Elizabeth, the English-speaking Italian owner (she actually lives one floor above the hotel) has turned one floor of her family home into a small guesthouse. The three rooms are accessible up two flights of external stairs and via a small balcony, set with two small folding chairs, for guests who want to sit here and admire the views. The only other place to sit at the hotel is inside the guest rooms, there isn't even a reception desk. One room has a small, private and furnished balcony, while another room has access to the shared balcony. Elizabeth is on call to help with directions or problems, but usually respects guest privacy. Guests are usually couples on vacation. Kids are technically welcome, but they'd have to share a double bed with their parents. 

Sol Levante is perched on a cliff directly above the Riomaggiore train station and Ligurian Sea. The sky high location offers lovely views of the water and hillsides, but it also includes the sights and sounds of the trains. Guests arriving by train (which is most guests) will have to schlep their suitcases up the hill, at about a five-minute walk. It's about a 10-minute walk to the water and main area of the village, along with a high concentration of restaurants, shops, and bars. The train from Riomaggiore departs on a regular schedule for the other four villages, about a five-minute ride between each village. It's about an hour and 20 minutes to Pisa International Airport and two hours to the airport in Florence. 

There are just three pristinely clean guest rooms at Sol Levante, each can sleep two people with enough space for a double bed, mini-fridge (topped with an electric kettle and instant coffee), nightstand, and wardrobe. Simple decor includes laminate floors and white walls. A flat-screen TV hangs on the wall and Wi-Fi is free. The major difference between the three rooms is access to outdoor space. Bathrooms feature a small shower and bidet. Toiletries are provided. The best (and most requested) room has a private furnished balcony with sweeping views out to the sea. The next best room has direct access to the shared balcony that everyone passes through coming and going from the rooms. The most affordable room just has a window that lets in light, but no views. 

Features at Sol Levante are non-existent, as the entire hotel consists of three guest rooms and a shared balcony. There is no bar, breakfast, coffee, or public areas here. Wi-Fi is free throughout and the owner is available to provide simple concierge services.