, so plan to arrive by train and leave a car outside the village.
