Hello,

I've just decided to spend a few days in the Cinque Terre area with an old amour (and by old, I mean previous, not ancient). Can anyone suggest what to do with 3-4 days there during the first week of January (brrr!)? We'd like to find a cool/charming/romantic hotel or two under 200 euros. We are driving from Marseille so we don't really have time to go too far into Italy. Would anyone like to make a suggestion? Thanks!

Well, here I am replying to my own message! But, just a thought -- might we be better off on the area referred to as the Italian Riviera?

I can't imagine having much of a good time there in January - are the hotels and restaurants open for business then?

If you're driving from Marseille to the Cinque Terra (perhaps while still jet lagged) you'll be going through 50 or so tunnels (seems like 100). You won't be in a "cool/romantic" mood when you get there. I hate that drive.

What's wrong with staying in France ??? Villafranche might be just as romantic, while having some options for sightseeing if the weather isn't very nice. You're kinda isolated on the Cinque Terre.

If you're from the US, remember that the Cinque Terre is north of Milwaukee, Wis. All the vineyards on the hills will be quite bare.

All 4 hotels in Monterosso al Mare that are listed in my '02 Michelin Guide are closed in January - opening in March.

Stu Dudley

Stay in Menton--best micro climate on that coast and prior to all of those tunnels.

I second the Nice-Eze-Menton alternative, it makes more sense climactically and logistically. I would save the CT or Italian Riviera for a warmer time.

Thank you my Fodorlicious friends! I will re-post requesting hotel suggestions in Nice, Villafranche, Eze and Menton in order to secure success for our cool/romantic getaway!

Take a long route from Marseille along the coastline rather than the autoroute esp. between Cannes and Nice and enjoy your trip!