Hi, I am going to the Italian Riveria -Cinque Terre, from 27th May- 4th of June. Wondering which of the 5 villages is best to stay for money, beach,base and general feel. Nick

PS. Is it easy to get accommodation when you get there or book before???

You should book before. And I am going to go out on a limb and surmise that you do not realize - - you can find all your old posts by clicking on your own name.

Best wishes,

Rex

p.s. Read this one, too...

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34438813

Rex: You're super!
Ginny

In Vernazza at least, it is possible to get a room when you arrive. Ask at the train station and some villager will offer you a private room in their house. Go and check it out before you commit. Most of them are VERY nice and you get an awesome feel for the village

I too would be most interested in views about accomodation and particularly in Vernazza. I am not looking for the Cinque Terra Hilton, but would be comforted if I could find a large bed somewhere with some sense of style and a vista or should I take a tent?

You will not find a Hilton or any American hotel chain of any kind in the Cinque Terre - thank God! Imagine a rustic, slightly-behind-the-times place with a coastline that resembles the ruggedness of northern California/Big Sur. The accommodations are decent, but generally small in terms of room size, bathrooms, etc.

You will have more choices of hotel types and genre in Monterosso al Mare, the only CT town with a beach. My favorite is Riomaggiore, the furthest south CT town. The Villa Argentina has singles and doubles, including daily breakfast starting at 70 euros. Vernazza is lovely but very touristy and the prices there are higher, thanks to Rick Steves. Corniglia is very high up and because of its relative inaccessibility, not as touristed (or stayed in) as much as the other 4 towns. Manarola is nice too, with many options for B&Bs and small hotels. I would book a hotel BEFORE going there, don't wait until you are there, esp. since that is a busy season for the CT.

A Ventana Inn standard would be nice. Our objective is to walk excessively and crash on to a great bed at night. My goal is to find that great bed somewhere.

Good luck SydneySteve, beds are not usually big and grand there as they are here in the US. The largest you might be able to find is a queen (or larger than a double bed). Monterosso has a lovely 4 or 5* hotel (Porto Roca or something like that?) and they undoubtedly will have those great beds and great rooms you are looking for -- for a price!!

I'll settle for a Queen sized bed in Venazza if I can find onebut it sounds like Monterosso needs to be considered. No point in pounding the pavement and then having to depend on grappa to get sleep ! I cant imagine having to take a foetal position to fit into a double bed anymore at my age.

I'd agree that for what you're looking for, Monterosso will probably be the best bet. I like the idea of staying there or Vernazza because there's a little more to do in the evening (not tons, but at least a couple restaurants/bars). The other villages are wonderful but seem to go to sleep near sundown!

Does anyone know of any standout accomodation in Monterosso ? Any help for September visit would be greatly appreciated.

Please check out the Porto Roca in Monterosso.

We stayed there for three nights several years ago and remember it as one of our favorite spots in Italy.

Our room was on the top floor and had a large terrace overlooking the sea. I think the terrace was bigger than the room!

www.portoroca.it

We loved the CT.

Byrd

Another town to consider is Levanto, which is sometimes called the 6th CT town. Levanto is a 5 minute train ride to Monterosso (or 3 hour hike), and is more like a small Riviera resort town. If you want a town with a nice beach, and lots to do in the evening, Levanto may fit your needs.

Porto Roca looks interesting and real beds too it seems. I dont have to carry a sheet of timber around with me. Thanks again.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Villa Steno in Monterosso - very comfortable, great staff, good breakfast and convenient to shops and restaurants.

So presumably it is the Double with Sea Views at Porto Roca that we should aim for at 280 E. What's the bed like ? I expect frette sheets for that price !

Ah but the Villa Steno is 180E for a double and the beds look much bigger but the location may not be as good. Overall the comparison of the websites is a little confusing. Any further views ? Thanks again.

If you are looking at Villa Steno - consider their other hotel Pasquale too. It is very similar except it is right at the beach and every room has a view of the sea and the old town beach. The web site for both is: http://www.pasini.com/

Zo - have you stayed there - it looks like very good value for its location ?