You’ve asked it, we’ve answered it!
We’ve compiled this F.A.Q. section with you, our potential guest, in mind. These are all questions that we have been asked in the past, and perhaps you are wondering the same question now.
Please take a moment to look over this Q&A section, as it’s chock-full of valuable information (at least we think so!). As always, if you have a question that you do not see here, please do not hesitate to ask.
TOPICS:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MAR-MAR (GENERAL)
Q. What exactly is an affittacamere?
A. Affittacamere (room & apartment rental agencies) are the creative solution for your accommodation needs while staying in Riomaggiore & the Cinque Terre. As growth & development in the area have been limited by the unique geography & building restrictions, local residents came up with this inventive way to lodge visitors in characteristic rooms & apartments located throughout the historic sections of the village.
Q. So, Mar-Mar isn’t a hotel?
A. No, Mar-Mar is not a hotel. There are no hotels in the historic center or marina of Riomaggiore. The only true hotel in Riomaggiore is located in a more modern area at the top of the village. As mentioned above, at Mar-Mar we are a room & apartment rental agency. Our accommodations are ideal for those wanting to experience firsthand the charm of an "Old World" Italian village.
Q. What should we expect while staying with Mar-Mar?
A. Mar-Mar offers the freedom of autonomy for its guests. When our guests check-in, they are given a key that is theirs to keep for the duration of their stay (this allows our guests to come & go as they please… without the hassle of checking keys at the front desk).
Our cleaning staff will change towels & bed linens upon request (this is in compliance with the Cinque Terre National Park Eco-Quality Certification, which we are proud to possess).
The final cleaning is included in the price of your room or apartment (there is no additional charge).
Q. What services do you offer in the Mar-Mar office?
A. We offer the following services in the Mar-Mar office:
- FAX - We are able to receive (without charge) or send FAX (rates based on destination).
- INTERNET ACCESS - Rates are based on the amount of minutes spent online.
- BOOK EXCHANGE - We also have a variety of travel guide books available for reference.
Q. Does Mar-Mar offer breakfast?
A. No, Mar-Mar does not offer breakfast. However, there are a variety of bars in the village that offer an Italian-style breakfast (e.g. a cappuccino & a croissant). If you are wanting something a bit more substantial, Gelateria Centrale (next door to Bar Centrale) in the center of the village often offers an “American-style” breakfast during the peak-season. Though it may not be exactly like what you’re used to at home, it’s the closest you’ll get to bacon & eggs while in Italy! Their crepes are delicious, too (try one smothered in Nutella).
Q. How do we reach your office?
A. Please have a look at How to Find Us.
Q. My family at home is anxious to have an emergency contact phone number for me. Can I give them your office phone number?
A. Absolutely! We have an answering machine in the office in case they need to leave a message for you outside of our office hours. Please make sure that your loved ones know what name you've made the reservation under & if possible the name of the room or apartment that you will be staying in. We will be more than happy to pass the message along to you.
RESERVATIONS
Q. Are all taxes included in the price you’ve quoted me?
A. Yes, the price we’ve quoted you is the all-inclusive price. Don’t worry, there are no hidden surprises!
Q. What methods of payment do you accept?
A. We accept cash (€uro only) or travelers checks in €uro (no fees are charged when we accept them, we treat them just like cash).
Q. Why do we need to provide credit card details in order to make a reservation?
A. We require credit card details in order to guarantee your reservation. The only instances in which we would charge to your credit card would be if 1) you failed to arrive for your reservation, or 2) you did not adhere to our cancellation policy (see the next question for information on our cancellation policy). In these two instances, you would be charged for the first night of accommodation.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. This means that any cancellations must be made by telephone or FAX at least 48 hours prior to your date of arrival.
Q. What is your privacy policy?
A. At Mar-Mar we have a strict privacy policy. We keep your personal data on file only until you have arrived, paid & departed. We then shred or delete any documents that contain your sensitive personal data. Mar-Mar does not buy, sell, or trade any personal information with any other business, (& we do not plan to do so in the future).
CHECKING IN & OUT
Q. How early can we check-in at Mar-Mar? How late can we check-in?
A. The Mar-Mar office opens at 9am. You can check-in as soon as we open, but the rooms & apartments are usually not ready until the early afternoon. Not to worry… if you check-in early you can drop off your bags in our office, go explore & come back later in the day. Or, we can take you to your room or apartment (even if it’s not yet clean, so long as it has been vacated) so that you can leave your luggage, take the key & be on your way! Your room should be in shipshape by the time you get back.
Q. Do we really have to check-in by 5pm on our day of arrival?
A. Yes, we really are serious about our 5pm check-in requirement. This is because in the Italian culture family comes first. Apart from emergencies, we ask that our guests respect our working hours & the time we have set apart for our families. If you do not honestly think that you will make it to Riomaggiore before 5pm, we will be more than happy to refer you to another agency or hotel. Please keep in mind, however, that small villages are unlike larger cities in that businesses do close early here (apart from the restaurants & bars). There is currently no 24-hour reception available at any agency or hotel in Riomaggiore. If you plan on arriving late at night, we recommend staying at one of the hotels in La Spezia or Levanto on your first night.
Q. At what time must we check-out of Mar-Mar?
A. Check-out is at 10am (though in some instances we can delay it if you come & speak with us in the office the day prior).
Q. Is there a place where we can keep our luggage if we are not leaving Riomaggiore immediately after we check-out?
A. You are more than welcome to leave your luggage with us in the office on your day of check-out, just be sure to be back to pick it up before 5pm.
TRANSPORTATION
Q. We want to stay with Mar-Mar but we’re coming by car. Does Mar-Mar have parking available?
A. Yes, Mar-Mar has a limited number of parking spaces available for the price of €10 per car, per day. Keep in mind that traveling by car is not the most convenient mode of arrival or departure in the Cinque Terre, as the roads are narrow & curvy. Also, all five villages of the Cinque Terre are pedestrian-only. In Riomaggiore this means that you will have to park at the top of the village and then walk into the historic center with your luggage. For more information on parking, please see How to Find Us.
Q. Is it easier to reach Riomaggiore (& the Cinque Terre) by car or by train?
A. This is an easy answer… absolutely, positively by train. Our reasons are as follows:
- Parking in the Cinque Terre is very limited & quite expensive.
- The roads of the Cinque Terre are narrow & curvy.
- As the villages are pedestrian-only, those arriving by car must park at the top of the village and walk themselves (& their luggage) into the village and then back out again on their day of departure.
- 99% of our guests that arrive by car do not use their vehicle again until their day of departure (as the best way to experience the Cinque Terre is by foot, train, or boat).
Q. Is it possible to arrive by boat?
A. The boat is used (weather & sea conditions permitting) during the peak-season to transport tourists between the villages of the Cinque Terre (with the exception of Corniglia, which is located off of the sea) & also to Portovenere. These boats are not practical to carry anything other than yourselves & your daypacks, so plan on arriving by train or car.
PRIVATE ROOMS & APARTMENTS
Q. Does each room or apartment have its own private bathroom?
A. Yes, each private room or apartment that we offer has its own private bathroom. In only a few instances will the bathroom not be en-suite (if this is the case, you will be advised during the reservation process).
Q. Are bed linens & bath towels included in the price of the room or apartment?
A. Yes, bed linens and bath towels are included in the price of the room. As an aside: Keep in mind that washcloths are not customarily used in Italy (so if it is important for you to have one, be sure to bring one along with you on your travels).
Q. Are there telephones in the rooms or apartments?
A. No, there are no telephones in the rooms or apartments. However, there are public payphones located throughout the village (we will be more than happy to explain to you where they are located).
Q. Are the kitchens in the apartments furnished?
A. Yes, the kitchens in the apartments are furnished with pots, pans, plates, cups, utensils, etc. All you need to provide is the food!
Q. Are there hairdryers in the rooms & apartments?
A. No, there are no hairdryers in the rooms & apartments, though we do have a few available in the office for loan.
Q. Are we going to be staying with an Italian family?
A. Nope, sorry… no Italian mamma will be staying with you. Though the rooms & apartments that we offer are privately owned, they are independent entities and have their own private entrances. You might have to settle for an Italian mamma up or downstairs from you.
Q. I’m a very light sleeper. Does Mar-Mar offer any rooms or apartments in quieter areas?
A. Yes, Mar-Mar does offer some rooms & apartments that are in quieter locations. Be sure to let us know if this is an important requirement for you.
Q. Are there many stairs to climb?
A. The amount of stairs to climb depends on the room or apartment that you have chosen. If you have an issue with climbing stairs, please let us know (we do offer some rooms & apartments with fewer stairs). We make a point of forewarning guests during our E-mail correspondences when there are quite a few stairs to climb.
Q. Does Mar-Mar offer any rooms or apartments that are wheelchair accessible?
A. Unfortunately, we do not offer any rooms or apartments that are wheelchair accessible. We recommend for those seeking wheelchair accessible accommodation to consider Monterosso (the fifth village of the Cinque Terre). Geographically speaking, Monterosso is the most wheelchair-friendly of the five villages because it is relatively flat. Monterosso is also more developed, so there are quite a few newer hotels that are more likely to be equipped for wheelchair access.
Q. Are your rooms & apartments smoking or non-smoking?
A. Smoking is permitted in Mar-Mar’s private rooms & apartments. However, please note that all of our rooms & apartments have tiled floors (as opposed to carpeting, which holds in smoke odors) so the rooms air out extremely well.
Q. Does Mar-Mar allow pets?
A. Yes, we typically allow small pets (under 10 kilos) for those guests staying in our private rooms or apartments. Please let us know in advance if you would like to bring your pet so that we can explain our requirements.
DORMS
Q. What exactly is dormitory-style accommodation?
A. Dormitory-style accommodation implies shared, non-private accommodation. This is the option that we offer for students and budget travelers (it is our most economical option). Although we are not a hostel, our dorms are most closely comparable with this type of accommodation.
Q. Do you have an age limit or maximum for the dorms?
A. All guests must be at least 18 years of age with a valid passport (or if you are an EU citizen, a government issued identity card is sufficient). There is no age maximum in the dorms.
Q. Do you have a lock-out period or curfew for dorm guests?
A. We have no lock-out or curfew for those guests staying in the dorms.
Q. Do the dorms have kitchens?
A. Yes, some (but not all) of the dormitories have kitchens or kitchenettes. While it is helpful if you tell us if you prefer to have a kitchen, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to place you in a dorm with cooking facilities (though we’ll try our best).
Q. Do you have lockers in the dorms?
A. No, we do not currently offer lockers in the dorms. However, we will hold any small valuables in our office safe (just ask, it’s no problem!).
Q. Does Mar-Mar offer breakfast for dorm guests?
A. No, Mar-Mar does not offer breakfast. Those wanting to have an Italian-style breakfast can visit one of the nearby bars.
Q. Do I have to bring a sleep sack?
A. A sleep sack is not necessary, but you’re more than welcome to use one if you so choose. Included in the price of the dormitory are your bed sheets and a towel.
Q. Are the dorms co-ed?
A. Yes, the dorms are co-ed (mixed sexes). In some instances we are able to put just males or females in a dorm, but this is not standard practice. Regardless, let us know if you prefer to be in a single sex dorm & if it is at all possible we will try to accommodate your request.
Q. Must dorm guests check-in by 5pm on their day of arrival, too?
A. Yes, dormitory guests are no exception to our check-in requirement. All guests must check-in no later than 5pm on their day of arrival. Those who have booked and failed to arrive by 5pm risk losing their bed and/or being charged for the night on the credit card that was used to guarantee the reservation. Please, please, please give us a call at the office to let us know if you miss a train or something unexpected happens. Believe it or not, we do worry about those of you who don’t show up for your reservations!
RIOMAGGIORE
Q. Should we expect lots of stairs & inclines if we stay in Riomaggiore?
A. You’ve probably noticed in pictures of Riomaggiore the spectacular cliffs & our picturesque village flanked by steep mountains. Keep in mind that while you’re appreciating the beauty of this village you will also be climbing the stairs & inclines that go along with such a unique topography. So, now that you’ve heard that let us tell you that you have no reason to be afraid… thousands of people have climbed these stairs & inclines without any problems. We’ve had plenty of active seniors visit Riomaggiore & just love it! However, if you are physically unable (or just plain unwilling) to climb stairs or inclines, maybe Riomaggiore is not the right village for you. I would therefore recommend Monterosso, as it is both the flattest of the five villages & the most developed (so it’s more likely that you’ll find modern conveniences like elevators).
Q. Are there grocery markets or supermarkets in Riomaggiore?
A. While there are no supermarkets in Riomaggiore, we do have four small grocery markets, a butcher shop, a fresh fish shop (which is only open in the mornings), & a bakery.
Q. Are there restaurants in Riomaggiore?
A. Riomaggiore has six restaurants & a pizzeria. There are also a few places where you can buy takeout.
Q. What’s the nightlife like in Riomaggiore?
A. Riomaggiore does not offer any discoteche (night clubs) but it does have a handful of bars that stay open until 1am.
HIKING & OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE 5 TERRE
Q. Where does path #2/Via dell’Amore (the famous walk along the coast) start in Riomaggiore? Is it within close walking distance to where we’ll be staying?
A. The start of path #2 is at the train station in Riomaggiore. If you are facing the station you will see stairs to your right with signs indicating Via dell’Amore (Lover‘s Lane). The train station is within close walking distance of all of the rooms & apartments that we offer at Mar-Mar. For more information on the walking & hiking paths of the Cinque Terre, please take a look at 5 Terre Activities.
Q. I’ve heard that you must pay in order to hike the trails of the Cinque Terre. Is this true?
A. Yes, it’s true. In 1999 the Cinque Terre became a national park in order to help preserve this incredibly beautiful & unique landscape. Now that the Cinque Terre is a park, you must buy a pass in order to hike path #2 and Torre Guardiola (the proceeds go to a worthy cause… the maintenance of the paths and the park).
Q. I’ve heard that there are different park pass options. Can you help explain them to me?
A. These are the different pass options that the Cinque Terre national park currently offers:
- The hiking pass, which costs €3 per person, per calendar day.
- The Cinque Terre Card, which is a possibility for those who are wanting to maximize their stay in the Cinque Terre by using the paths and the trains between the villages. The card costs a little less than €6 per person. The Cinque Terre Card includes (for one calendar day) an unlimited number of 2nd class train rides between La Spezia (that’s south of Riomaggiore) and Levanto (that’s north of Monterosso) as well as the hiking pass (regularly €3). It is also possible to buy a three or seven-day Cinque Terre Card, for those planning to spend more time in the area.
- The supplemental Cinque Terre Card, which can be purchased for an augmented price that includes the trains, hiking paths, and an unlimited number of trips on the boats that run between the villages of the Cinque Terre (Corniglia excluded as the village is located off of the sea). Be warned of this pass, however: If the boats are cancelled due to inclement weather or sea conditions, you will not be refunded the price of your ticket (be sure to check out the sea & weather conditions before buying & validating your ticket).
Q. Is there anything else that I should know about these passes?
A. Just a friendly reminder to validate your passes & tickets in the bright yellow validating machines located in the train stations (usually the park will validate them for you, but if you buy them in advance they won’t). We stress this point only because the controller on the train will fine you if you have not convalidato (validated) your ticket. Save yourself the confusion, fee and headache & remember to validate!
Q. Besides hiking, what other activities are available in the area?
A. Hiking isn’t the only outdoor activity in the Cinque Terre! Please take a look at 5 Terre Activities for more information.
PACKING INFO
Q. Do you have any tips on packing?
A. The best advice we can offer to those preparing for a trip abroad is to (and we know you’ve heard this before) PACK LIGHT! We have found a direct correlation between those who pack light and those who are enjoy their vacation most (OK, so we haven’t done any official research, but I can assure you that if we did the results would be the same!).
LESS LUGGAGE = LESS STRESS = HAPPIER TRAVELER!
While packing keep in mind that just about anything you can buy in your home country you will also be able to buy here in Italy. So, if you’re not absolutely positive that it’s something you’ll use or wear, you’re better off leaving it at home & buying it if the necessity presents itself. This does not apply, of course, to prescriptions, etc. that you should always bring with you (bring along a copy of the prescription as well as the written generic name of the drug, just in case).
Q. What should I pack for my stay in the Cinque Terre?
A. Our area has a rather mild climate (not too cold in the winter & not too hot in the summer). We do, however, tend to get a chilly wind off of the sea during the winter months. If you are visiting in the winter we recommend a warm jacket or coat, scarf, pants & sweaters. If you are visiting in the summer, just about anything goes… flip-flops, T-shirts, tank tops, skirts, shorts, etc. The spring & fall in the Cinque Terre are usually mild, but bring along a few warmer items as well (just in case!).
|
