Hotel Sole, family-run close to the sea in Diano Marina
Hotel Sole is a family-run three-star hotel in Diano Marina, on the Ligurian coast, a short walk from the beach and the centre. It has simple rooms with a balcony, a restaurant and free bike hire. It suits anyone wanting the sea and a central spot on a modest budget, but opinions are divided, so check the downsides first.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Hotel Sole.
Where Hotel Sole is in Diano Marina
Hotel Sole is on Viale Kennedy, in Diano Marina, on the western Ligurian Riviera. According to the listing it is about 70 metres from the beach and less than 1 km from the centre. Guests confirm two minutes on foot to the sea and five to the centre.
One detail for anyone who likes an easy trip to the sea: the beach is pebbly, as one guest points out, although they describe it as well equipped and well kept. There is an unattended car park, available until the spaces run out, so in high season do not count on it too much.
The rooms and services
The standard rooms are functionally furnished and have a balcony, private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, satellite TV, telephone, safe and Wi-Fi. More than one guest finds them spacious, clean and comfortable, while others find them small and dated. It is a difference worth keeping in mind.
- Air conditioning. It is available only on request and for a daily supplement payable on site. One guest confirms not all rooms have it.
- The restaurant. Indoor, with a bar and TV room. For many it is one of the strong points.
- Bicycles. Hire is free, as is welcoming small dogs on request.
- For the little ones. A cot for children from zero to three years can be requested.
There is also a reception that is always open, a lift and free Wi-Fi in the shared areas.
What guests say
On Google the hotel has 3.3 out of 140 reviews, lower than in cases where everything runs smoothly. Within this average are two very distant worlds, and it is worth knowing both.
Guests who had a good time talk mostly about the staff and the owners being kind, the position between sea and centre, clean rooms and an abundant, carefully prepared kitchen with varied menus and dishes for those avoiding gluten. Some remember evenings organised for guests, with music and themed parties.
Those who were disappointed describe tiny rooms, dated bathrooms, poor cleanliness, a bed that was too soft, a shower with a missing door, a temperamental lift, canteen-style food and unfriendly service. These are harsh verdicts, although the more recent ones are the negative ones.
| What the satisfied say | What the disappointed say |
|---|---|
| Kind owners and staff | Service that is not always polite |
| Abundant, varied cooking | Food described as canteen-style |
| Position between sea and centre | Small rooms and dated bathrooms |
What to know before booking
The most important thing is this: opinions on cleanliness and rooms are very contradictory. I cannot tell you which version applies to your room, so I suggest reading the most recent reviews carefully and writing to the property to ask what you are entitled to.
One guest also writes that the hotel is going to close. I have no other information on this, so check that it is open on the dates you are interested in before planning the trip.
Also check extra costs, such as air conditioning as a supplement and the water, which one guest criticises for the price. If you are travelling with children, ask for the cot in advance.
Who it suits
I would choose it for anyone who wants to stay close to the sea, walk to the centre and eat in the hotel, with simple expectations and a modest budget. It suits couples and families who are not looking for design or luxury hotel services.
I would avoid it if a new, perfect room matters most to you, or if you suffer in the heat and do not want to pay a supplement for air conditioning.
What to do in Diano Marina and nearby
The main attraction in Diano Marina is the sea, with a stroll between the seafront and the centre. Beyond that, the listing describes a seaside resort much loved in Liguria.
If you want to compare other places to stay on the coast, see the B&B La Rosa Dei Venti in Alassio, AuStrAle Affittacamere in Albenga and I campi di lino in Finale Ligure. For each one I only give the name and location, because I do not have their details.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
