Discovering Your Perfect Stay in La Spezia in the City
La Spezia, Italy, is the nearest city to Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets. It’s also insanely well connected to places like Florence, Pisa, Genoa, and Parma. Additionally, it has a port with cruise ships coming and going all year round.
It’s no surprise then that La Spezia is a great location for visitors, and accommodation in La Spezia is in demand. But La Spezia isn’t a well-known city, and (after visiting here as a tourist and living here) I thought it might be helpful to share what I know.
Oh, and if you don’t have time to read the full article, then skip to the end for my Writer’s Pick!
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Ok, so let's take a look at seven of the best La Spezia hotels in the city that stand out for their location, amenities, and overall guest experience.
Map of the Best Hotels in La Spezia City
Best Hotels in La Spezia - My Ranking
The hotels in my list are ranked in order of price and star rating. I should also clarify that there are no 5-star hotels in La Spezia. If you want 5-star luxury, then I suggest The Grand Hotel in Portovenere.
1. NH La Spezia: 4 Star Spacious Seafront Comfort
Across from the waterfront promenade, NH La Spezia is a solid, well-run 4-star hotel that ticks all the boxes – especially if you prefer larger hotels with international standards.
It's clean, efficient, and spacious, with amazing views over the Gulf of La Spezia from many rooms.
Location & Key Amenities
This hotel is ideal if you want to be close to the ferries, harbor front, and Cruise Terminal, all of which are within a short walk. It’s also only a 10-minute walk to the historic center and 20 minutes to the train station.
The rooms are large (especially by Italian standards), and there’s an in-house restaurant, bar, and even meeting rooms if you're mixing business with pleasure. Paid parking is also available nearby, which is a real plus this close to the marina.
What Guest Love About NH La Spezia
If you’re planning to hop on the boat to Cinque Terre, Portovenere, or explore the Gulf of Poets, NH La Spezia makes a great base. Guests love the sea views and how walkable everything is.
It's also family-friendly, with larger rooms that can comfortably fit kids. And within a few steps, you can be strolling in La Spezia’s historic gardens – perfect to grab some fresh morning air.
Should You Book?
This 4-star hotel is ideal if you expect high standards and enjoy a good breakfast. Rooms are well-appointed, and the service is professional.
It's also close to the marina where you can go to admire the super yachts and grab a drink or dinner.
Top Tip: NH Hotel has the only rooftop bar in La Spezia. After a day of sightseeing, I recommend you find a spot to unwind and take time to enjoy the sea views and sunset with a spritz in hand.
2. Poet Hotel: 4 Star Boutique Style Conveniently Located
If you like your accommodation with a bit of flair, The Poet Hotel is for you. This boutique hotel blends sleek modern design with a touch of whimsy, with literary-themed décor and stylish common areas.
It’s trendy, creative, and feels more like a small boutique hotel than a typical boring chain hotel.
Location & Key Amenities
Tucked away on a quiet street just a short walk from the historic town area and 10 minutes to the train station, The Poet is ideally located for exploring La Spezia and Cinque Terre.
The rooms are well soundproofed (a blessing in a lively town), and the beds are ridiculously comfy. There’s also a lobby bar, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and private paid parking (that’s almost a unicorn around here)!
What Guests Love About The Poet Hotel
This hotel gets big points for personality. Guests rave about the quirky décor and friendly, enthusiastic staff who are always happy to recommend where to eat or how to get around.
The breakfast buffet is also a favorite – grab a cappuccino and sit near the window to people-watch before your day out.
Should You Book?
Room rates are well above average, but don’t expect luxury. Don’t get me wrong, The Poet Hotel is probably the best hotel in La Spezia city center and is comfortable and stylish, but not 5-star luxury – like the prices suggest.
Top Tip: If you have accessibility needs, then ask for a room on a floor that is serviced by an elevator.
3. Hotel Firenze e Continentale: 4 Star Historic Elegance Steps from the Train Station
Hotel Firenze e Continentale is one of La Spezia’s best-known hotels. A solid 4-star option with classic charm, without feeling too dated. The little art deco touches, polished marble floors, and crisp white bedding hark back to a time when great hotels were places of indulgence and comfort. Well before the big hotel chain brands spun their marketing magic and convinced us that less is more.
Location & Key Amenities
You literally can't get closer to the train station unless you pitch a tent on the platform.
It's just across the street from La Spezia Centrale – perfect if you're heading to Cinque Terre early in the morning. There’s also a small gym, lounge bar (Terminus Café – with jazz evenings), and 24-hour reception, plus secure parking is available nearby (which is rare in central La Spezia).
What Guests Love About Hotel Firenze e Continentale
What makes Hotel Firenze stand out is how convenient and reliable it is. Guests love how they can step off the train and be checked in within five minutes.
Should You Book?
This hotel is a great choice if you're looking for something elegant without breaking the bank.
It's also super close to some of the best restaurants around this end of town. If you’ve had your fill of pizza and pasta, try Chinese at Zhong – the hottest seat in town just down the street at Piazza Saint Bon.
Top Tip: Pets are allowed – but check in advance about any restrictions and additional costs.
4. CDH Hotel La Spezia: 4 Star Reliable 4-Star Hotel Close to the Castle
CDH Hotel La Spezia is a dependable 4-star option in the city center, ideal for travelers who want spacious rooms and professional service. It’s not flashy, but it’s been modernized and well-maintained.
It’s good for travelers who put amenities above comfort and luxury, and especially good for families or business travelers.
Location & Key Amenities
Set just a few meters from the main pedestrian area of Via del Prione, you’re right in the heart of town and only about a 10-minute walk from the train station. The ferry dock is also within a 10-minute walk. Rooms are air-conditioned, soundproofed, and have minibars and desks.
A generous buffet breakfast is included, and there’s secure parking available (make sure to book ahead).
What Guests Love About CDH Hotel
People love how easy everything is here – check-in is quick, service is efficient, and you can walk almost everywhere.
Should You Book?
CDH Hotel is a standard hotel that won’t leave a lasting impression. But it is dependable, convenient, and easy to connect with different parts of the city. The amenities and services (like disabled access, meeting rooms, business facilities, and parking) also make this a useful option for some people.
Top Tip: You can access the old town using the public lifts right next door. Or up your daily step count and take the nearby stairs. There is also another lift up to the castle. Even if you don’t visit the castle, you can enjoy the views.
5. Hotel Venezia: 3 Star Budget-Friendly Comfort Right Near the Station
Hotel Venezia is a great option if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable place to sleep without spending a fortune. It’s small, no-frills, and family-run. What it lacks in luxury, it more than makes up for in warm hospitality.
It’s ideal if you plan to spend most of your time exploring and just need a quiet, reliable place to come home to at night.
Location & Key Amenities
Located less than two minutes from La Spezia Centrale train station, it couldn’t be handier for the city’s historic area, and there are lots of great restaurants this end of town.
Rooms are simple but spotless, with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and surprisingly good soundproofing (which is essential this close to the station). There’s also nearby parking available by reservation, and pets are allowed (additional costs apply).
A simple Italian breakfast is also available.
What Guest Love About Hotel Venezia
Guests really appreciate the value for money and how genuinely kind the owners are. It’s also convenient for a short break with transport, local restaurants, and shops right on your doorstep.
Should You Book?
Hotel Venezia won’t win any prizes for style, but they stay firmly in their lane, offering good quality rooms and professional service at an affordable price.
Top Tip: Elevators are like hen's teeth in this part of Italy. So ask for help with luggage if you’re on an upper floor.
6. Hotel Novecento: Boutique Cozy, Artsy Vibes in the Pedestrian Part of Town
Hotel Novecento is a simple little hotel with a fun, creative atmosphere. Housed in a former mill, it’s been thoughtfully converted into a small hotel with bright modern rooms.
Tucked down a laneway, it’s peaceful and personal – perfect for couples or solo travelers.
Location & Key Amenities
Tucked just off Via del Prione – La Spezia’s main pedestrian street – you’re within easy reach of everything: museums, restaurants, and shopping.
Just a short 10-minute walk in either direction, and you’ll reach either the train station or the harbor. Rooms are simple but have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and cute little artistic touches throughout.
Some even come with kitchenettes, which is great for longer stays.
What Guest Love About Hotel Novecento
The warmth and friendliness of the owners are a recurring highlight in guest reviews. It’s the kind of place where you'll get restaurant tips, day trip ideas, and directions to the local sights.
Should You Book?
Hotel Novecento rooms are well equipped, and you have a choice of various room configurations, which is handy for singles, couples and families, or groups. The location makes it difficult for anyone with a car, but otherwise, it is very convenient for both trains and ferries.
Top Tip: Hotel Novecento is close to the food markets where you can experience local Italian life. It’s also just around the corner from La Casina – my favorite place to get a coffee fix and a sticky pastry. It’s also a lively nighttime venue for modern food and social drinks.
7. Affittacamere Casa Dane’: Smart, Stylish Guesthouse by the Station
Casa Dane’ is a top-rated guesthouse that’s clean, comfortable, and very well managed.
It’s not a hotel in the traditional sense (there’s no lobby or restaurant), but I think it deserves to be on this list ahead of other budget hotels. Think small family hotel quality with personal attentive service.
Location & Key Amenities
You’ll find it just steps from La Spezia Centrale train station, which makes day-tripping to Cinque Terre a breeze.
Rooms are modern and well-equipped with everything you’d expect of a small guest house.
Bonus: Pets are welcome (at no extra charge), by prior arrangement, and you can also reserve parking nearby.
What Guest Love About Affittacamere Casa Dane’
It’s one of the most loved places to stay in La Spezia, especially among independent travelers who want quality, value, and personal hospitality. Guests rave about how spotless and quiet the rooms are despite the central location.
Should You Book?
Affittacamere Casa Dane’ is comfortable, and the little extra touches make it feel homely and welcoming. There are two extra considerations:
- Breakfast is a dull coffee and a sad-looking croissant (cornetto) at a café that I would never personally recommend.
- There is no elevator to help with luggage or wheelchairs and prams.
Top Tip: If breakfast is an important part of your day, then I suggest you ditch the free breakfast and head across the piazza to Bjoin – (a fantastic new café) – that is setting a high bar.
Writer’s Pick of La Spezia Hotels
So let me make this super easy for anyone short on time and needing a reliable summary.
Why trust my Writer’s Pick? Firstly, this is an unsponsored post (meaning I have not accepted any payment to write this review)! Secondly, I have stayed in hundreds of places. From hostels to 5-star luxury resorts. I know from experience what represents good value for money and good quality.
I also thoroughly research my accommodation options before making a decision, and I don’t sweat the details like the free shampoo or tiny elevator.
My priorities are cleanliness, comfortable beds and pillows, a well-appointed bathroom, pleasant décor, and quiet rooms. I also love having a view and healthy breakfast options. Location is a key factor, but I don’t mind walking an extra 10 minutes if it means I get more bang for my buck!
If these things resonate with you, then keep reading.
Best for a Little Indulgence: NH La Spezia
Give me a view and a rooftop spritz, and I’m in my happy place. Those little luxuries are my Achilles' heel! So, that’s why NH La Spezia has to be my top pick.
If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, then NH La Spezia is most likely the only hotel in La Spezia with sea views, spacious luxury rooms, and a polished hotel experience.
It’s a little way from the train station (25-minute walk), but it’s close to the marina and an easy ferry ride to Portovenere, Lerici, and of course, Cinque Terre.
Best for Convenience: Affittacamere Casa Dane’
If you’re looking for quality and affordability, and need to quickly access the train network, then Affittacamere Casa Dane’ is my number one choice.
This is a respectable guest house that gives travelers stylish rooms, a reliable experience, and a long list of amenities.
I often prefer a guest house or apartment to a hotel. Especially for a city or sightseeing break, where I don’t have time to make use of the hotel facilities.
Summary: Selecting from the Best La Spezia Hotels
La Spezia is a fantastic base for exploring Cinque Terre and the wider Ligurian coast. It’s not a glamorous town, but it is full of character, interesting, and has a nice vibe. So don’t expect 5-star luxury resorts here; instead, look for modest and comfortable hotels with Italian hospitality.
A comfortable hotel can turn a good trip into a great one. Whether you’re here for the history, culture, food, festivals, the hiking trails, or all of the above, there’s a healthy choice of hotels in La Spezia, and my list includes seven of the best!
In this unsponsored list (meaning I haven’t accepted any payment to write this post), I’ve shared my honest opinion so that you can now plan your trip to La Spezia and choose a hotel with more confidence.
Buon viaggio!
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