Any other suggestions for cheap (under 70E) hotels in the Riomaggiore area (I'm assuming from what I've read this is the best) would be greatly appreciated! Oh, is it still good weather to go to the beach in late September?

Kiwiguy, so does this mean you're going to skip the Cinque Terre? I know you're staying in Bellagio, which is beautiful in its own right, but your post said you wanted to do some hiking. Cinque Terre really can't be beat for the hiking... unless you're travelling in winter months.

Sorry to throw a wrench in your decision but I wouldn't miss the Cinque Terre.

~kat

Skatterfly just to let you know after all the help etc from people we have found a place to stay in CT near Portofino for 3 nights can't think of the name of it at the moment

Hotel Ca' Dei Duxi
Via Colomo, 36
Riomaggiore

we had a nice stay here. very clean, modern and a nice rooftop patio. don't remember the cost but it was very reasonable and included parking in the village car park.

To Huitres: I haven't figured this site out yet as far as replying to messages, so I'll do it this way. VA prices must have gone up as I was quoted 130E w/view and 100E without - and I'm travelling single. Haven't ruled it out yet, but.....Is there anything to do in the evening, i.e. little cafes, coffee places, etc. I wonder if I wouldn't be better staying in Monterosso which is a bit bigger town.

To: walkinaround - I was able to obtain a reservation there (not confirmed,yet). What was breakfast....the usual coffee, juice, roll?? Is it near the train station since I won't have a car. Any other info would be helpful.

Thanks

baglady: Re: the VA, you could always inquire about a room with bathroom in hallway, if you want to keep costs down. There are a couple good restaurants in Riomaggiore (La Grotta is my favorite) and also 2 bars (the 'American' bar in the middle of town; and another bar closer to the small harbor with an outside terrace with tables). The CT in general are not like "happening" places, people go there to relax and get away from it all mostly. Monterosso al mare is a larger town with more hotels, restaurants, and bars. However, you can easily take the local trains in between towns and pick different towns each night to eat dinner in, visit, etc. I never have a car while in Italy, the transportation is great and dependable. You will be just fine - have a wonderful time!

baglady...

yes, typical european breakfast included - breads, coffee, etc.

not right near the train station but close enough if you have walkable bags (which you should anyway if you travel by train). i can't remember exactly how far but probably no farther than my walk from the village car park. village is very compact (though hilly) so nothing is very far. the hotel is perfectly located for all the amenities.

i agree that CT is not a "happening" place but there bars and restaurants (although not as good as one would expect in italy). not much local flavour....at least when i visited in sept.

To: Huitres and Walkinaround - thanks for your help. I was able to book a room at Hotel Ca'Dei Duxi which should work fine for me. I'll check out your recommended restos and bars and I know I'll have a great time. Plan to do a lot of hiking/walking - just keeping my fingers crossed the weather cooperates.

Naomi

baglady: The end of September is still beautiful weather in the CT...in fact the weather is nice all the way into December. I was there last Fall as well, into first week of October. The weather is crisp and cool at night, you will need a light sweater or jacket (I usually always bring my black leather jacket because can wear it at night when going out to eat, or anywhere since all Italians seem to wear leather jackets....didn't want to be out of place or seem "sloppy").

The Via Colombo is the main street running N-S in Riomaggiore. To reach it from the train station, you walk away (south) from the train station, thru the covered tunnel underpass and then you come out onto Via Colombo. Turn L and start walking up the street. You will the La Grotta restaurant on your right, the Coop market on your right, etc as you are walking up the hill. The Hotel Ca' Dei Duxi will be up past the 'American Bar' and the gelato place on your left side. Be prepared to get good exercise just walking up and down the streets there...it's great for losing weight without trying!

To Huitres: This additional info is indeed helpful since I'm in the throes of "what to pack." Good idea re the leather jacket - I was wondering if I should bring mine and now I will. Many thanks for the directions - I'm planning on a lot of climbing, but I love that since I was raised in B.C.