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Customer Reviews

Overall:
The location of the property cannot be beat! Even on the day it rained we could just sit inside and watch the ocean and boats tip back-n-forth. Also, it was a 1-2 minute walk into town which was very convenient. For those with kids there is a play structure close by right on the water!
Enjoyed Most:
Location, location, location! Also, the size of the space was perfect for 5 of us: 3 adults, a 4yr old and a 1yr old. The lawn area with the glass wall is incredible, a must if you have kids... there was also a play house and lots of outdoor-type toys for the kids.
Enjoyed Least:
The all white internal decor is not kid-friendly, maybe if your kids are much older, but white is impossible to keep clean especially when coming in from the lawn area with dirty shoes. The entire flooring is marble so you will find yourself sweeping frequently. These comments should by no means deter anyone from renting this property, it is of great size and location. I would have liked to have a microwave.
Surrounding Area:
The views and the town of Portovenere.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Portovenere was a 2 minute walk away.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring flip-flops or slippers, since marble floors are cold or can be if you're not staying during the heat of summer.
Directions:
The directions were fine.
Check In Out:
Make sure to get directions on how to use the appliances; it took us a few times to get the dishwasher and clothes washer figured out. The key holder was unable to meet us for check out but the cleaners gave us back our deposit. They were friendly, but did not speak English.

Mike, May, 2010

Overall:
An absolutely incredible stay! Apart from the fact that on New Years Eve it rained all afternoon and night and then we had power problems---water must have got in somewhere. The owners were charming and we loved the gift pack they left. A nice touch and delicious to boot.
Enjoyed Most:
The view was incredible!!! Being able to walk to amazing restaurants and a supermarket was a big bonus... not to mention all the tourist attractions as well. The living area was very comfortable--but we were only there at night as there was so much to do and see.
Enjoyed Least:
The bathrooms, although modern were quite small, especially the en suite, but the view from the bedroom almost made up for it .
Surrounding Area:
Uniquely beautiful and highly recommended for proximity to the Cinque Terre. A car is essential we think, but in summer it would be a complete nightmare.The bus service seems good, though, and there is a good train service from La Spezia. However being Australians we love to drive and drive we did, doing about 1800 kms!!
Tips or Restaurants:
All the restaurants in Portovenere were fantastic. Every single meal we had was sensational and the service excellent --so friendly, and we tried our Italian and they loved it. Be aware if you do have a car there is nowhere outside the property to park. The overnight secure parking nearby is expensive but we found the best thing was to park on the foreshore in the main paid parking areas.

Ann , January, 2009

Overall:
Our apartment was very close to the town square so we could easily walk to the grocery, to the best restaurants and to many shops. We fell in love with Portovenere - by the end of our week, people recognized us and greeted us warmly. We really experienced life in our small town in Italy.
Enjoyed Most:
We loved the beautiful view of the water and the marina. We were so close to hotels, restaurants and shops. It was very convenient and wonderful that we did not have to use the car on a daily basis. The apartment was very clean and very well equipped. It was a huge treat to pick a fresh tangerine off the tree in our front yard. The appliances were all great and the decor was lovely.
Enjoyed Least:
One of the two bathrooms was tiny. One of the two showers was the size of a phone booth. This did not in any way affect our opinion of the overall property. We chalked it up to our European apartment experience. Parking a car was a challenge. Read up on public parking in Italy.
Surrounding Area:
Cinque Terre. We visited and hiked through all 5 villages. You can access by ferry from Portovenere, by car or by train from La Spezia. We also visited Portofino and Rapallo - both beautiful. Driving through the country was beautiful and fun. We definitely recommend the GPS for a a rental car. In general - beautiful views and of course, wonderful food and wine! The far away view of the Alps was always beautiful.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We walked Portovenere from one end to the other. There is a lovely old church at the point and some castle ruins we could walk to. We could also walk to public beaches and plenty of restaurants and shops. There is a ferry that runs to other close towns.
Tips or Restaurants:
Be sure how to ask how the coffee maker works! We could not figure it out, but not to worry, there was a coffee shop a block away. The appliances were state of the art. There is not a dryer, but if you hang your clothes, they dry quickly in the sun and breeze. Rent a GPS if you rent a car. Restaurants that we loved - Locanda Lorena on the island of Palmeria. A private boat picks you up at the marina, and the food, service and moonlight were amazing. We also loved Iseo - in the town of Portovenere. Everything there was delicious.
Check In Out:
We met the property owners at the apartment which we expected. We were also met by the local RentVillas representative, Sarah, who gave us a local's perspective of things to do, places to eat etc. She helped us locate a parking place which was a huge help to us. She also introduced us to a very nice couple whom we shared several day trips and great restaurant outings. and whom we hope to see again in the future

Carol, September, 2008

Overall:
We really enjoyed out stay at the house and Portovenere.
Enjoyed Most:
View and location.
Enjoyed Least:
It would be really helpful if the property had WiFi although we were happy without it.
Surrounding Area:
View, restaurants, people, and convenience.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Portovenere.
Tips or Restaurants:
Just explore.

Ken, June, 2008