Hotel La Vela-Castello Il Rifugio

Location great for exploring - if a little steep to get home! Old fashioned charming decor. Car parking a definite benefit. Breakfast good, but lacked any fresh fruit other than apples and oranges (no cut up fruit for cereal)! Excellent lady on reception who went out of her way to help when I needed to source something.

Man on reception who did not give us good advice! Didn't seem to know the quickest route into town (Not insurmountable, but helpful, and basic reception knowledge). Also told us it was too far to walk into Portfino and to take a bus (it was 1.5 hours walk). Again not insurmountable, but better to have options ie tell us how long the walk is and offer bus rather than assume its too far for us to walk (I am 59!).

My room was the best! It was the quad room with the sea view. The balcony is fantastic and wraps around a corner of the building. The room is BIG and fit our family of four perfectly. The bathroom is large and the ceilings are high. All the windows have shutters to block out light at night. The breakfast was good with lots of variety. The property is peaceful and quiet and so relaxing. (I booked three rooms total for my large group - the other two rooms were for two adults and had garden views.)

Access to town does require a 10 minute walk down the hill and then back up. The view is worth the walk, but if you want to just pop out and get a bite to eat and wander along the water, then you may consider finding a hotel in the old town. A taxi from the train station cost 25 Euros and taxis drop off and pick up at the bottom of the driveway only - it's very understandable, once you arrive, as the driveway is steep and narrow. Be ready to pull your luggage up the driveway. For travellers who enjoy using lifts, there isn't one in the castle, as this is an old building and typical in Europe. You will have to carry your bags up additional flights of stairs, so just pack light and it won't be an issue.

We traveled with two teenagers and got a family room. Overall the results were good. The room was airy and large enough to handle us. The balcony overlooking the port was fantastic. Very memorable. Breakfast was quite good and fully appreciated.' The town is beautiful and has many affordable places to eat. The food was superior.

Nor much. Paying 20 euros to get back from town every time gets a tad old. But hey! you have a lovely hillside place. Don't change a thing.

Super cool hotel which is a castle. View from the hotel was awesome overlooking the city.

We had to use the toilet after checking out and was referred to using shared toilets along the corridors. The toilet there had super poor/ old flushing system resulting in faeces being stuck there. It was super disgusting. Luckily we did not booked these rooms but it would have helped if the hotel consider changing these flushing system

Breakfast was a beautiful room with many delicious choices

the heat in the building was intense... especially as we carried our luggage up the steps to our room. The staff was semi friendly. We had to walk up the steep driveway with our luggage and down as taxi drivers will not go up it... so if you are enjoying an evening of dining with adult beverages... safety is an issue.

Up the Hill 15-20 minutes walk , We took taxi from station but ask before taking as some have flat Rate 15Euro for 5 mins drive! The Hotel , quirky, elegant looking facade with steep drive way. Can use steps or drive. Tough with cases!. Castle type exterior, really comes into its own in the sun, with terraces and roof top to view the bay and enjoy sunshine. Nice breakfast continental style. Freindly staff who will help despite language for all not english. Room spacious and clean rady for a good sleep. Can take in land walks and take coastal walk to portofino 5km , flat and enjoyable med scenary

The Hill but not for long enjoyed the walk into town 10 to 15 minutes lots stoo see. Careful on roads no real path and not all drivers are pedestrain concious

Lovely view over the town and seafront from the balcony. Interesting property, with extensive gardens perfect for children to explore. Delicious breakfast buffet, well worth the extra money. Felt like staying in a country house.

Noise from motorbikes on the road below very irritating during the night. Would have liked the option to buy drinks and snacks from the hotel reception as there are lots of lovely places to sit and relax in the grounds, and it is a 15 minute walk to get to town.

We really like the vibe of the Hotel. You really stay in a castle, and the vibe is still the same. The distance to the city center is very walkable and near.

Maybe the furniture in the room could be a bit more authentique. The staff is very professional, but maybe a little bit cold.

old fashioned traditional hotel 10/15 min walk from town/train station. friendly welcome. comfy bed and good shower. breakfast basic but fine. beautiful well kept gardens and lovely views. 2 terraces - one with sun beds and one with tables and chairs both with lovely views.

a few repairs needed here and there. quirky is great but broken is not great! noise from the trains and road was worse than I expected but we still enjoyed our stay.

I loved the hotel! A beautiful old castle on top of a hill. Amazing view over the village and the sea!

We arrived at the train station and got there by foot. Little did we know that the hotel was way up on a hill and to get there it was a relatively steep climb. Not so practical ;) But on the other side the hotel has a perfectly beautiful location.