FAQs
HOW TO BOOK DIRECT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Q. How can guests book your apartments?
- You can book direct on this website with an easy and secure booking process
- You can call Ruth on the telephone or WhatsApp at +39 345 3636118
- You can send an email to ruth@cinqueterrevacation.com.
Q. What the benefits to booking direct?
Book direct for the best prices to stay in one of the most beautiful seafront homes in Cinque Terre and receive personalized hospitality.
When you book direct, you:
- Save money: book at the lowest rate and avoid OTA fees and commissions
- Get personalized hospitality and assistance
- Gain local insights: we are a part of the local community
- Support our small, family-owned business
Q. What is your minimum night stay?
We have a 2-night minimum stay.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
We require a 20% deposit to confirm your reservation. Full payment for your stay is due 14 days or more before check-in.
We will refund your deposit minus a processing fee of €20 for cancellations made anytime up to 14 days before check-in.
There will be no refund within 14 days of check-in but we will be happy to offer you a voucher for a future stay. Any payment is considered acceptance of these terms. We encourage guests to purchase travel insurance.
CHECK-IN
Q. What time is check-in?
Check-in is from 3pm to 7pm. Please discuss your exact arrival time with Ruth so that she can welcome and accompany you to the apartment. We will do our best to accommodate a free early check-in if possible.
Q. Do you offer self check-in?
We personally welcome our guests AND we understand some guests prefer to check themselves in. We will provide you with detailed directions to the apartment, where you will find a lockbox with keys inside. The lockbox will open with a code that we will provide.
Our detailed Welcome Guide provides instructions for how to use everything in the apartment. “Ruth’s Guide to Cinque Terre” has wonderful tips for hiking, eating, boating, biking and more!
CHECKOUT
Q. What time is checkout? What should we do at checkout?
Check out time is 11 am. Please:
- Let us know what time you plan to leave
- Give us your feedback on our Guest Satisfaction Survey
- Leave the bed linens and towels as is (we will send them to the professional laundry)
- Start the dishwasher
- Turn off the air conditioners and lights
- Leave the keys on the kitchen table and close the doors behind you
Our cleaner will arrive to take out the trash and start cleaning. Grazie!
LOCATION AND HOW TO ARRIVE
Q. Where are the apartments located in Vernazza?
Carattino 12 and Il Ciassò are in the center of Vernazza directly over the sea, located up and away from the crowds in a tucked-away location where you will enjoy tranquillity.
You walk out the front door, down about two flights of stairs and you are on the main street via Roma. From there, a five-minute walk takes you to the train station, Piazza Marconi, and Vernazza’s harbor and pier (where you can take a ferry boat or meet a private boat tour).
If you want to hike, it is easy: walk uphill on our caruggio (narrow medieval lanes) to reach the trail head to Corniglia or walk downhill, cross the street and uphill to reach the trail head to Monterosso.
Q. What is the best way to get to Vernazza?
We suggest arriving by train because Vernazza is a car-free village. Ruth can suggest:
- the best train options for your arrival and departure or
- best parking options if you arrive by car or
- a car service.
We want your vacation to be stress-free, so just ask and we will be happy to help you.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q. What is Vernazza? What / Where is Cinque Terre?
Vernazza is a beautiful medieval village filled with multicolored pastel houses nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the scenic, terraced vineyards on its hillsides.
Cinque Terre comprises five villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso – with a population of approximately 4000 residents living in a beautiful, fragile territory, known as one of the world’s most beautiful places for hiking.
Stretching 15 km along the coast between Levanto and La Spezia, on Italy’s northwestern Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terre is a steep coastal landscape that humans have transformed with stone walled terraces for growing grape vines and olive trees.
The Cinque Terre towns and territory is a UNESCO World Heritage site, an Italian National Park and a Protected Marine Area.
Q. Where can we buy food or supplies?
Vernazza is a small, car-free village but eating and shopping are not a problem: 2 grocery stores, a fish shop, a butcher, a bakery, a focaccia shop, 2 pizzerie, 2 wine and specialty food shops and lots of restaurants and places for an aperitivo. Oh, did I mention the 4 Gelateria shops?
Q. What can we do in Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is full of amazing things to do, from hiking to swimming to kayaking to boat rides to exploring. Ruth can help plan the best possible experiences and answer your questions on how to spend your time. Of course, you can also relax and enjoy the view!
Q. What if we have a maintenance issue?
If any challenges arise, we respond and resolve issues quickly. You should immediately contact Ruth by phone or text. We are available 24/7.
Q. What if I need a doctor?
Our Welcome Book includes information for emergency medical situations. Throughout Italy, dial 112 for emergency services (ambulance, police, fire).
A basic first-aid kit is in the bathroom.
Ruth understands that things happen on vacation. She has accompanied guests for stitches and given help for the occasional jellyfish sting. Whatever issue arises, Ruth will do her best to help you.
Q. Do you have a crib?
Yes, we can provide a crib with all bedding and a booster seat.
Q. Can you help me with travel plans and activities?
A. Of course! Please let us know if we can help you with travel logistics or how to help you plan the best Cinque Terre vacation. If we can make your vacation dreams come true, we will do it! Too busy to plan what to do in Cinque Terre? Ruth will help you create a perfect itinerary with a mix of active, fun, delicious and relaxing experiences.
Q. What is your cleaning process? What are you doing for Covid-19?
We are committed to providing a “sparkling clean” standard. We want your vacation space to be a relaxing, safe and hygienic retreat from the outside world. See “CTV Health & Safety” for details.
HOUSE RULES
Q. Is smoking allowed?
No, there is NO smoking permitted in the apartments. You may smoke on the terraces.
Q. Are you pet-friendly?
No, we do not accept pets. We love animals, but some guests have allergies so no pets.
Q. Can we have a party?
No, you may not have a party unless you have received prior permission in writing from Ruth. You may not invite other people to the apartments.