Hotel La Vela-Castello Il Rifugio

Clean room and great view.

The a/c didn't cool the room down very quickly, but it did dehumidify the air so we slept comfortably.

When we arrived, the check-in process wasn’t pleasant. Young lady at the reception was frustrated with her night shift personnel and for some reason it was acceptable for us to wait for some time to be helped and listen to the rant. The room, amenities and breakfast were mediocre.

The staff was super helpful. When we stayed, Italy had a train strike, and our train to Genova to catch a plane was cancelled. The woman from the hotel went online and determined how we could get there via an alternative route on a train that was not cancelled. Above and beyond!

Beautiful property and a lovely spacious room which was clean and well air conditioned. Staff were friendly and helpful, the roof terrace was stunning and the location was perfect for easy access to the oceanfront. We loved our stay!

Not an issue for us but worth noting that this property isn't suitable for those with physical accessibility needs.

Hotel looks like castle

Location and too many steps

Breakfast was good. Plenty of choice. Friendly staff. View on the roof was great. We were lucky with a sea view room. We were able to park our car safe and for free

The view.

I have mostly negative feelings about this hotel and I generally try not to write and post negative reviews. The hotel is somewhat of an old castle with a spectacular view over the town and down the coast. The full moon was gorgeous!But it’s a major haul getting to the hotel. If you don’t have a car, it’s very very difficult. You can apparently take a bus every hour up the hill. But it’s inconvenient waiting. The alternative is to take a taxi, but I like being independent and it’s costly three or 4 times a day.Stairs and steps up from the train station and town are the only alternative. There are 147 stairs up (3X as many steps up) over the railroad bridge. When you arrive at the hotel it’s another 135 steps up the 20% incline driveway then 25 steps up the inside stairs to my room. I counted them. There are no lifts. With even a small amount of luggage this is a very sweaty haul. If you take a wrong turn, it’s another 200 stairs up then down before you find your way. Google Maps is incorrect.Then the narrow windy road between the railway bridge stairs and hotel steps is a raceway. There’s no walking path. The hotel says drivers know people walk this area and slow down, which they don’t, because it’s Italy and it feels really dangerous. You have to do all this up, then down, then up and down every time you visit the town and shore. After going up then down at least twice, sometimes 4 times a day times the number of days, I’m exhausted. Best to be in very good physical condition.My room is small and old. The shower is big enough to stand in. I really don’t like having a plastic shower curtain touching my body. The AC works well and the window opens for fresh air which is both good and bad. I had to close the bathroom door at night due to the tangy odor. The place is over 100 years old.

It was booked last minute due to a train strike. Were leaving early so cannot comment on breakfast, but room was clean and quiet. Staff efficient.

We enjoyed our stay at the La Vela-Castillo. I was great experiencing staying in an old mansion.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. The location had a beautiful view over the lake and 12 minutes walk down the hill took us at the waterfront.

Quirky. Nice size room with a great view. Lovely breakfast and helpful attentive staff.

In regards to the actual hotel my only suggestion would be coffee/tea in room. After a long there is no option for a drink and no info at all in the room. As an aside note that cabs are 20 euros to and from the station which is over priced. They also drop you at gate and refuse to take you up the steep, windy driveway which with bags or a pram is not funny

clean place

Shower pressure is ridiculously bad, expensive for like 10m2, parking is awfully tight

Great breakfast in beautiful room

With a little more attention to detail the room could have been really nice...disliked plastic bin and plastic sachet toiletries...otherwise quite charming.

We really enjoyed our stay at this family run hotel. We stayed in room 38 which was on the top floor, sea view and a corner so had wonderful views of the sea. My brother stayed in room 30 just below us. Both rooms were very large and the views exceptional. I highly recommend upgrading to the sea view. The breakfast room is very nice and also has a view. At breakfast we enjoyed the nice and varied selection of meats, cheeses, pastries (excellent croissants and pastries), and yogurts. This is an older property but it is very clean and well maintained. It was once a family villa that later became a hotel. It made us feel at home and a part of its history. It was a quick 10 minute walk to the city center. The service was very good and we would definitely stay there again.

10 minute walk to/from Santa centre (steep hill/steps), lots of character in building and furnishings, good air conditioning, quiet rooms, overall a fair price for what it is.

Arguably this is reflected in the price but the bathroom was dated and not the best quality shower, the shower curtain seemed quite old, the room was very small and the breakfast was adequate but quite basic. The proximity to Santa is very good but be prepared for it to be 10-15mins all up/down steep hills and steps.

Position, the building and the exceptional view.

No tea and coffe facilities in the room. No ironing board or iron in the room. The safe didn’t open. Very Basic room.

Beautiful building, great views from the rooftop patio. great location for walking to town.

The characterful Hotel La Vela-Castello Il Refugio is full of lovely old-world charm with a lovely ambiente. The hotel has a commanding ocean view. The rooms are well appointed and comfortable. Breakfast is substantial. The staff is very friendly and so helpful. The location in Santa Margherita is ideal for visiting the Portofino/San Fruttuoso/Rapallo area.

La Vela was more than Hotel , amazing historical villa with dreaming view from mountain to the sea. free parking is available.

So beautiful. The view was amazing outside and on the sun viewing roof. The rooms were cozy and the bathroom was clean and posh

Great view! Great staff, nice breakfast, enjoy the view from the top of the castle, it's worth the steps! The entry hall is spectacular, such a cool building.

Parking is a bit of a challenge as the drive up is tight, but it is manageable.