Cathy Ortiz

HELP - I am planning a trip to Italy next year and want to stay 3 days in the Italian Riviera. I can't decide whether to stay in Santa Margeurite, Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, or Portovenere. I'm not much of a hiker, like to stay in very nice hotels with views and would like to schedule a 1/2 day dive trip. Your thoughts?

Andy

I would stay in Portofino and then take the ferry down to Santa Margherita for a day--Portofino is absolutely gorgeous. <BR>We were in Portovenere and Portofino--Portovenere was very charming and very hilly. <BR>DON'T know what your budget is, but there is a 5 star hotel at the top of the hill in Portofino that's called the Splendid and the views are to die for--

Tina

It sounds like you'd be best served by staying in either Santa Magherita/Portofino or Portovenere or even, Sestri Levante or Levanto --- essentially I'm suggesting that you VISIT the Cinque Terre towns (Monterosso/Vernazza/Riomaggiore, etc.) but stay in one of the ever so slightly larger communities. The 'CT' towns, villages really are very small places --- that's their charm. However because they're small, you are limited in accommadations and you've mentioned that you are seeking a "very nice hotel" (meaning 4 or 5 star quality ???). <BR> <BR>Not a diver --- so haven't a clue how/where to schedule that activity. <BR> <BR>And as to not being a hiker, then you'd probably enjoy walking the 1st segment of the CT trail between Riomaggiore & Manarola --- known as the Via Del Amore. Right now it's closed (under repairs). BUT maybe by next year, they'll have it back open again. It's the easiest pathway, only a 20-minute walk and so very accessible to anyone who's not a hiker. <BR> <BR>The next stretch going from Manarola to Corniglia is also one that I'd suggest a "non-hiker" --- it is unpaved (Via Del Amore is only CT trail that is paved). Takes about 1 hour & very manageable in sneakers/tennis shoes. I'm a walker, not a hiker & very much enjoyed the spectacular vistas & photo ops along this pathway.

Susan

Cathy, let me enthusiastically recommend the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi in Sestri Levante. What an incredible place, beautiful view, exceptional service, gorgeous rooms, I could go on and on. For the price, which was under $200 per night, they have their own private beach, a swimming pool, restaurant and very nice bar and free parking. The view out of our window was breathtaking. It is an old villa converted into a hotel and still retains many of the furnishings and decor. The bathrooms are all marble with jacuzzi tubs. They send a fruit basket to your room on arrival -- lots of thoughtful touches like that. I can't recommend it enough and cannot wait to go back again.

Sherryl

Cathy, <BR> <BR>I have not been there yet, but I'm staying at the Royal Sporting Hotel in Portovenere at the end of Sept. It's four star, 300,000 lira for double and is supposed to have beautiful views. They have daily ferries to the CT. Their website mentions scuba diving - take a look at it. www.royalsporting.com <BR> <BR>I'd be happy to e-mail you with my opinion if you'd like.

abby

We just returned from the Italian Riviera. I agree with the others that you should visit the Cinque Terre, but stay in either Portofino or Santa Margharita/Rapallo. We stayed at a 5 star called the Excelsior Palace in Rapallo. It is up on a hill and you can take a 15 minute ferry to Santa Margharita or a 30 minute ferry to Portofino. You can also take taxis, but they are outrageously expensive. It had a beautiful infinity pool and was really nice. The most exclusive hotel is the Splendido in Portofino, but I think it is about $600+ per night.

mary

We were on in Italy in June and stayed in Camogli-- just a short ferry ride from Portofino-- Camogli is a beautiful village-- we stayed at the Cenobio dei Dogi, which is a gorgeous hotel--our room overlooked the sea with outstanding views-- every evening we walked along the sea to Rosa's for dinner-- it was so good we kept going back! I think if you want a beautiful hotel right on the water and close to Portofino and the Cinque Terre-- this is very special! <BR>We had a car but I believe the train stops in Camogli. There are ferries on the half hour to Portofino and on to the Cinque Terre in the summer. <BR>Ciao! <BR>Mary

N

We have traveled many times to Europe and have been to many different European countries and both my husband and I have came to the conclusion that Santa Margherita is the most picturesque town we have visited. The harbor and promenade around it are both impressive. <BR>The train station is within minutes from most hotels and so is the ferry

Barb

I don't know what your budget is but Portofino is mucho expensive! And I think Rapallo is quite busy and noisy. I stayed in Santa Margherita last year and we thought it was the perfect spot (It is in between Portofino and Rapallo). We stayed at the Hotel Continental. Ask for a room with a view and a balcony. They don't have a pool but they do have a great area on the rocks in front of their hotel for sunbathing and swimming. The Cinque Terre is beautiful but if you are not interested in hiking then I would suggest a ferry ride to see the five towns. It really is breathtaking. <BR> <BR>Hotel Continental -- www.hotel-continental.it -- +39 0185286512