Cheap Accommodation in Rapallo: Budget Hotel and Hostel

If you are looking for cheap accommodation in Rapallo as a base for your Italian Riviera exploration, I am happy to tell you that I found the perfect solution!

Something about Rapallo

Rapallo, in the worldwide famous Italian Riviera, is one of the best places to sleep when visiting the area. Here, prices tend to be lower than in Santa Margherita Ligure or Portofino, because it’s a larger town. Also, there is a highway exit here, 24/7 supermarkets, a train station and more services in general, which can make your stay easier.

In Rapallo, the sea, the promenade, the castle, the many typical restaurants are a lovely frame for relaxing walks and culinary experiences in the area.

Where to sleep in Rapallo

I promised you I found the perfect cheap accommodation in Rapallo, right? So here it is: it’s called Hotel San Desiderio. This lovely affordable hotel offers 2 interesting options for all kinds of budget travellers:

A 2** Hotel with standard and deluxe rooms – double and family rooms.
“Classic” cheap accommodation for solo travelers, couples and families.
The Hostel Formula – the only one in the area!
An innovative cheap accommodation in the area, with bunk beds, lockers and shared bathroom.

This budget hotel also has an eco-friendly soul, with eco-bio courtesy lines in the rooms and other interesting services – more about this later!

The 2** Hotel

Hotel San Desiderio was born as a budget hotel. After many years of experience in 5 stars hotel, the two owners decided to open their own. Yes, it’s a 2-stars hotel, but there is a special touch in everything. Compared to other budget hotels of the area, Hotel San Desiderio is another world.

All rooms have a kettle, a coffee machine, a rich vanity set (shaving kit, shower cap, kleenex, body lotion, baby wipes, shower gel) and even more treats if you pick a deluxe room: slippers, hand cream, hair and face mask, make-up remover, USB power outlets, a mini-fridge.

Every room is different, with handpicked and colorful pieces of furniture, and a unique style.

Double rooms can have queen or twin beds, while family rooms can accommodate up to 4 people. Connecting rooms are available.

Check availability at Hotel San Desiderio now!

The Hostel Formula

In 2019 a room at Hotel San Desiderio was turned into a hostel room, with 2 bunk beds and a shared bathroom on the same floor. The room itself features a sink with soap, wipes and tissues. The room also has a mini-fridge.

Each hostel bed has a personal reading lamp, a locker, towels and linen included. Also, a rich buffet breakfast is included in the hostel formula. WiFi is fast. It really can’t get cheaper and better than this in the area!

If this doesn’t sound like a lot you can look for another hostel in the area: you won’t find it. Accommodation on the Italian Riviera tends to be pricey so this is really special.

Check availability for the Hostel Formula!

An Eco-Friendly Soul

At Hotel San Desiderio the eco-friendly aspect is very important to the owners.

Even if this is a budget accommodation, toiletries, courtesy lines and other items are organic, eco-friendly and/or recycled: you will find certified organic shower gel and body lotions, tissues and toilet paper made with recycled paper, compostable cups, wooden plates and cutlery for breakfast, and so on.

Moreover, two glass bottles of complimentary water with compostable cups are prepared in every room at check in.

One thing that I particularly loved is the partnership with the startup U2Y (Up to You): you give up your daily room cleanup for 1 day, and in exchange you get a code to plant a tree in a country of your choice. You even get a certificate!

How-Cool.

A Dog Friendly Hotel in Rapallo

Marco and Filippo, the owners, are not the only ones to welcome you at check-in. You will also meet Idefix, their sweet and fearful dog. He may bark at you when you enter, but that’s just because he’s scared. Give him a treat and he’ll love you forever!

It goes without saying that Hotel San Desiderio is a dog-friendly hotel. Bring your own dog and enjoy!

Breakfast

Again, this is a budget accommodation so you may not expect much for breakfast. You’ll be proven wrong: every day you will find fresh cakes, a rich buffet with sweet and savory foods, lots of fruits, cereal, gluten-free options and so on. And of course the typical, freshly baked focaccia cannot miss!