- husband and i are planning a trip with our 2 year old son for 5 days - which village should we stay in? which hotel? looking for most "authentic" but luxurious experience.

KLT,

You need to provide a little more information so fodorites can help you out.

What's your budget?
How long are you going for?
When are you going?
Have you consider on renting an apartment vs. staying at a hotel...if so try this website www.arbaspaa.com

Luxurious and the CT may be mutually exclusive. I've been there twice and don't recall seeing anything luxurious, but there might be something. Monterosso is the most resort-like of the 5 towns, so the fanciest accomodations might be found there. But fancy for the CT might be mediocre for another town.

Be sure to look into apartment rentals. That would be very handy for a 5 day stay, especially with a toddler. I've never had to book a room at the CT; apartment owners are usually at the train station to greet you and show you pictures of their apartments they have to rent.

Thanks. I am willing to spend at much as $200/night. We are going in August. Views/location are most important - I don't want to be stuck in the middle of the most touristy town/section.

Cinque Terre is not necessarily the place to go for a "luxurious experience" but Porta Roca in Monterossa is CT's most luxurious hotel. My sister and brother-in-law stayed there and thought it was excellent.

the most luxurious in the Ligurian region will be Portofino. You should start looking agressively, since August is high season

My favourite's village is Manarola..Is small, quaint, charming and very quiet especially a night.
I was there 2 years ago for 8 days with my then 9 years old grandson and my daughter.
We rented a very nice apt. in the middle of the village, close to the marina..
CT is beautiful,your family is going to like it.

I would rent an apartment to have some more room. I would also try to stay in either Manarola or Monterossa because both have playgrounds. Manarola is smaller and quieter, Monterossa is larger and separated into Old and New.

Shoulda thought of this earlier. If you want a fancy hotel, try Portofino up the road from the CT.

I agree -- try Portofino.

We stayed in Montorosso at Hotel Pasquale about three weeks ago. Our room was 135 Euro's which would be roughly $180, so close to what you said you would pay. It was not luxurious at all. The view was amazing, but the room very basic, and the bathroom small. We walked to Porta Roca, and it did appear to be nicer. I do not know their rates. One of the easier trails was closed when we were there, and I do not think it is likely that it will open this summer. The trail between the two southernmost towns (I think Vernazza and Riomaggiore, but double check that) is short, paved, has a guard fence. Personally, I would not take a two year old on the trails between Monterossa and the second and third villages going south. There is not much to do in the area except enjoy the scenery, so the sugggestion to stay in Portofina seems a good one to me if you are looking for any type of night life or shopping. From my perspective, the incredible scenery is the reason to go. There is not much to do apart from great hiking and gazing. I love the area, but 5 days may be a long time to spend there if hiking is not on your agenda, and with a 2 year old, I think safety would be a huge issue. The longer trails are somewhat strenuous, and there are many places with slick, muddy spots (depending on rain of course) which are right on the edge of cliffs. Don't want to be discouraging, but something for you to think about. PJK