We're taking a few days out of our vacation in Florence to spend some time in the Cinque Terre area. <BR>Haven't had too much luck in finding any accomodations in May othere than Hotel 5terre and Locanda il Maestrale. Has anyone heard of these hotels in Monterosso? Any opinions on these hotels or any suggestions on other hotels would be greatly appreciated!!! We've already checked with Hotel Pasquale and Hotel Sterno, but they are fully booked. Feel like we're running out of time to reserve some rooms. By the way, would like to spend $200 or below per room per night. Thanks!

we we're in Corniglia, probably the smallest and quietest village in a wonderfull apartment with 2 bedrooms, bathroom,kitchen and balcony for Euro 30 per person.An agency managed it ([email protected])

We stayed at the 5 Terre 3 years ago. It is a newer place, with 50 or so rooms, about 2 blocks from the ocean. As I recall, the rooms were clean and comfortable and the staff was friendly.<BR>Try looking at www.cinqueterre.it<BR>Would also suggest da Baranin in Manarola where we stayed last year, we had a small room with a balcony and a grand view. www.baranin.com

I stayed at the Hotel 5Terre in August 2000. It might be at the lower end of the 3 star scale, but it was still quite acceptable. The people were very nice and friendly. While it doesn't have parking, the parking situation might be a little better than for many other hotels in Monterosso -- I found a spot on the street and left my car there for two days while I did my hikes. But there's also a parking lot a couple of blocks away, at the beach.

This should make you feel better about Maestrale<BR>LOCANDA IL MAESTRALE: Via Roma 37, 1st fl. Tel: 0187-817013. Fax: 0187-817084. Mobile: 3384530531. Web site: http://www.monterossonet.com/ E-mail: [email protected] (6 rms., all w/toilet & bath or shower.) 86? single; 149? double; 207? (suite) double. Call for triple & quad rates. Breakfast (8:15-11am) is included in the rates & can be served on the terrace in warm weather. Air-conditioned. Visa, MC. English spoken (Giovanni), phones, cable TV w/CNN, fabulous wonderful charming new (2001) renovated 6th-century palace hotel w/beautifully & identically furnished pretty rms. that are named after the region & the five villages in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre (1st flr. rm. w/twin bed, standard-size bathroom w/large shower stall & no view) is for a single; Riomaggiore (1st flr. rm. w/2 twin beds or zip & lock king-size bed, small bathroom & view of street); Corniglia (1st flr. rm. near the breakfast room w/2 twin beds or zip & lock king-size bed, standard-size bathroom w/large shower stall & no view) & Manarola (2nd flr. rm. w/2 twin beds or zip & lock king-size bed, small bathroom & no view) are for a double; Monterosso (1st flr. suite near the breakfast room w/wooden stairs up to loft bedroom w/king-size bed, original frescoed high ceiling, lower-level w/large sitting area & standard-size bathroom w/large shower stall & view of street) & Vernazza (1st flr. suite near the breakfast room w/wooden stairs up to loft bedroom w/king-size bed, original frescoed high ceiling, lower-level w/small sitting area & small bathroom w/large shower stall & view of street) are for a double; hairdriers, minibars, many of the original features remain, huge terrace w/no view, warm ambience, wonderful quiet location, marble staircase, no elevator, 2 flrs. Owned/managed by Stefania & Giovanni. With your back to the train station, turn left onto Via Fegina, continue walking through the tunnel, walk past Hotel Pasquale, turn left onto Via Roma.<BR>

Consider Portovenere if you are having trouble booking in one of the smaller towns. We did and enjoyed the area as a base to explore Cinque Terre by train from LaSpezia. Belvedere Hotel in Portovenere is very nice and you can bus and train to see the other towns. Just a thought.

Hi All,<BR>Thanks for the suggestions. I've tried da Baranin, but they are fully booked too. <BR>Does anyone know whether Locanda il Maestrale is a 3 star hotel? From viewing the website, it looks like a decent hotel, but wondering if anyone has had any good/bad experiences there before I make a reservation. I guess they keep a fee (85 Euros/room) if I cancel my reservation. So, I want to have some comfort that I'm making a good choice. <BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>m.

MK -<BR><BR>da Baranin - did it have bathrooms in the room? Also, do you remember the cost? Considering spending 4 nights there...too long for the region?<BR>Thanks!

Sandie,<BR><BR>The room did have a bathroom, the cost was approx $65.00/night.<BR>I don't know about the 4 nights, it depends on your interests. We usually spend 3 nights, that allows 1 full day for hiking and 1 day to do whatever, you may want more whatever days. <BR><BR>

ttt

Has anyone stayed at Locando il Maestrale? Margo, that is quite a bit of information!!

m, I'd decide which town you want to stay in first. Most of the places to stay can be found by asking around near the station; we found an amazing place in Vernazza with a balcony overlooking the town that way...totally cheap, and clean.
Monterosso is the most resort style of the town, the one with the beach and much higher class options.
Vernazza is the Rick Steves mecca with lots of great little places-just walk down toward the tobacconist and you'll find a place. honest.
Corniglia is the quietest and maybe my favorite and agency bookings seem great!
Manarola is quite nice too, and I've had a great meal or two there, but never stayed.
Riomaggiore is close enough to La Spezia that you could stay there, and be on the &quot;main line&quot; instead of the tiny train line.
Anyway, if you have a bold sense of adventure, pack light and just ask around!
You can try the following websites, and I always check Steves and Margo Classe's Hello Italy book for good suggestions.
http://cinque_terre_accomodation.5terre.com/

sorry, forgot the rest of the websites!
http://www.rivieratoscana.com/en/ct/...nque_terre.asp

http://www.pasini.com/

http://www.francamaria.com/

You an always google cinque terre and accomodations, and you'll come up with tons more.