Novecento Boutique Hotel

The hotel is a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet alley off La Spezia's main pedestrian street, offering a peaceful retreat despite its central location. Its unique artistic decor, featuring original artwork throughout, creates a distinctive and memorable atmosphere. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers exploring the Ligurian coast, couples seeking a charming and quiet getaway, and solo travelers who appreciate a safe and welcoming environment. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, the hotel's impeccable cleanliness, and its strategic position. To ensure a smooth arrival, guests should pay close attention to the directions for finding the discreet alleyway entrance. For those arriving by car, it is advisable to research parking options in advance, as the hotel is in a pedestrian zone.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities and amenities to be well-suited for a comfortable stay. The air conditioning is consistently praised for its effectiveness, providing a welcome respite from the heat. Free Wi-Fi is widely available and reported to be very good, allowing guests to stay connected. Rooms are typically equipped with a refrigerator and a safe, though some guests noted that the safe might not be secured, leading them to carry valuables. The hotel features a lovely courtyard or terrace, providing a quiet and relaxing space away from the bustling streets, which many guests appreciate for breakfast or simply unwinding. While the hotel does not offer 24-hour reception, this is usually communicated in advance, and arrangements are made for late arrivals.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for its cleanliness, with guests consistently describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, opinions on room size are mixed; some guests found their rooms to be compact or small, while others considered them perfectly adequate for short stays. The bathrooms are often noted as clean, though some reviews mentioned that the decor or tiling appeared tired and could benefit from a refresh. Regarding noise levels, many guests appreciate that the hotel is quiet despite its central location, being set back from the main street. However, some reported issues with thin interior walls, leading to occasional noise from neighboring rooms or the reception area, and some noted noise from showers.

Dining & Food Quality
Breakfast at the hotel is a highlight for many guests, often described as delicious and featuring local produce. Guests particularly praise the quality of the coffee, often prepared by a cheerful and attentive staff member. While many appreciate the selection, some guests found the breakfast options to be somewhat limited, especially for those seeking warm dishes like eggs or a wider variety. It is typically a continental style, with offerings such as cereals, toasts, ham, cheese, and cakes. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients is a recurring positive theme. Some guests noted that breakfast service might not start early enough for those with very early departures, but overall, the dining experience is considered a pleasant start to the day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. It is strategically positioned within La Spezia's pedestrian zone, offering easy access to numerous shops and restaurants. Guests appreciate its convenient proximity, being just a short walk from both the train station and the port, making it an excellent base for exploring the Cinque Terre and other nearby attractions like Portovenere. Despite being in the heart of the city, the hotel is notably quiet, as it is set back in a small alleyway away from the main street noise. However, parking is a significant consideration for guests arriving by car, as there is no on-site parking and the immediate area is pedestrian-only. Guests often need to find public parking a considerable distance away, which can be inconvenient for luggage.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive overwhelming praise, consistently described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Guests frequently highlight the personalized attention and genuine care provided by the team. Staff members are highly knowledgeable about the local area, offering valuable recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and transportation, particularly for visiting the Cinque Terre. The check-in process is often noted as smooth and efficient, with staff accommodating early arrivals when possible. Many guests appreciate the staff's willingness to go above and beyond, such as assisting with luggage or making restaurant reservations. This attentive and warm approach significantly enhances the overall guest experience, making visitors feel like friends rather than just customers.

Additional Information
The hotel possesses a distinctive character, notably enhanced by its unique artwork and designs adorning the walls and halls, created by a local artist. This artistic touch contributes significantly to the hotel's charm and memorable ambiance, making it feel like a "small, quirky" and "artistic" place. Guests also find the hotel's historical background intriguing, with some reviews mentioning its past as a former bordello and casino, adding to its unique and quirky appeal. For those arriving late, the hotel offers a convenient self check-in option, ensuring accessibility even outside of standard reception hours, which is appreciated by travelers with unpredictable schedules. This blend of artistic expression and historical intrigue provides a unique and engaging experience that sets the hotel apart from more conventional accommodations.