Mary Hotel La Spezia

Rooms and decor

The rooms here are plain and decently clean to a 2-star standard, and that's the honest pitch. You get air-conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom — no special design, no extra flourishes. This is a place built for travellers who just want a clean bed and a location near the station, and on those terms it delivers.

Food and amenities

Facilities are minimal: there's no on-site restaurant and no gym, and the front desk keeps normal working hours rather than running 24/7. Staff speak enough English to get by. Breakfast isn't included on every rate, so check before you book — if yours leaves it out, there are cafes nearby where breakfast runs about $3-5.

Location and getting there

You're in central La Spezia, roughly 400-500 m from La Spezia Centrale station — a 5-8 minute walk — which is the whole point of staying here. From Centrale the train reaches Riomaggiore, the first Cinque Terre village, in about 8 minutes, with all five villages inside 25 minutes. Via del Prione and a good run of local restaurants are just a few minutes on foot.

Things to know before booking

Set your expectations to the price. There's no restaurant, no gym, and very little beyond a clean room and a useful address. The rooms are simple with nothing in the way of design, and breakfast may not be included depending on the rate. It scores 8.0/10 — good for the money, but this is a budget bed, not a hotel you'll want to linger in.

Our take

Mary Hotel is the cheapest pick in this list, from around $49 a night, and it suits backpackers, solo travellers and anyone on the tightest budget who just needs a cheap, central base near La Spezia Centrale for Cinque Terre day trips. If you plan to spend most of your time out exploring rather than in the room, it's a sensible call.