Like many buildings in Monterosso al Mare, the yellow walls and green shutters on the exterior of the Hotel Souvenir call to mind the lemon trees that grow throughout the region. After the city was flooded in 2011, the property was redone. Now exposed brick archways and walls on the patio and in the lobby illustrate the building's architectural history. Set against these shabby chic surfaces are contemporary and post-modern flourishes, such as clear lucite chairs and a white reception desk with silver, diagonal stripes. The Souvenir's garden looks up the mountain to the Cinque Terre.

While several hotels are in the area of Hotel Souvenir, being situated a few minutes from the main street means less tourists strolling by your room. Many of the popular restaurants, bars, and shops are within a five-minute walk such as the Ristorante Belvedere, known for its pesto sauce, and the Ristorante Ciak, which specializes in Italian seafood dishes. Given that car traffic is limited by local law, many tourists arrive by train, and the station is only 11 minutes away by foot. Drivers will be happy to know Hotel Souvenir is located near one of the few parking lots in the district (Centro Storico). And everyone will be happy to know it's within a seven-minute walk of Vernazza Beach and Bonassola Beach. 

The rooms at Hotel Souvenir aren't exactly luxurious, but they're well designed for a value hotel. The duvets have flowery patterns or stripes, the headboards are large, cloth-covered statement pieces, and the wood furniture is a couple of notches above what you'd find in a post-collegiate apartment. Even the retro-modern phones and sponge-painted walls show that someone took a little extra care with their modest budget. Of course the free in-room Wi-Fi is always a nice perk, and all rooms have flat-screen TVs, though there's no air-conditioning. A few have outdoor balconies or terraces, too. The bathrooms aren't quite as cute. The shower stalls are small. Still, they come with free toiletries, bidets, and a hairdryer. 

Hotel Souvenir's breakfast is better than what's typically served at a value location, including fresh pastries, fruit, and omelets made to order. The restaurant serves traditional Italian fare for breakfast and lunch. Coffee and tea are offered free in the lobby. Guests can enjoy that drink (or something from the bar) on the rooftop terrace, which offers a view up the lush green hillside. Pets are welcome at no additional charge with prior notification of the staff.