I loved my two visits to the Cinque Terre, but Larry might be right when it comes to August there. I'd never want to visit at such a busy time. End of September was bad enough with too many people!

AtKristin, you might expand your search to include Levanto, which in August should be pretty busy at night. It's a popular beach town. I don't think there are many view options with the lodgings, there, though.

with our travel schedule this is what works for us. I'd rather go in August than not at all. With that said, I'd like to have the best exp. I can since we WILL be there during the high season.

Down to 2, based on availability and views:
La Baia di Rio in Riomaggiore (very bare bones room but view is what I picture having)
Manuel's Guesthouse in Old town Monterosso

Again, monterosso was not first pick due to amount of people/high season. views, while great, aren't AS perfect as Hotel in Riomaggiore but manuel's offers a terrace bar, breakfast and AC. So it really comes down to which town we'd rather be in. A good problem to have but I'm so torn! :)