Hey folks, this is really great forum, thanks for all the informative posts! <BR> <BR>As part of our honeymoon, we're planning on spending a few days in the Cinque Terre region of Italy. This will be in mid-August (ugh, I know, height of the tourist season there). With that in mind, any recommendations on places to stay? I've heard good things about Vernazza. Is it possible that time of year to show up without a reservation and get a decent place? <BR> <BR>thanks! <BR>mark

Mark, <BR> <BR>I am not trying to be catty, but don't even think about showing up at any Italian coastal destination in August without a reservation (unless sleeping in the train station is an acceptable option). <BR> <BR>To get a look at your options, go to http://www.cinqueterre.it <BR> <BR>Although, Vernazza is my favorite town, the hotels are pretty spartan. You might want to check out the two 4 star properites in Monterosso al Mare. If you are on a budget, then Ristorante Gianni Franzi also rents rooms, but I don't know if they speak any English. <BR> <BR>I would recommend Monterosso. Vernazza is the next town over, so you can hike (90mins), take a boat, or the train (3 minutes). Have fun! <BR>

Mark, It will be wall to wall back packers in August. I would stay in Levanto and train to the CT. Good luck !

Mark do you really want to be searching around for a hotel without a reservation on your honeymoon? Do you mean this August? You must be kidding! You might have some luck if somebody cancelled, otherwise I say that you'd be SOL. Try Portovenere, a great little seaside town with a few nice hotels, just before the Cinque Terre. You never know you might get lucky. Good Luck and have a great honeymoon!

We stayed in Portovenere last year and enjoyed this small town on the coast. You can bus up to La Spezia and then take the short train ride from there to the 5 cities. They have a day pass that lets you get on and off as much as you want for the day. We trained to the fartest city and then worked ourselves down. Some of the cities are 5 minutes apart. <BR> <BR>In Portovenere we stayed at the Belvedere Hotel. Nice place, nice rooms and you can walk to town.

My husband and I stayed in Portovenere, too, and loved the town. And we took the ferry from Portovenere to Monterosso, and then began our walk. The ferry is a wonderful way to see the towns, too-- and relaxing, too.

Mark, <BR> <BR>I haven't been there yet, but I'm going in Sept. & staying at the Royal Sporting Hotel in Portovenere. Had some good comments from this forum. Try their website at www.royalsporting.com <BR> <BR>Good Luck...