Going to Cinque Terre -- Where to stay?
 

We're going to Cinque Terre in April. We've been thinking of staying in Vernazza...is that our best bet? Or should we think more about Santa Margherita, Portofino? <BR>Thanks!

I REALY LIKE THE HOTEL CONTINENTAL IN SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE , GREAT ACCESS TO PORTIFINO AND THE CINQUE TERRE , ALSO CHECK OUT RICKSTEVES.COM HE HAS A WHOLE SECTION ON THE CINQUE TERRE AND HIS BEST PLACE TO STAY MY CHOICE WOULD BE SANTA MARGHERITA, GREAT PLACE FOR A WEDDING OR HONEYMOON

Jodi, I was partial to Monterosso. Nice beach, alot of restaurants and the start of the wonderful hike. It also has more hotels than other towns such as Vernazza.

I don't mean to picky, but the only option you've provided that is in the Cinque Terre is Vernazza. If you want the experience of staying in the "five lands" then don't stay somewhere else like the little resort town of Portofino and just day trip to the CT. I stayed in Manarolo and loved it, but Vernazza actually has more options of places to stay. I would choose one of the two, not the beachy "hotel row" of Monterossa even though it is actually part of the Cinque Terre.

Although not in CT, have heard that Cenobi de Doges (sp?) is a great hotel in Camogli. We're trying it out this fall. Camogli is near both Portofino and CT.