CasaViva - Central Seaview Penthouse in Camogli

This penthouse was a great find. It’s right in the middle of town very close to the main street and beach and train station. We really enjoyed staying here. It has a great view, and queen size beds, which are not very common for Europe travel. I would definitely stay here again. It is a classic style, loved the decor and big windows.

The kitchen ceiling is a little awkward, making it somewhat difficult to be very productive in the kitchen if you’re cooking a whole meal. The ceiling slopes down quite a bit so for tall people you have to be careful.

The apartment was very clean and comfortable, with beautiful views, clear key handoff, working AC, and comfortable beds.

We felt a few things could be improved: the check-in process and communication were a bit complicated, and the contract price didn’t match the booking, which required a call to booking.com to resolve. The fridge cooling wasn’t initially strong enough, the bathroom sink got clogged, and the pans and coffee maker could be better (tops and quality). It would also help to have more trash bags, normal wine glasses (only champagne), a second set of keys, and some ant control.

The location is perfect for enjoying all Camogli has to offer. It has a pretty view, is light and bright.

Only one bathroom and toilet in the same room was a bit of a rush at shower time! But the bathroom was spacious and clean.

The unit is on the 6th floor of an older building at a slope and there are about 50 steep steps up to get to the entrance; there is a small lift but the last level is by stairs, …to be kept in mind if traveling with heavy luggage or elderly travellers. The booking and check-in procedure was rather cumbersome…you have to agree to a short-term lease agreement online, upload your IDs/documents and even a photograph of yourself holding your documents; to collect the keys, one needs to walk up to a partnering hotel almost at the end of town (with luggage) to collect the keys where they again photograph your IDs….when booking through their website you also are required to wire a bond of ~350€ to be refunded after your stay which is not required when booking through booking.com All in all, the booking procedure was a bit too much…you have to like such procedures… The apartment itself was wonderrul then with two full-sized bedrooms; the view from the living room „balconies“ is spectacular with full sea views and stunning scenes during sunsets. Mind that the balconies are just cut-out extensions to enlarge the roof slope and there is no space to sit outside, just to stand and watch (which was still awesome for us). The rooftop slope was, however, full on within the kitchen, where it was tough to stand upright when at the stove (if you are taller). There was a washing machine, but be prepared to BYO powder, we also brought along a tea towel, there was none. After check-in you shall inspect thoroughly and document the status of smaller wear and tears; you can point towards damage within an hr of check-in but it is a good idea to keep images with time stamps maybe if you have to wait for bond refund. Other than that, we had a great time there, the apartment is basically heading two stairs down to the beach promenade, everything is in close proximity.

Views and space

Small kitchen

Location

Beds were terrible, check in experience was difficult and we were unclear of apartment location of apartment, ended up dragging bags across the town to find apartment, air conditioning didn’t work. Concerns around air conditioning raised with host and no response was received.

Very beautiful Apartment right in the center of the wonderful Camogli.. Self check in and out but worked without any problems.

Absolutely no parking any close by. A lot of steps to climb to get to the appartement.

We were very happy with our choice of this light and airy modern rooftop apartment on the 6th floor. It has a very comfortable and spacious feel, enhanced by five mini-terraces (not large enough to sit in but with four having panoramic views over Camogli and the Med). Its location - within 100-or-so steps down to the lively seafront and a few minutes' walk of the station - was very central yet the evenings were relaxingly quiet, apart from the occasional seagulls! The lift to the 5th floor was also a huge bonus - many of Camogli's older holiday rentals lack this welcome feature! Anna, the CasaViva representative was extremely patient and helpful throughout, and especially so on our arrival day when Trenitalia managed to delay us by five hours. One other 'plus' (though perhaps not clear in the website text) for some guests might be the fact that the kitchen does have a full-size gas hob (but no oven) for simple meal preparation.

One minor item we felt needed review was the absence of standard-sized cups/mugs for tea/coffee etc. Tiny coffee cups or huge soup bowls seemed to be the only choice on offer. Otherwise we lacked for nothing.