amaster

I'm planning a trip to Italy this fall that includes the Cinque Terre. Originally planned on staying in Vernazza, but not sure about the hotel situation there. Anyone familiar with the Porto Roca in Monterosso or the Grand Hotel in Portovenere? Or would Vernazza be more atmospheric? Don't want too big/crowded towns - would that rule out Monterosso or Portovenere? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Deena

We stayed at the Porto Roca about five years ago. It was very nicely located to access all of the Cinque Terre. We had a terrace with a wonderful view of the ocean. The room was rather small but the terrace more than made up for it. Monterosso has more hotels than the other villages so it makes a nice base to explore from. Old town Monterosso is still atmospheric. I'd probably stay at this hotel again.

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Amaster, Forget Vernazza to stay, but a <BR>must place to see. The other 2 hotel <BR>choices are excellent, with the Porto <BR>Roca being special---but expensive. <BR>Portovenere is wonderful but does not <BR>give you direct access to the hiking <BR>paths of the CT.

amaster

Thanks, Deena and Bob! I was leaning toward the Porto Roca, so I'm glad to hear good things about it.

Paule

I stayed in Portovenere for 3 nights last summer and was so glad that I did! It's a very lovely town, and definitely not as crowded as the towns of Monterosso or Vernazza. It's true, it's not directly on the hiking route betweem the towns, but the ferry ride to Monterosso takes about 45 minutes-- and the ride itself is a great experience. I stayed at the Royal HOtel Sporting , which had a terrace with a beautiful view of the water. They served an excellent breakfast, one of the best I had in all of Italy. I know that the people who stayed at the Grand Hotel enjoyed it a lot, too. The difference is that the Grand Hotel is located near the "center" of town (not a big town, but it's spread out along the water), and the Royal HotelSporting is about 15 minutes walk away from the center. But it was, for my husband and myself,those strolls along the water that we remember with a great deal of pleasure.

Julie

Last June we spent 3 nights at the Hotel Pasini (in Rick Steves Italy book)in Monterosso. It is high up with views of the water & city. It was less than 10 min. walk to the center. We took the boat to Vernazza on a Sunday. Big mistake! Extrememly crowded with boat after boat bringing in hoards of people. We cut our stay short there. Vernazza is beautiful and somewhat similiar to San Gimignano regarding crowds of people. We spent the night in SG and so glad we did because that gave us a much different flavor. The crowds left in late afternoon & we enjoyed this place so much in the evening and early morning. We are going back to Italy in Oct. and plan on going back to SG. Also Rick Steves' book describes the hikes from all the 5 towns on the CT.

Linda

My husband I and rented a room in a pensione in Levanto, the first town north of Monterosso al mare. It was reasonably priced, furnished in antiques and included breakfast. It is called Hotel Europa. Also we met a retired couple from the US who were simply following their noses. Got off at the train station in Vernazza and were able to rent rooms in a fisherman's cottage for $25US/night with breakfast included. Also a very nice spot with rooms overlooking the water. <BR> <BR>Be sure to check out and do the 12 mile walk between the five towns. It will reward to with some of the most beautiful views ever, through terraced vinyards and olive groves. You might even pick up some homemade wine from an old guy along the way...we did! Bear in mind that we were there in late March to mid April, no crowds and better prices!

Byrd

We loved the Porto Roca! I agree with Deena. The view from the terrace of our room was so beautiful--like a dream. We are already planning a trip back next year, with a group of friends. <BR>